Romancing the Snow

Romance doesn't have to be about sand and sun. Consider Snowcreek Resort in Mammoth for a romantic escape.

With the promise of change in the air, Mammoth is no exception. The small mountain town has transformed into a luxury resort destination with posh new hotels, jet service from Southern California and five-star dining.

Snowcreek Resort offers luxury home and condo accommodations that are only minutes to the lifts. The Lodges, Snowcreek’s newest project, offers romantic, refined interiors bathed in natural light with expansive living areas. Every home offers jetted tubs, two-car garages, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, flat screen TVs in every room, multiple fireplaces, complete laundry facilities, and a gorgeous view of the mountains.

Snowcreek Athletic Club has been renovating its spa. It offers massage, facials and body treatments, making it the perfect place to visit to rejuvenate yourself after a long day on the mountain. As a guest, you also can take advantage of the concierge service; they’ll stock your kitchen before you arrive with your favorite foods, make dinner reservations and schedule in-suite spa appointments.

The Parallax snowcat wine dinner offers wonderful five-star dining. Climb into a luxury snowcat - outfitted with a stargazing sunroof - that transports you to the 10,000-foot elevation Parallax Restaurant in McCoy station, Mammoth’s mid-mountain gondola station. The constantly changing menu is American-style cuisine with three- and four-course options. You also can enjoy award-winning wines paired with each course.

If you’re looking to take a break from the slopes but not from the winter thrills, try a backcountry snowmobile tour. Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures offers over 75 miles of snow-covered trails and extensive snowfields to explore. Experienced guides lead one-and-a-half- or three-hour tours of the backcountry trails around Mammoth ski area. We hit 50-plus mph on the long straightaways.
For a romantic escapade, try a dog-sledding adventure. Mammoth Dog Teams will take you and your loved one into the backcountry on a traditional dog sled where you wind through the towering pines while dogs power through the snow. Your guide will take you to a scenic spot to enjoy wine and cheese. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the views are awesome!

HOW TO GET THERE Horizon Air now offers jet service into Mammoth with new daily service that runs through April 12. The flight departs from Los Angeles International Airport daily at 2:20 p.m. and arrives at Mammoth Yosemite Airport at 3:25 p.m. The return flight leaves Mammoth at 4:05 p.m. and arrives at LAX at 5:10 p.m. Prices at the Lodges range from $425-$1,105. For more information log onto snowcreekresort.com or call (800) 544-6007.