California Fall Color

Dude, autumn happens here, too.

Mammoth Lakes Basin (10/15/09)

30-50% Mammoth Lakes. This beautiful shot of the Mammoth Lakes Basin by Jimmy Kellett shows the mountains covered with the recent snow fall combined with fall color.  Mammoth Mountain has announced that they received so much snow (as much as six feet at upper elevations – in one day!) that they will open tomorrow for the second earliest day on record and the skiing is free!

Skiers and snowboarders will be able to ride the Broadway Express lift from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m and ski a base of 16 to 24″ of machine-groomed “natural” snow. Runs to open on Friday include: Broadway, St. Moritz, Forest Trail, Mambo and Main Park with assorted rails and jibs to entertain the skiers and boarders.  Mammoth will open additional lifts in succeeding days, as conditions permit.

What an idea!  Fall color viewing and skiing!  For those interested in heading to the east side, Mammoth offers First Tracks lift and lodging packages for as little as $99 per person based on double occupancy.  Call 800.MAMMOTH or visit wwwmammothmountain.com to book your stay.

Photo Credit: © 2009 Jimmy Kellett

There are 30 reasons in California to take a Fall Weekend Getaway… the Doubletree hotels.  As, just announced, Doubletree is offering fall getaways at affordable prices in its new Fall Weekend Getaway Package.  Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 27, the package includes a deluxe room (up to two adults and two children with no double occupancy charge), “Blissful Sweet Dreams by Doubletree” sleep experience and a $50 food and beverage credit.

For California fall color spotters, California Fall Color recommends these Doubletree locations as nearest fall color: Ontario (Inland Empire), Bakersfield, Modesto (Central Valley and Western Sierra), Sacramento (Gold Country and Central Valley) and Rohnert Park (Sonoma County Wine Country).

To make a reservation, visit Doubletree’s Fall Weekend Getaway website at www.doubletree.com/fall, contact a travel professional or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S. or Canada.   Rates vary and some restrictions apply.