[calcowgirl]

The move is expected to give the resort an upscale character, unlike the raw, unpolished style developed by founder and co-owner Dave McCoy.

That's too bad.

[Yossarian]

Crud - I used to ski there a lot when I lived in Pasadena, and just got back there this year to ski on the 4th of July (!) I liked Mammoth's style, and I know from first-hand experience how the actual skiing experience goes to pot when owners get the development bug.

Serious skiers and ski runs are seen as both a revenue stream to fund construction, as as a hindrance to construction. Basic levels of food and lodging go away as operators aim to attract upscale clients who can afford to buy a timeshare or an outright condo. The playground for all - the citizens own this land, after all - becomes an unaffordable upscale shopping mall in the snow.

I'm not lamenting capitalism, but I think it's sad when something so basic and beautiful as the sport of skiing - which I want everyone to be able to enjoy - becomes the domain of the upscale only.

Maybe I'll have to get into back-country skiing - anyone have a beacon and avalanche shovel they can sell me cheap?