Mammoth Mountain was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that began as far back as 200,000 years ago. These eruptions lasted for roughly 150,000 years, and the resulting lava and rock formations are the area we know today as Mammoth. The mountain is still considered an active volcano, with the most recent activity taking place 700 years ago with a minor steam eruption. Today, Mammoth is still known for high levels of carbon dioxide released, which prohibit plant and tree growth in much of the southern section of the mountain.
With deserts on three sides and the Sierra Nevada range to the west, Mammoth Mountain was inaccessible to outsiders until the mid-19th century. For over 1,000 years, the Paiute Indians occupied this land without interference. By the 1850s, as the California gold rush took off, explorers began pressing further into the Sierra Nevada mountains in a search for new riches. In 1857, a group of German miners discovered gold in the area that is now known as Mammoth Mountain. A mining town quickly grew up around the area, featuring homes, saloons, two newspapers, and several hotels. Those who mined the area were employed by the Mammoth Mining Company. By 1888, the gold supplies in the mountain had been exhausted, and the town fell to disarray, but the area would keep the name Mammoth long after mining operations were concluded.
By the end of the California gold rush, the west coast was becoming increasingly more populated. Though Mammoth had no gold to offer, former miners and residents began to spread the word about the area's natural beauty. By the start of the 20th century, Mammoth had become a popular spot for hiking, camping, fishing, and a number of other outdoor activities. During the winter, skiers visited the mountain to enjoy fresh powder and long, challenging runs. They used portable tow ropes powered by Ford truck motors to tow one another up the runs. Through the end of the 1920s, skiing at Mammoth was free and informal, and well off the beaten path.
The 1930s brought big changes to Mammoth, including the area's first major highway, providing easier access for skiers and other visitors. It was also during the 1930s that the mountain got its first ski lift. The lift was portable, and would be moved to different runs depending on the weather. In 1938, a young skier named Dave McCoy bought the rights to the lift for $85. Based on his years of experience with skiing at Mammoth, he knew the best runs were located on the north side of the mountain. By the 1940s, hundreds of skiers were visiting Mammoth each day and using Dave McCoy's portable lift. After WWII, McCoy added a permanent rope tow, as well as a warming hut, which would eventually become the Main Lodge. In 1955, McCoy opened the first ski lift at Mammoth, which he named Chair 1.
By the mid-1950s, the California government began to see the potential in Mammoth as a major resort destination. The mountain and surrounding area was put up for bid by the US Forest Service. Investors showed no interest, believing the area was too far from major cities. Dave McCoy couldn't afford to bid, but eventually was awarded the rights to the land by default. He continued adding lifts, and a ski village was slowly developed around the mountain. In 1986, McCoy purchased the nearby June Mountain, and began to connect it to Mammoth via chair lifts, groomed runs, and a resort transportation system. In 1996, McCoy partnered with the Intrawest Corporation, who invested over $700 million in new lifts, lodging, and equipment.
