Over the years, the fourteen-foot summit sign at Mammoth has become the unofficial mascot of a prodigious snowpack and the yardstick with which to measure a major dumping. Photo: Mammoth Mountain
Chances are if you’ve had the pleasure of riding the gondola at Mammoth Mountain to the resort’s tallest peak, you’ve taken a photo (or rather had a photo taken of you) at Mammoth’s iconic summit sign. Over the years, the sign has become the unofficial mascot of the area’s frequent snow dumps – when the summit is completely dry the thing stands fourteen feet tall, but during some of the most memorable seasons in recent years, it’s either been completely buried or stood knee-to-waist high. A photo with the iconic sign buried to the gills, to those in the know, means Mammoth is having an epic season with a prodigious snowpack.
After its 21 years of loyal service, though, Mammoth is retiring the iconic sign to install a new one and is electing to auction the one-of-a-kind piece of the resort off to the highest bidder. All proceeds will benefit the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation that provides programs and financial aid for youth academics and athletics in the Eastern Sierra.
“As you may have seen, our iconic summit sign is being replaced due to significant wear and tear over the last 21 years,” Mammoth explained in an Instagram post. “In spring 2019, the sign was cut down about five feet in order to remove damage, and the time has come to officially replace it. The original summit sign was installed over 20 years ago and has served as a photo opportunity for scenic gondola riders, hikers, families and shredders alike.”
At the time of publication, bids were already into the $15,000 range. Bidding will be open until October 23. More info here.
