Dear media partners,

On Sunday night curling made its first ever appearance at the Mammoth Ice Rink. Based on the overwhelming interest and unbridled enthusiasm, Mammoth Lakes has a new craze!

Attached is a Press Release from the evening and some accompanying action photos.

The Town would like to thank the many eager participants including Richard and Alice of the Granite Curling Club, whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport is unrivalled.

Stay tuned for more rocks sliding on the ice!

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MAMMOTH’S NEW CRAZE…CURLING!

Curling is known as one of the more accessible paths to Olympic glory. Following Sunday’s introductory lesson and match play at the Mammoth Ice Rink, a few excited locals now appear to have their sights set on Pyeong Chang 2018.

Thanks to Richard Lazarowich of the Granite Curling Club, Stockton CA, the medieval Scottish tradition experienced a renaissance Sunday evening in Mammoth Lakes. A lively group of residents and visitors braved the cold for instruction and a basic history in all things curling. After participants were deemed experts in pebbling (spraying water droplets on the ice to create an orange peel-like surface), hacks (similar to a starting block in track and field, it gives the thrower something to push off) and sliders vs. grippers (the different shoe soles required for, yes, sliding and gripping), the games began in earnest.

Some very enthusiastic ‘sweeping’ was perhaps the highlight of the night, however the military-style planning and strategizing revealed why curling is often referred to as ‘chess on ice’. While everyone attending was declared a winner, it appears that Mammoth Lakes’ future medal hopes may lie with emerging stars Josh and Lauren Plum, and Ian and Lindsay Birrell. Mixed doubles makes its Olympic debut in 2018, and they certainly seem committed, but perhaps Beijing 2022 is a more realistic goal.

Thank you to everyone who participated. And a very special thank you to Richard and Alice of the Granite Curling Club, whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport is unrivalled. Their willingness to transport 600+ pounds of curling stones to Mammoth Lakes from Stockton, CA is very much appreciated.

Parks and Recreation Department staff are working to bring curling to the Mammoth Ice Rink on a more regular basis with the goal of offering league nights and drop-in play.

The Mammoth Ice Rink is an outdoor facility located in the Town of Mammoth Lakes offering public skating sessions, skate improvement programs, expanded adult and youth hockey programs, Friday Night 1st Timer Skate Assist, special events, and a midweek lunchtime skate session for only $6.00. The Mammoth Ice Rink is open from November-February weather permitting. Amenities include skate sharpening, skate rentals and snack and beverage services. The Mammoth Ice Rink is a drug, tobacco and alcohol free facility. Kids 4 and under must skate with an adult and children 10 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times.

The Mammoth Ice Rink is owned and operated by the Town of Mammoth Lakes through a partnership with the Mammoth Unified School District and Mono County Office of Education. The Town of Mammoth Lakes is committed to providing the most enjoyable outdoor ice skating experience possible. 

Please visit www.mammothicerink.com to review updated session times, fees and programs or call the Mammoth Ice Rink during operating hours at (760) 965-3695.

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Stuart Brown

Parks and Recreation Director

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Town of Mammoth Lakes

P.O. Box 1609

437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite R

Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

W:(760) 965-3696  **Please note my phone number has changed**

C: (760) 709-2481

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