Glen Plake talks to the kids at the Mammoth Invitational. (Photo courtesy MMSA)

Despite a raging snowstorm dumping more than two feet of powder on Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Invitational 2012, held from April 13-15, brought in over $500,000 directly benefitting the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation.

With such snow legends as Glen Plake, Johnny Teller, Stacey Cook, and snowboarder Kelly Clark joining 25+ members of the U.S. National and Olympic Ski and Snowboard teams for three days of racing, fun, and frivolity, the event provided non-stop action benefitting a great cause.

“It’s been a banner year for us, with the invitational exceeding even our own expectations”, said Mark Brownlie, of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation. “We couldn’t have done it without our talented staff and volunteers from both the Mountain and the Foundation.” Austin Beutner, Founder of the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation, called the event “an unqualified success.”

Highlights of the event included ski and snowboard races, Casino Royale night with World Series of Poker Champion Annie Duke, silent and live auctions, a biathlon, Awards Ceremony and Banquet Night featuring Luca Band and a Kid’s Cup race, all capped off with a closing breakfast.

To reserve tickets for next year’s event, please visit www.MammothInvitational.org, or contact Renee Croce at 310.648.7700.

To find out more about the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation, visit www.MammothFoundation.org.