Tupac embraced it as the “sunshine state”, the Mamas & Papas referred to it as “safe and warm”, while Katy Perry described it as “so hot” it’ll “melt your popsicle”.
California is so closely associated with the warmer seasons, that its state nickname adopts the colour of the sun’s rays – the Golden State – and according to pretty much every musician inspired by the destination, it’s the one place to go for sunshine, sunshine and even more sunshine.
Rarely ever is the focal point of the United States’ West Coast recognised as a winter playground, despite being home to the “deepest snow in the world” and what may very well be the ultimate ski safari.
In a Q&A with KarryOn, Kristin Rust, from California’s Mammoth Mountain, said Australian visitor numbers to the large ski resort are rising every year (by roughly 12 percent), but she still sees opportunity to build awareness and exposure.
This is being done through regular attendance at consumer and Agent expos, hosting training sessions with top wholesalers and consultants as well as organising sales incentives and annual famils.
More recently, the International Marketing Head for Mammoth Mountain teamed up with Bart Peterson from North Lake Tahoe to showcase how the two winter destinations can compliment each other on a single itinerary.
Dubbed as ‘California’s ultimate ski safari’, an ideal winter USA itinerary for Aussies would include flying to Los Angels and renting out a vehicle for a scenic five-hour drive to Mammoth where they’d spend a couple of days skiing the “highest skiable terrain in California” before driving 2.5 hours to North Lake Tahoe to experience a number of resorts along the well-known freshwater lake. The trip would wrap up with a drive to San Francisco.
“While we are separate destinations, we absolutely encourage visitors to check out California Snow region and go on a ‘ski safari’ to Mammoth and the North Lake Tahoe region.”
Kristin Rust, Mammoth Mountain International Marketing
In addition to being conveniently located within driving distance, the two destinations also offer Aussies unbeatable ski conditions.
According to Rust, Mammoth Mountain receiving 15.5+ metres of snowfall this season and had the deepest snow in the world, while Peterson said North Lake Tahoe experienced the wettest winter on record in Northern California in 100 years, which produced some of the best riding conditions in years.
“Squaw Valley has so much snow, operations will continue seven days a week through May on weekends in June and from July 1 to 4.”
Bart Peterson, North Lake Tahoe Business Development Manager
“Beyond the 4th of July, Squaw Valley is planning to operate the Shirley Lake Express chair on Saturdays for 2017-18 Tahoe Super Passholders,” he continued.
“Discounted daily lift tickets will also be available.”
Outside of the colder periods, both Peterson and Rust say their destinations have a lot to offer, including scenic gondola rides and nature guides on Mammoth Mountain as well as kayaking and paddle boarding at some of the best high alpine beaches in Lake Tahoe.
But the ultimate activity to do in the warmer seasons, according to Michael Vanderhurst, Mammoth Lakes Tourism’s Director of International, is a visit to Bodie, the official ghost town of California!
Yes, California has an official ghost town, which isn’t actually associated to ghosts, but was completely abandoned after a great mining boom.
Vanderhurst also recommends a stop by the Devil’s Postpile National Monument and Mono Lake State Park before fishing, biking and hiking in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
“That’s a summer highlight and it’s a great opportunity to catch sight of a bald eagle or a California black bear.”
Michael Vanderhurst, Mammoth Lake Tourism Director of International