Despite 14 Feet of Snow in the Past 2 Weeks, There’s a Somber Vibe at Mammoth Mountain
Despite an extraordinary early-winter snow surge, Mammoth Mountain says the past two weeks have been defined as much by grief as by snowfall.
The resort reported receiving between 113 and 171 inches of snow since Dec. 24, a stretch that required nonstop avalanche mitigation and mountain operations work to safely reopen terrain. But the milestone comes as Mammoth continues to mourn the loss of Cole Murphy, a ski patroller who died after being caught in an avalanche while performing avalanche control work.
“The last two weeks have been hard,” the mountain said in a statement, describing the toll on employees, guests, and the broader community. Patrol and operations teams worked around the clock to stabilize terrain across the mountain, efforts that have since allowed upper mountain areas to reopen.
Even as terrain expands, Mammoth emphasized caution. With snow conditions described as “deep,” the resort urged guests to ski and ride with a partner, avoid tree wells, respect closures, and stay within their abilities.
In the days following Murphy’s death, Mammoth significantly reduced operations on Dec. 31 so employees could attend his funeral—an uncommon move that underscored the close-knit nature of the mountain’s staff and patrol community.
While fresh snow has transformed the landscape, Mammoth Mountain made clear that the loss of a teammate remains front of mind as the season continues.
