Mammoth Memories: A Lesson in Recovery and Gratitude
- Kristen Hazzard
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
There is a specific kind of peace that comes when a trip feels "meant to be." When I saw that my group leaders were advertising this winter trip, I saw an opportunity to go back to California. Although Mammoth wasn’t on my radar of places to visit, I was still intrigued and decided to go. From the moment I booked my flight from EWR to BIH airport, everything about my six-day trip to Mammoth, California, felt seamless. With a connection in San Francisco and the company of my adventure group and boyfriend Chris, I headed into the Sierras feeling a sense of ease.
Looking back at the perfect timing and how the costs fell right into place, I can’t help but feel there was a bit of divine intervention at play. It felt less like luck and more like an open door. The trip package and plane tickets (using my miles) were reasonably priced, so I couldn’t say no. After a season of healing, the stars seemed to align to get me back on the mountain.
Finding My Ski Legs Again
Coming off an MCL injury, I wasn't sure how I’d feel on the slopes. To play it safe but smart, I invested in a private ski lesson. A $100 voucher was included in the trip package and could be used for anything in the Mammoth area. I used the voucher on the lesson, and it was the best decision I could have made. My instructor Cooper helped me navigate my physical limits while rebuilding my technique. I spent the entire morning practicing before the lesson, and after the lesson, I did a run on a green trail. I only fell twice, and Chris, on his snowboard, was there monitoring me to make sure I didn’t hurt myself. By the end of the day, I was completely exhausted, but still proud of myself.
For those apart of the ski/snowboard world know that the day isn’t done yet. Après-ski refers to the social, dining, and nightlife activities that take place immediately after skiing. I am still very new to the après-ski scene, so this was a little eye-opening. I’m not used to lively, music-filled bars, drinking, and dancing. I didn’t participate in the libations but observed. A common après-ski activity that I did do was go to the hot tub. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so joining a group of people in a hot tub that I don’t really know well wasn’t my cup of tea. Fortunately, there were three hot tubs and one heated pool, so I had options.
Looking back at that day, I felt a surge of confidence I hadn't felt in months. I was actually skiing. It wasn't just about technique; it was about rebuilding trust in your own body. The recovery is a process, but Mammoth proved that I’m well on my way back.
The Mammoth Vibe: Familiar Yet Fresh
Walking through the village gave me a sense of déjà vu. The atmosphere reminded me so much of my trip to Lake Tahoe two years ago, that perfect blend of rugged mountain energy and lakeside charm.
My hotel was perfectly placed at the Eagle Lodge Express lift, where I was able to soak in the snow-capped peaks during my work day. Because I was working remotely during the trip, I had to balance my mountain time with my laptop time. Surprisingly, the change of scenery made my workday feel like a breeze. It was a little rough adjusting to the timezone for work. I had to wake up earlier, but the advantage was that I finished at 1 pm (PST), which was 5 pm (EST), so I still had more daylight to enjoy.
Beyond the Slopes
When I wasn't working or skiing, I made sure to soak in everything the mountain had to offer:
The Summit View: Taking the gondola to the very top was breathtaking. This was an aerial ride up Mammoth Mountain at 11,053 ft. Once we got to the top, we saw Mammoth Mountain's totem sign. We also took our group picture at the summit sign. Looking out over the Sierras from that height puts everything into perspective.
Woolly's Adventure Summit: It was winter fun! It’s a rollercoaster ride but with a twist (no pun intended). The Mountain Coaster had segments of straightaways, curves, and twisters while going speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. It was the perfect bonding time.
Village Wandering: I spent my fair share of time window shopping and enjoying the slow pace of mountain life.
Reflections
This trip was the definition of "relaxing." Often, group trips can be chaotic, but this one felt restorative. I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunity to have gone. Whether it was the seamless travel or the way my knee held up during my lesson, I left Mammoth feeling stronger, both physically and spiritually.
Sometimes, the best way to heal is simply to show up and let the mountain do the rest.
The Week's Highlights
Accomplishment: Completed my first run on Mammoth Mountain.
Social: Met new faces from the group and bonded during the night of bowling and karaoke.
Learning: Had meaningful conversations with some locals about the history of the Mammoth Mountain area.
Personal: Upgraded my travel organization products and experience.
