Local Beta: Mammoth Mountain
Here’s the inside line on where to eat, sleep, ski, repeat
Chris Benchetler
Age: 29
Hometown: Mammoth Lakes, California
Sponsors: Atomic, BCA, Clif Bar, Dakine, Dragon, evo, Evol, GoPro, lululemon, Mammoth Mountain, Mizu
Being a successful pro skier takes a lot more hard work than many may think. Few know that better than Chris Benchetler, who is wildly successful both on and off the hill. Whether he’s creating magnificent works of art (he designs his own top sheet graphics for Atomic), developing stand-out videos or taking the social media world by storm, he does it all. And, with this in mind, it just makes sense that he would live in a place as special as Mammoth Lakes. If there’s one person to have as a resource when it comes to navigating the area, it’s him. So read up, and shred Mammoth the right way.
Best place to catch the sunrise: Out at the hot springs. You can watch the sun rise over the White Mountains without any other hills or peaks obstructing your view, since it’s nice and flat out there.
Best inbounds line: The face of Chair 22 on a stormy powder day.
Best out-of-bounds line: There are just so many. I’m still constantly finding new lines and features in the surrounding backcountry. We have a lot of long, beautiful couloirs in the Eastern Sierra, as well.
Best groomer run: I’d say a top-to-bottom run from Cornice Bowl, down past Chair 3 and through Stump Alley.
Best place to scare yourself: At this point in my life, maybe the
22-foot halfpipe?
Best glades: The Hemlocks. Hike along the ski boundary to get some of the best lines on the hill. Word on the street is that Mammoth is adding natural park features to the Hemlocks this season, too.
Best place to stay: Gathering some friends and renting a condo is the move. But if you’re solo and want to go the fancy route, the Westin, most likely.
Best coffee shop at the mountain: The Green V.
Best breakfast spot at the mountain: The Village Lodge.
Best lunch spot on the mountain: McCoy Station.
Best place to feel like a local: Mammoth Tavern. It’s always packed with folks from town and has a rad view of the Sherwins; it’s a great place to catch the alpenglow.
Best dinner spot in town: Petra’s—followed by dessert at Mimi’s Cookie Bar.
Best thing to eat at Mimi’s Cookie Bar: Coconut florentine cookies. But you legitimately can’t go wrong with any of them.
Best après spot at the mountain: Tusks Bar.
Best place to grab an afternoon drink in town: Mammoth Brewery.
Best nightlife spot: Lakanuki.
Best ski shop: Footloose Sports and P3 Sports.
Best hot tub to poach: Head to The Village Lodge.
Best place to take your girlfriend or boyfriend: Snowmobile or skin up to the Minaret Vista and enjoy the sunset.
Best place to find Glen Plake: Anywhere on the mountain, early season.
