Snowcreek provides route from Sherwins

In 2006, conflicts between private property owners and skiers and snowboarders exiting the Sherwins nearly closed the most convenient route back to town. Through the cooperative efforts of Snowcreek Investment Company, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, the Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation (MLTPA), and local homeowners, an agreement was reached that provides a direct way to get to Ranch Road from the base of the Sherwins. By following the identified route and respecting the privacy of the nearby homes, skiers and snowboarders can protect their ability to continue to use this route. The Sherwin Bowl area is one of the most accessible and diverse out-of-bounds ski areas in the country. It provides a wide variety of backcountry skiing and riding conveniently located adjacent to the community of Mammoth Lakes.

The most direct route for getting back to town from the Sherwin Bowl area requires crossing private land to get to the bus or your car. As a part of its development plans, Snowcreek Investment Company has provided a legal route that connects the base of the Sherwin Bowl area to the gate at Ranch Road. This route across the Snowcreek property is marked with two signs containing blue diamonds. It begins at the fence on the south side of the golf course and heads directly to Ranch Road. Once at Ranch Road, walk around the left (west) side of the gate — not through the yards of nearby homes. From Ranch Road, the bus stop at Snowcreek Athletic Club is just a short walk. This is the only legal way out from the western base of Sherwin Bowl directly to Old Mammoth Road. Skiers and riders exiting the eastern parts of the Sherwin Bowl may prefer to get back to town via Sherwin Creek Road.

Public parking is available at Mammoth Creek Park and the Tavern Road Park and Ride lot. Both lots can be reached by the bus from Snowcreek Athletic Club.

Please be sure to follow the identified route and respect the private property that you are crossing and the privacy of the homes near the route. This will assure that your ability to ski/board/walk out from the Sherwin Bowl will be protected.

For more information about skiing the Sherwins, please visit the MLTPA Web site at www.mltpa.org. For information on avalanche hazard levels and traveling in avalanche terrain, please visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center Web site at www.esavalanche.org.

Thank you for your consideration in responsibly using the identified routes. Be safe and have fun! – MLTPA Press Release