MMCF News

Ewen Tomaier From the outside, it's easy to see the podiums: a first-place finish at Diamond Peak, a Junior World Championship appearance, a World Cup final, even a trip to the Olympics. What most people don't see are the thousands of hours spent getting there. Priscila Cid The Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation's Elite Athlete Grant supports young athletes pursuing excellence in skiing and snowboarding, but after speaking with this year's recipients, one thing became abun

Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, the Come to Life Homeschool Group is a vibrant, parent-led cooperative providing essential supplemental education, enrichment, and community support for homeschooling families throughout the Owens Valley. Operating as a true co-op, the non-profit relies entirely on shared parent volunteerism to bring group-focused subjects—like hands-on science experiments, art, and seasonal festivals—to life. We recently caught up with parent and grant writer A

As one of the few advanced science courses offered at Mammoth High School, Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science gives students a unique lens through which to study the complex ecological and land-management issues of the Eastern Sierra. While our local landscape serves as an incredible living laboratory, experiencing a completely different ecosystem is vital for a comprehensive scientific education. To bridge this gap, Alicia Chang, Science Teacher & Head Cross Count

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time skiing laps and riding chairlifts with some of the incredible athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 16-year-old freeskier Emily Campbell for a few spring park laps at Mammoth Mountain. At this point in the season, Mammoth has entered full spring mode. The snow is soft, sticky, and rapidly disappearing under warm bluebird afternoons, leaving behind slushy pa

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time skiing laps and riding chairlifts with some of the incredible athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 16-year-old alpine ski racer Calvin Wong for a few spring laps around Mammoth Mountain. By now, Mammoth is deep into late spring conditions. What starts as firm snow in the early morning quickly transforms into sticky slush by noon, especially around Chair 3

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time riding chairlifts and skiing laps with some of the incredible young athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 14-year-old ski racer Sadie Hinson for a few slushy spring laps around Mammoth Mountain. By this point in the season, Mammoth has fully entered spring mode. The snowpack is rapidly shrinking under warm bluebird afternoons and the occasional dramatic thu

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time riding chairlifts and skiing laps with some of the incredible young athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 15-year-old ski racer Sara Tomaier for a few spring laps around Mammoth Mountain. Born and raised in Mammoth, Sara has been skiing practically since she could walk. We met at Chair 1 on a sunny Saturday afternoon, where she rolled up in her MMSST race k

This year, MMCF is adding a new element to our Elite Athlete end-of-season interviews by meeting a select group of athletes where they’re most at home—on the mountain. Alongside our traditional interview process, this series gives us the opportunity to ride chairlifts, ski laps, and spend time getting to know the young athletes we support through the MMCF Elite Athlete Grant program in a more personal way. These grants help offset the costs of competing at a high level, and t

Every night from November to February, the Charles Brown Auditorium transforms into a hub of energy and community. As the home of the Sierra Roller Hockey League (SRHL), the rink hosts three games a night, bringing together over 50 players and dozens of spectators from across the region. "It’s amazing to see the progress," says the SRHL board, an all-volunteer group of coaches and referees. This year was particularly special for their 50 Jr. Mite players; many started the sea

If you’ve ever wondered what MMCF is all about, Ski PE is it. For many kids in the Eastern Sierra, a day on the mountain isn’t guaranteed. That’s where Ski PE comes in. Through our Ski PE Grant, MMCF helps local schools offset the cost of getting students on snow—covering things like transportation, equipment, and program fees—so that every child has the opportunity to experience skiing or snowboarding, regardless of financial barriers. This program has been a cornerstone of

The Eastside Student Center continues to be a cornerstone of transformation in the lives of our community’s youth. By bridging the gap between meeting basic needs—such as reliable meals—and teaching professional skills, ESC isn’t just supporting students, but empowering them to build their futures. We recently connected with Tyler McManus, Executive Director of ESC, to discuss the center’s ongoing impact. Here is what he shared. 1. For readers who may not be familiar with Eas

How Sierra STEM with MMCF’s support is powering the Next Generation of Scientists in the Eastern Sierra In the Eastern Sierra, our "backyard" is more than just a playground –it is a world-class laboratory. Yet, for many local families, the barrier between a passion for the outdoors and a pathway to a career in science can feel difficult to overcome. That is where Sierra STEM steps in. Last summer, the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation (MMCF) ensured those doors swing wide

The Winter Olympics begin this week, and here in Mammoth, that excitement hits a little closer to home. Competing on the world’s biggest stage is the culmination of years—often decades—of early mornings, hard work, sacrifice, and belief. To see athletes who grew up training on our mountain, learning their craft in our community, and chasing big dreams now headed to Italy is nothing short of extraordinary. Mammoth has long been a place where passion meets opportunity, and this

Mammoth Music touches not only the students who participate, it has a large impact on the entire community of Mammoth Lakes and beyond. Mike Hammers leads our Mammoth Music programs offering students opportunities to play in the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Beginning Band and Jazz Band along with various choirs. Music stemming from MUSD programs permeates the Eastern Sierra and travels to other areas to perform, compete and collaborate with other musical ensembles

The 8th grade trip at Mammoth Middle School is not about going on a posh vacation, taking in the sights and frivolously spending money for entertainment. It is a thoughtful trip - one that teaches the students about the importance of learning. Learning about the beliefs of others, learning about different customs and traditions different from what they were raised with, and learning to become tolerant and kind to others, regardless of one's beliefs. The trip is about expandin

MEET OUR STUDENT/ATHLETES OFF OF THE SNOW!! The athletes have applied, we have reviewed applications and awarded the 2025 MMCF Academic Elite Team! Each year in the late spring we open up our application for the MMCF Academic Elite Team. The MMCF Academic Elite Team Award honors student/athletes who excel in the classroom and on the slopes, which is no easy task! This application is not just a questionnaire for one to fill in the blanks. Along with pertinent information th

Sierra High School, a part of Mammoth Unified School District, is a continuation school that directly adjoins the District Office. The student population is a unique blend of youth, oftentimes faced with significant life challenges that have not always been supported with enriching educational experiences. Sierra High School provides the students with a safe and nurturing environment where students build positive relationships with their peers. Not only that, but they have p