Mammoth Lakes CA Real Estate Blog

Winter is upon us and Mammoth Mountain is showing an average base depth of between 3.5 to 6.5 feet of snow, which has made the late fall skiing exceptional.  The ample coverage at the top of the mountain has made runs like Wipe Out, Drop out, Paranoids, Scotty’s, Dave’s, etc. feel more like the middle of winter rather than what is customary for late November/early December.  The conditions have been great and uncrowded mid-week.  I remember many years ago that this was the norm for Mammoth most days of the week, uncrowded, no lines and wide-open runs.  Over the past 5-7 years, Mammoth has made its way into the spotlight, and has attracted more and more visitors each year.  This is fantastic for those who own rental condos as owning a condo has never penciled out better.  Even with the increase in prices, the stronger income figures help offset costs of ownership.  The annual Night of Lights event is tomorrow at Canyon Lodge.  The weather is supposed to clear up for tomorrow, but the temperatures will be dropping to around 12 degrees during the early evening hours.  So, if you are planning to go to this spectacular event, make sure to bring layers of warm clothes and gloves! 

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Tourism continues to be on the rise in Mammoth Lakes, which has truly reached the status of a “year- round resort destination”.  It is impressive to see the number of visitors coming to Mammoth throughout the year and also during what was once referred to as “shoulder seasons”.  This was a record snowfall year with record tourism numbers.  It is great to see so many people coming and enjoying the outdoors.  Over the past few years, Fall has become a popular time of year to come and visit Mammoth for the explosive array of fall colors when the Aspen trees begin to turn shades of bright yellow, orange and red.  Fall is in the air and the trees are just now beginning to turn a slight hint of fall colors in town and at the Lakes Basin.  The vibrant fall colors, which are typically at close to “peak” this time of year, are quite late to arrive.  This past summer was also late to get started with cool, rainy and snowy weather until mid-June.  Compared with previous summers, this past summer was quite temperate and cool with warmer temperatures arriving later than usual.  This probably explains why our fall colors haven’t really gotten started yet.  According to this delayed pattern, it’s possible that our winter season may also get off to a late start.  Having lived in Mammoth full-time for almost 20 years, I’ve learned that you can’t predict what the weather will bring in the Eastern Sierra.  Each year seems to be a surprise and anything is possible.  We shall see… 

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Are you looking for a Snowcreek Ranch Custom home for sale?  Snowcreek Ranch is considered one of the best luxury neighborhoods in Mammoth Lakes.  The top luxury neighborhoods are: Snowcreek Ranch, Juniper Ridge, Greyhawk, The Bluffs and Starwood.  Prices in these exclusive neighborhoods typically begin at around $2 Million and up.  Out of these, only one neighborhood has a gated entrance, “The Ranches at Snowcreek” also known as "Snowcreek Ranch or Snowcreek Fairway Ranch".  Bordering the Snowcreek golf course, this exclusive neighborhood offers peace and tranquility, gorgeous views and setting, and backs to USFS land with creeks and trails at your doorstep.  This is personally my favorite neighborhood in Mammoth for the above reasons, but also because it is so conveniently located as well.  You feel as though you are several miles away from town, but yet you are right there.

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Once again, summer is upon us in beautiful Mammoth Lakes!  This is my favorite time of the year, especially after such a long, cold and snowy winter, which lasted through May.  With the warmer temperatures (and even warmer weather on the way), the snow pack is finally beginning to melt.  The streams and creeks are overflowing, and areas like the Snowcreek Meadow Preserve are partially under water, including parts of the Snowcreek golf course.  This will make for a very green and lush landscape in the next couple of months.  Although we all love a good ski/board season, it does make for a very short summer.  Typically, the weather really begins to cool off end of August.  Let’s enjoy it! 

After touring Europe and the Mediterranean for the past month, I have never been so grateful to return home to Mammoth.  This place is paradise…  Although the Mediterranean is stunning, Europe has gotten so crowded since the last time I was there over 20 years ago, which made it hard to appreciate the beauty.  Spring is a popular time to visit Europe, but not yet “high season”.  I couldn’t even imagine what the crowds must be like heading into July and August.  Every place was so crowded that it took away from the experience of being there.  Having visited so many places it was wonderful to return to the peace, serenity, and beauty of a lush and green Mammoth.  No wonder Mammoth is becoming such a popular...

Mammoth Mountain received two feet of snow last night and more is expected off and on over the next 10 days.  Accumulations will make conditions excellent heading into peak ski season!  The much-needed snowfall is a welcome sight, which will also create expanded recreational opportunities for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, skate skiing, and back country skiing and riding.  This past holiday season was one of the busiest on record for the Town of Mammoth Lakes (the week before and after Christmas).  This may be as a result of the Ikon pass, and the attention it has brought to Mammoth Mountain, or it may be the result of social media.  Nothing is more effective in bringing exposure to an area as posting photos of having fun in the mountains.  It’s is my theory that more people are discovering Mammoth not only because of the advertising that Mammoth Lakes Tourism is doing, but also because of the use of social media and sharing experiences on line.  This is great for our local economy, which depends on tourism to survive.  The more people that come to Mammoth, demand will likely increase for lodging.  There is a huge inventory of mid-range type resort condos to choose from around town, but there is a shortage of condos to rent in and around the Village at Mammoth.  With the upcoming development of the YotelPAD condos at the corner of Minaret and Main Street, a luxury boutique hotel across the street from White Mountain Lodge on Minaret, and the Hillside Highlands luxury townhome development on Hillside Drive, there will be expanded lodging...

Coming soon to Mammoth, the YotelPAD concept is focused on efficiency, simple luxury, and providing everything you need within a compact and modern design.  Each of the condos will feature enhanced technology, contemporary mountain interiors with modern and clean lines, and smart design with efficient use of space.   The social areas will offer informal meeting spaces, a restaurant/bar, lobby bar, lounges, game rooms, year round pool and hot tub, fire pits, work-out room, steam room, dog park, table tennis, and bocce.  The locally popular Nevado's restaurant will be relocated within the YotelPAD development.  This will be a much welcomed change for the long-standing restaurant and Dempsey corner.

Located at the corner of Minaret and Main Street, this excellent 2.6-acre site is a short walk to the Village at Mammoth and Village Gondola providing easy access to Canyon Lodge base area along with enhanced shopping and dining options.  The YotelPAD Mammoth, is scheduled to break ground in the Spring of 2019 and will be offering whole ownership for 156 PADS (condos) and 21 DOMOS (townhomes).  Prices will begin at around $300,000 to $400,000 for the PADS and rumored to start at around $1.5 Million for the townhomes.  The townhomes will not have garages, but will also have valet parking.  

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As of today, October 22, 2018, the Mammoth Lakes inventory has a total of 54 homes, 97 condos and 55 lots on the market.  Homes (in general) have been slow to sell with an “average days on market” of 127 for the current active listings in this category. Out of the 54 homes on the market, 19 homes are listed between $380,000 and $800,000, 10 homes are priced between $800,000 and $1 Million, and the remaining 25 homes are priced between $1 Million and $4.395 Million.  There are equally as many homes priced up to $800,000 as there are homes on the market priced between $1 & $2 Million (19 homes), and 7 homes priced between $2 Million and $4.395 Million. During the past couple of weeks, a few of the homes which have been on the market for some time went under contract.  Among these are: 189 Woodcrest Trail listed for $1,995,000, 310 Ranch Road listed for $1,499,000, and 464 Courchevel in the Knolls listed for $1,399,000. Fall is typically the time of year when the mid to upper end of the single-family home market begins to move. 

This year to date, 294 condos have sold with an average of 89 days on market, ranging in sales price from $182,000 up to $1,575,000, with an average sales price of $445,225. Last year for the same period, 339 condos sold with an average of 110 days on market, ranging in price from $104,000 up to $1,087,000, and an average sales price of $389,671.  Condos have been in high demand all year up until recently, which could coincide with rising interest rates,...

The past few days have seen much cooler temperatures and high winds in the Eastern Sierra.  This is the time of year when the distinct and noticeable change from summer to fall arrives.  The pine trees shed their brown needles, the Aspens start to turn colors, and the countdown to ski season opener begins.  I enjoy the transition into fall when football games are back on and the town becomes quiet and peaceful after the busy summer season.  The transition from summer to fall brings a great time of year for colorful and scenic fall hikes.  Some of the wonderful areas to experience vibrant fall colors are Rock Creek Lake, the Coldwater Canyon trails, Mammoth Crest trail, Mammoth Rock trail, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, Lundy Lake, etc.   The temperatures are cooler, the colors brighter, no mosquitos, and the sun angle creates a beautiful shimmer on the lakes, which can be seen from above on most trails with lake views.  Having just returned from Del Mar for a few days last week, the weather there was unusually cool and overcast for early September.  It wasn’t the best beach weather, but the ocean temperatures were very warm at 78 degrees.  The water was warmer than the air temperature.  This definitely made me wonder what kind of an effect the warm ocean temperatures may have on our winter precipitation, and prompted me to do some research about what is currently forecasted. 

Although we’ve all probably realized over the past few years that...

As we approach Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer in Mammoth Lakes, it’s hard to believe how quickly it went by.  This summer started off warmer than usual on or around June 1^st and stayed very warm throughout the subsequent weeks.  The fires that burned in the vicinity brought unwanted smoke into the Town of Mammoth Lakes, which made outdoor activity difficult for extended periods of time.  However, tourism remained strong and healthy this summer, which seems to be the new “norm”.   The temporary Yosemite park closure, due to fire threats, also brought many first-time visitors to Mammoth as a result.  With added recreational options such as stand up paddle boarding rentals, E Bike rentals, kayak rentals and a variety of other activities, this mountain resort was teeming with activity and happy campers.

Typically, the fall like temperatures begin around the first week of September, followed by a few bursts of “Indian summer” warmer temperature, which can occur in October.  We should begin to see the first traces of fall colors in the next couple of weeks.  As we begin the transition into fall, the excitement of ski season around the corner is evident.  This is the time of year when slope side or ski in, ski out properties become more popular. ...

As of today, August 1, 2018, the Mammoth Lakes real estate market has a total of 108 condos, 43 homes and 54 vacant land listings.  On August 1^st last year, we had a total of 80 condos, 52 homes and 42 lots on the market.  So, the inventory is higher this year for condos, lower for homes, and higher for vacant land listings.  Real estates sales in Mammoth Lakes remain consistent, but have slowed slightly from last year.  It is my opinion that the demand was higher last year because prices were lower, we had a record year of snowfall and KSL & Aspen Skiing Company (now called “Alterra Mountain Company”) announced their acquisition of Mammoth Mountain on April 12, 2017.  The new ownership is keeping any future development plans very quiet.  The renovations currently underway in Canyon Lodge are said to include an escalator and other upgrades to the food service and bar areas, but nothing as substantial as what some of the mountain employees thought a few months ago.  The ski lockers will remain.  With regard to Eagle Lodge, it is rumored that Alterra didn’t like the previous approved plans, so they will look to begin again with a new set of architectural plans and concept (much needed).  They do plan to invest a substantial amount in upgrading the Mountain lodges and on-mountain operations over the coming years.  As the Ikon pass will most likely bring more crowds to the area, any improvement to the lodges and infrastructure to handle larger crowds would be highly beneficial and appreciated by the winter visitor. 

Since the announcement of the new ownership, many sellers have been listing at higher prices (north...

After a very rainy month of May, June has started off with warm temperatures and more gorgeous weather to follow in the long-range forecast.  Temperatures will be in the mid-70s over the next 10 days, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies.  It’s definitely feeling like summer is here!  May rains have turned foliage and fauna bright green, and wild flowers are beginning to bloom in the hills and meadows with snow covered peaks in the background.  Summer is my favorite time of year in Mammoth Lakes.  I remember years ago, it was all about winter and skiing for me.  After living in Mammoth for almost twenty years, I have come to appreciate all four seasons and what each one offers.  Each season brings something special: Spring brings blooms and the return of the birds singing, summer brings flowers, lush landscapes and herds of deer around town, fall brings vibrant colors and the anticipation of ski season around the corner, and winter brings the excitement of snow and skiing/riding the mountain. 

Summer in Mammoth Lakes is a special time of year, which attracts more and more visitors each year.  The hiking, mountain biking, fishing, golf, tennis, summer festivals, and of course, the breathtaking scenery and pleasant temperatures are some of the reasons why people enjoy coming to Mammoth during this short season.  There is something so peaceful about being in nature...

The Winter Olympics currently underway in Pyeong Chang showed Shaun White’s hard-earned gold medal victory yesterday in the men’s half pipe competition.  The evolution of talent and skills in the half pipe has reached incredible athletic levels over the last few winter Olympic games.  Winning the gold medal for Shaun was no easy task coming out of a severe fall and injury in New Zealand last October, while training in the half pipe, along with competing against several other extremely talented snow boarders from all over the world.  Shaun White, who invested in Mammoth Mountain a couple of years ago, trains in a variety of places, but most frequently in Mammoth.  The same is true of Chloe Kim, a 17-year old phenom who took home the gold medal for the ladies’ half pipe competition.  Chloe has been training in Mammoth for many years as has Kelly Clark, a Mammoth local who has won 7 gold medals in the Olympics and Winter X Games combined.  Let’s not forget about the summer Olympic athletes that are also Mammoth localsl: Deena Kastor, Olympic medalist and American Record Holder, and Meb Keflezighi, long distance marathon runner and Olympic medalist.  Mammoth Lakes is home to some of the finest athletes in the world and provides an ideal training ground at...

updated January 6, 2020

The Hillside Highlands Luxury Town Home Development, located directly next door to the Village at Mammoth, is now open for short term rentals for the first of the three buildings that was recently completed at 150 Hillside Drive.  The remaining two buildings, also with three units in each, are expected to be completed this fall (2020) and winter of 2021. You can book the units for rent with Mammoth Mountain Ski Area by clicking on this link

Only the best location, builder and architect were carefully selected for the Hillside Highlands luxury development.  Robert S. Preschutti Construction, respected luxury builder, who has built many high-end homes in the Bluffs, Juniper Ridge and Starwood, and renowned architect, Elliott Brainard have created a stunning mountain contemporary development.  The units feature private elevators, which reach all three levels, private decks with barbecues and spas, private 2-car garages with 18-foot wide doors, parking in front of each garage to accommodate two additional vehicles, central heating and A/C, and all of the modern features and amenities that one might expect for this caliber of a luxury development.  The floor plans consist of approximately...

How is the Mammoth Lakes real estate market doing in comparison to its 2006 peak of the market prices?  The short answer is: Still a way to go to catch up to those property values. 

Some background on what spurred the price increase in property values during Mammoth’s 2006 peak of the market prices.  Back in the early 90s, you could buy a 1 & loft, 1-bath condo for around $70,000 (in town). During the period between 1996 and 2000, real estate property values roughly doubled in price.  Up until Intrawest came to town in the late 1990s with big plans, Mammoth looked much different.  There was no “Village at Mammoth”, Village gondola, we still had “Warming Hut 2” and the chairs were all numbered and in much need of some upgrades. 

Intrawest completed construction on the first condo development, Juniper Springs Lodge, in 1999.  This was the official start on their development plans in Mammoth that would drastically raise property values in the years to follow.  The additional developments that followed Juniper Springs Lodge were: Sunstone in 2000, Mammoth Green & Eagle Run in 2002, Juniper Crest I & II in 2004/2005, Cabins at Crooked Pines in 2005 and Solstice in 2006.  While the new Eagle Lodge condo developments were being completed, the Village at Mammoth broke ground in 2000 with the first of the buildings (White Mountain Lodge) completed in 2001, Lincoln House in 2003 and Grand Sierra Lodge in 2004.  When Starwood Capital Group LLC announced the purchase of Mammoth Mountain in 2005, prices skyrocketed to historic levels. 

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Many of you may have already heard about the acquisition of Mammoth Mountain by KSL/Crown Family, who also just purchased Deer Valley in Utah.  The KSL/Crown company will come up with a new name and brand for the new partnership with a growing portfolio of ski resorts in North America.  Similar to Vail’s “Epic Pass”, eventually, Mammoth passholders will most likely have access to the conglomerate of ski resorts owned by KSL/Crown, which include:  Aspen Highlands, Colorado, Aspen Mountain, Colorado, Buttermilk, Colorado, Snowmass Ski Area, Colorado, Alpine Meadows, California, Bear Mountain Resort, California, Blue Mountain, Ontario, June Mountain, California, Mammoth, California, Snow Summit, California, Snowshoe, West Virginia, Squaw Valley, California, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, Colorado, Stratton, Vermont, Tremblant, Quebec, and Winter Park Resort, Colorado.  As Mammoth is discovered by more people because of the new ownership and other resorts under their umbrella, perhaps this will drive more demand to owning real estate and prices will continue to rise. 

The current inventory levels have increased over the past couple of weeks, however, inventory levels are still quite low for late August.  There are 58 homes on the market, 85 condos and 46 lots.  Inventory for this time of year is usually double the amount for condos, which have been very popular under the $500K price point during spring and early to mid-summer months.  As of today, there are a total of 16 homes, 53 condos and 3 vacant land listings in escrow...

New to market, this masterpiece of a home is a “one of a kind” in Mammoth Lakes.  Designed by the Landry Group and built by Finton Construction in 2011, this could arguably be one of the top 3 homes in all of Mammoth Lakes.  Only the highest quality of stone, fixtures, architectural details and exquisite décor were used to create this luxurious home located in the Greyhawk subdivision above Eagle Lodge, which is one of the top and most exclusive neighborhoods in Mammoth.  The magnificent interiors include 6 bedrooms,6 ½ baths, heated 2-car garage, well-designed and large mudroom, 2 separate living spaces, custom and state-of-the art cinema with leather recliners, billiard room, spacious gourmet kitchen, French Limestone flooring, hydronic heating in floors, monitored security system, integrated surround sound, multiple balconies to capture the spectacular views, steam shower in the master bath, mother-of-pearl mosaic tiling up the walls in the guest bathroom, marble, quartz and a variety of high-end finishes throughout. 

54 Bridges Lane, which is only a few doors down to the...

We’ve had some gorgeous summer weather in Mammoth Lakes with the exception of this past weekend, with some heavy rains on Saturday during the “Blues and Brews” festival.  The meadows and the foliage are spectacular this year.  Wildflowers of every variety seemed to have popped up after the rainstorm this weekend.  Mammoth Mountain officially closed this weekend for skiing, but the recreation continues with the mountain bike park in full swing.  Warm temperatures are expected to continue (low to mid 70s) over the next 10 days. 
As of today, Tuesday, August 8^th, 2017, the Mammoth Real Estate market has 54 homes, 80 condos and 43 lot listings for sale.  There is currently a total of 47 condos in escrow, 18 homes in escrow, and 3 vacant land listings in escrow.  Condo pending sales data is as follows:  Average days on market at 78, median days on market at 43, highest list price at $1,149,000, lowest list price at $150,000, average list price at $432,280, and total sales volume for condos in escrow at $20,317,200.  Single family homes pending sales data is as follows: Average days on market at 113, median days on market at 53, highest list price at $3,200,000, lowest list price at $274,500 (USFS cabin), average list price at $862,852, median list price at $790,000 and total sales volume of homes in escrow at $14,668,500.  Out of the 3 vacant land listings in escrow, one is located at the Bluffs with a list price of $419,000. 
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It’s now official; Mammoth Mountain Resorts has changed ownership.  KSL Capital Partners (KSL) and Henry Crown and Company (HCC) have completed the purchase, which includes Mammoth Mountain ski area, June Mountain, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.  KSL and HCC also own Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) heli-ski operation, various real estate businesses, Squaw Valley in California, Alpine Meadows in California, Steamboat ski resort in Colorado, Winter Park in Colorado, Blue Mountain in Ontario, Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Stratton Mountain in Vermont, and Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.
Along with the completed purchase of Mammoth Mountain resorts, changes to the leadership and management structure have been implemented.  Bryan Traficanti of KSL is now the interim Chief Executive Officer of the new company until the position is filled.  Thomas Marano, Chief Executive Officer of Intrawest resigned, Rusty Gregory, Mammoth Resort’s Chairman and CEO, is now an investor in the new company and will serve on the Board, and become Senior Strategic Advisor to the new company.  Mark Brownlie is the newly appointed President and COO of Mammoth Resorts.
The statement below was released yesterday by the new company’s (KSL & HCC) interim CEO, Bryan Traficanti: “This transaction marks a significant milestone for our company, our guests, and our communities, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as a result of combining Intrawest, Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, and Mammoth Resorts. “We believe that each resort brings something different to the company, and our goal is to preserve the unique character and culture of each while also building something greater. Supported by affiliates of KSL and HCC, this new organization is well positioned...

Heading into the unofficial start of the summer, Memorial Day weekend, Mammoth Mountain still has several feet of snow, which would compare with coverage for an above average season during late February.  Because of the substantial snowpack, which will take quite some time to melt, the outdoor recreational opportunities will be limited.  Camping, hiking, and even golf may not be an option until July.  Although most of the snow has melted from the Snowcreek golf course, the flooding is an issue with the snow that has just begun to melt from the Sherwins and Crest.  Mammoth has had some short bursts of warm weather, which has started the snowmelt, but we haven’t seen anything yet!  The Snowcreek meadow preserve has become one flowing river, which will only intensify once the temperatures turn very warm for extended periods of time.  Enormous amounts of snow can be great fun in the winter months for skiing, but can slow down the summer recreational activities in the higher elevations due to the time it takes for the snow to melt.   It is questionable as to when the campgrounds surrounding the lakes basin will be clear of snow and open for camping this summer.  The HWY 120 to Yosemite isn’t expected to open until July this year as well.  There is no doubt that the summer foliage will be exceptional this year with a variety of wild flowers and greenery all over Mammoth.  Mammoth Lakes offers exceptional beauty in the summer months that many of the winter visitors have yet to discover. 

The Mammoth Lakes real estate market experienced a noticeable increase in sales volume during the months of April and May, which is uncharacteristic for this time of year.  Typically, after Canyon and Eagle Lodges both close for the winter, sales volume has...