Good news arrived for the snow industry Monday when California Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the state’s stay-at-home order.
As a result, lodging has opened back up at Mammoth Mountain and in other parts of the state.
While the mountain itself has been open for skiing and snowboarding, all hotels and rentals, including Airbnb’s, were not allowed to operate since early December, even during the key holiday season. The vast majority of visitors to Mammoth stay overnight, so the ruling was devasting to the town and the mountain.
Now, hotels and motels can open at 60% capacity in Mono County, where Mammoth Mountain is located. Short term rentals can also operate as long as there’s a 24-hour vacancy period between each occupancy, according to guidance issued Monday night by the Mono County Health Department.
Restaurants can also re-open for outdoor dining. Previously, they were only allowed to offer take-out.
Mammoth is one of the most popular snow destination resorts in California and is a key market for the snow industry.
While the lodging shutdown hurt Mammoth during the Christmas season, it’s good news for retailers and snow brands that lodging has returned in time for Presidents’ Day in mid-February. More good news: a big storm is expected to arrive this week with multiple feet of snow in the forecast.
Executive Edition members can read our recent interview with Mammoth Mountain President Mark Brownlie where he discussed the impact of the lodging lockdowns and how the mountain is managing this most unique season.
