Mammoth Mountain Reduces Operations Wednesday to Honor Ski Patroller
Mammoth Mountain announced it will operate with very limited lift and terrain access on Wednesday, Dec. 31, allowing employees to attend a memorial honoring fallen ski patroller Cole Murphy.
The resort said operations will be restricted to the lower mountain only, with Canyon and Eagle Lodge opening first and Main Lodge delayed. More detailed lift and terrain information will be released Wednesday morning. Mammoth officials asked guests for patience and understanding as many team members step away from work to be with Murphy’s family and friends.
Murphy, 30, died earlier this month after being caught in an avalanche while performing avalanche mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain. He was one of two patrollers injured during the incident; the second patroller survived and is recovering. Mammoth Mountain closed operations the day of the avalanche and later confirmed Murphy’s death, prompting an outpouring of support from the ski and mountain community.
In its operations update, Mammoth emphasized the importance of honoring Murphy’s life and service, noting that reduced operations reflect the deep impact of his loss on the resort’s staff.
Guests who have lift tickets, lessons, or rentals for Wednesday and choose not to ski may request a credit or refund through Mammoth Mountain’s online cancellation form or by calling 800.MAMMOTH.
