Project Description: The Sherwins Access/Egress program provides winter only signage and information at three popular backcountry access points across the Town’s southern boundary. The Ranch Road Egress Route across the Snowcreek Golf course during snow on the ground months features distinctive signage placed and maintained by The Chadmar Group, the developer of Snowcreek VIII, in cooperation with the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Sherwins Access/Egress signage is stationed at the Sherwins Trailhead, Mill City, and the Sherwins boot pack during the winter season. The signs provide maps and information on backcountry etiquette and regulatory and safety/emergency information. Attached to the signs are avalanche beacon checkers provided by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) for backcountry travelers to test their safety equipment. This component of the program is funded by Measure U. The Ranch Road Egress Route ensures that backcountry users follow the “egress only” route across the Snowcreek Golf Course over snow when exiting the Sherwins to respect private property rights and to preserve this important legal egress for future use. More information on the history and legal standing of the Ranch Road Egress Route is available below.
This season’s updated handbook contains all kinds of useful information, including a brief history of the program, protocols for messaging, signage technical information, and details on partner coordination. Click above to check out this year's version!
“The Sherwins offer a wide variety of diverse winter recreation opportunities, including backcountry skiing and snowboarding experiences, which are directly accessible from the community of Mammoth Lakes.” So says the press release – click above and download now!
Signage at the three major winter access points for the Sherwins have been updated for the winter of 2020/2021, click above to download a sample of what you can expect to see out in the field alongside the avalanche beacon checkers, which have been supplied thanks to ESAC.
Signage for the Ranch Road Egress Route has been installed for this winter. Please respect the rights of homeowners and private-property interests by following the installed signage across the Snowcreek Golf Course. Click above for a sample of what to look for.
"Back in 2011, the Mammoth Times heralded the installation of signage for the Ranch Road Egress Route, declaring “The Ranch Road Peace Accords got another piece of reinforcement this week.” Click above to read the entire editorial."
The Sheet took a more subdued approach, leading with “A legal route leading backcountry skiers and snowboarders from the base of the Sherwin Range back to the town of Mammoth has been marked with directional signage.” Click above to read the entire editorial.
“What once raged as a controversy has now become an organized way for backcountry skiers and snowboarders to gain access to the Sherwin Range and back to Town with marked directional signs.” Click above to read Sierra Wave’s Report.
In 2005-2006, conflicts between backcountry skiers/snowboarders and private-property interests threatened to close the safest, most convenient winter egress route from the base of the Sherwin Range to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Click above to read what the fuss was all about!
This page last updated: December 28, 2020
Make your check out to “MLTPA Foundation” and mail it to:
MLTPA Foundation
PO Box 100 PMB 432
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546-0100
