Dave McCoy, Bob Tanner and the 1849 Legacy

Stay closer here – to genuine Mammoth Legacy.

In 1937, Dave McCoy parked his Ford Model A at the foot of a slope, jacked up the rear end, and used the back wheel to power the first rope tow in the Eastern Sierra. Thus began the creation of a mountain resort vision that would grow to be one of North America’s finest – Mammoth Mountain.

1849 Condos – The Lodge and Townhomes

In 1974, Dennis “Pancho” McCoy, Dave’s 3rd eldest son and 1968 Olympic Downhiller, built Phase 1 (The Lodge) of 1849 Condos – a concrete structure that is architecturally unique and a first of its kind. Phase 1 was part of a proposal to develop a complex that would include several “towers” starting at Phase 1 and building down Lakeview Boulevard to the first stop sign. The proposal also included a train to take skiers up the hill to Mammoth Mountain’s Canyon Lodge. Local 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Andrea Mead Lawrence led action to stop the development, comparing the project to the Great Wall of China.

1849 Condos’ roots are classic Mammoth Lakes, named after the year of the California Gold Rush – a nod to Mammoth Lakes’ beginnings as a gold mining town. 

The cost of a two-bedroom condo was $39,000, and a three-bedroom sold for $45,000. These prices were $10,000 more than any other complex in Mammoth Lakes, and it’s said that buyers were aware, but the proximity to the slopes was worth it. Subsequently, Dave McCoy himself purchased a condo here and called it “home” for over ten years. He resided in the complex’s only penthouse, unit 410.

In 1984, Phase 2 (The Townhomes) was developed, making it the largest complex in the Canyon Lodge area, and in 2009, the entire property received an $8.5 million renovation.

In 2019, owners voted to refresh the complex names from Phase 1 to The Lodge and Phase 2 to the Townhomes as they felt these better described their cherished mountain homes.

The 1849 Condos remain the largest and most prominent complex in the Canyon Lodge area and are still revered for their spacious comfort and proximity to the slopes.

1849 Mountain Rentals

The 1849 Condos rental program was created in 1987, and Bob Tanner, Dave McCoy’s colleague and founder of Bishop Mule Days, was the original General Manager. Cheryl Witherill took over this role after Bob’s retirement.

Cheryl lived on-site with her husband, Rob, the 1849 Maintenance Manager. They raised their two kids at 1849, who both worked at the desk and around the property as they grew up at this amazing location. The Witherill family were part of the 1849 legacy for 21 years.  During Cheryl’s tenure, she and her team led 1849 to many successes.  She assisted in obtaining the first SCE grant in Mammoth that included the addition of vehicle charging stations, the first complex in Mammoth to have this service. The website was updated to include technology updates such as video, new professional photos, drone footage, map integration, and more.  Cheryl was also the first onsite, licensed realtor to represent 1849 exclusively, and is still doing so today. 1849 celebrated their 35th Anniversary as a small business in Mammoth Lakes during Cheryl’s leadership. On their way out of town in a big move back to the Midwest, Cheryl and Rob were rewarded with the role of Grand Marshall’s of the 4th of July parade! 

Since its inception, the 1849 Condos rental program grew to represent neighboring slopeside properties – Snowbird Condos and Sierra Megeve. To better reflect the rental agency’s offering, its name was changed from 1849 Condos to 1849 Mountain Rentals.

The 1849 legacy represents our commitment to providing memorable mountain experiences for all.

Mid 2023, Matt Avery, a longtime employee of 1849 Mountain Rentals is the current General Manager. Matt works along with Dolores Bramona, Assistant General Manager, bringing many years of dedication and commitment to continue the successes along with the important traditions of 1849.

Creating new Mammoth traditions

Every property represented by 1849 Mountain Rentals in Mammoth Lakes, California were built at a time when family space was a priority. Couples who stayed in our one-bedroom condos all those years ago now find room for kids, spouses and grandkids in our multi-bedroom units. Circles of good friends expand and book our homes for annual expeditions. And the cycle begins anew. 1849 is made for traditions, with extended family, or friends who have become like family, through the bonds of shared adventure. Our places have been welcoming generations for generations.

We believe sharing time in a spectacular natural setting helps strengthen the bonds that make us all part of one big family.