For the Love of It: The Mammoth Legacy of Roma and Dave McCoy

by Robin Morning

For the Love of The Mammoth Legacy of Roma and Dave McCoy traces the lives of Roma and Dave McCoy, visionary founders of world-renowned Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, from their singular childhoods through their eventual building of the first chairlift in the Eastern Sierra. The nostalgic narrative non-fiction book depicts California skiing in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s and illustrates the power of dedication, upbeat attitudes, and teamwork. Born in 1915 in Southern California, Dave McCoy grew up living in tent camps with his parents while his father built early California roads. During the Depression, Dave's family fell apart and he was sent to live with grandparents at the Wilkeson Coal & Coke Company in Washington. There he learned to fly fish, tie flies, and ski. After graduating from high school, Dave hitchhiked south and settled in Independence, a small town in California's Eastern Sierra where he spent his time riding a Harley Davidson, fly-fishing, skiing with the Eastern Sierra Ski Club, and working for the LADWP, eventually as a hydrographer. In 1941, after being relocated tp Bishop, another small Eastern Sierra town, Dave married Roma Carriere and became the hydrographer at the Long Valley Dam on Crowley Lake. His essential job and a severely broken leg kept him from fighting in WWII. To compensate, he built rope tows to welcome servicemen home from the war, setting the stage to pursue his passion for skiing, building upskis, ski racing, and ski race coaching. In the 1960s, Dave coached nearly 20 ski racers to Olympic squads, (including Charlotte Zumstein, Jill Kinmont, Linda Meyers, Penny McCoy, Dennis McCoy, Robin Morning, and others) while developing Mammoth Mountain into one of the most successful ski areas in the United States. By the 2000's he had built 26 chairlifts, two gondolas, and several buildings to facilitate skier amenities. With his kind and generous leadership skills and his dedication to having a positive attitude made, Dave pursued his life dreams while his wife Roma, stayed by his side. For the Love of It shares the back story of Dave and Roma's Mammoth legacy. For the Love of It is a 426 page narrative non-fiction book with approximately 35 historical photos.

426 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2020

Reviews

[Connie]

Such a fantastic well-written book about Dave and Roma McCoy, their many contributing friends and the history of skiing around the world. You will love this story not only if you are a skier (and racer) of the area, but it's packed with history blended into the story. I learned so much. We are so fortunate to enjoy the fruits of the McCoy's true grit and hard work all completed in the name of having fun! Many of the McCoy traditions continue including ties to CIF high school alpine racing and to reflect that 2020 was our 80th anniversary of CA/NV HS racing with over 400 athletes competing and having FUN! Thank you Dave and Roma for making FUN the priority in everything you did while building Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and skiing in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada. I smiled, laughed, cried and was inspired by McCoy's life story delivered through Robin Morning's writing!

[Truebruin]

Excellent account of Dave and Roma McCoy’s lives. One can’t help but be impressed by their love for life, family and the Eastern Sierra. Dave’s physical abilities, exuberance and fortitude are unmatched by legendary folk heroes. He simply excelled at his every endeavor. Roma was a woman of grace whether dancing, skiing, or opening their home to whomever needed a place to lay their head. Truly a remarkable story, beautifully written.

[Mona]

I loved learning about the McCoy’s and the building of Mammoth Mountain. I learned to ski at Mammoth in the 70’s and was amazed at the wonderful memories it brought back. A must read for anyone who loves Mammoth Mountain and the Eastern Sierras. I cant’t wait to go back and look for all the original landmarks mentioned in the book.

[J Hicks]

Very inspiring and informative on two individuals who truly made a difference in the World. My wife is from Mammoth and it’s been really cool to visit and see some of the history, and sad to see corporate greed change a lot of the inclusive and loving nature these two promoted.

The book itself is engaging in the way it shifts perspectives when describing Roma and Dave. Lovely fun book.

[Jen]

Fantastic read! I have been drawn to Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra for years. I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about it’s history and the adventurous and significant impact of Dave and Roma McCoy.

[Bob Soden]

Inspiring story of an amazing man, Dave McCoy, and his amazing wife Roma, who together, and against all odds, built the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California. Great research and writing by author Robin Morning.

[Lilly]

Was a really beautiful story! It was really interesting to be able to look into Roma McCoy's perspective as well as Dave's life story. For anyone who lives in or even regularly visits Mammoth Mountain this is a must read!

[Ken]

If you have ever enjoyed skiing Mammoth Mountain, and a lover of history, this book is for you. Robin Morning did a great job telling the story of Dave and Roma McCoy, the humble beginnings of Mammoth and educating us with the beginnings of skiing in the United States.

[Laura Kemble]

Beautiful! I love Mammoth, I love Roma & Dave!