Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is the premier winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders, and thrill-seekers alike. Located in the heart of California’s Eastern Sierra Mountains, Mammoth Mountain boasts more than 3,500 acres of ski terrain across 11 distinct peaks and 3,100 feet of vertical drop. With an average snowfall accumulation of 400 inches per season and over 150 trails to explore, it is no surprise that Mammoth Mountain has become an iconic destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world.
This year held a record-breaking amount of snow, with an early season starter, a late end, and lots of storms in between. Mammoth Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy late-season/summer skiing and snowboarding. I was invited to Mammoth Mountain to check out the resort and enjoy some time on the mountain and share the experience with you here!
Summer Snow at Mammoth Mountain
Getting Here
While you could technically drive, why bother? There are plenty of shuttles to get you to the slopes quickly and safely, so you can leave the car at the hotel (or way back home). Depending on where you’re staying, you might have even easier access to the slopes, especially if you opt to stay at The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth or any of the properties by The Village at Mammoth (they’re right by the gondola that takes you straight up to Canyon Lodge), Mammoth Mountain Inn (right by the Main Lodge), or Juniper Springs Resort (right by Eagle Lodge). Make sure to check the weather reports well in advance and the morning you plan to ski—windy conditions can cause closures to the Village Gondola that takes you to Canyon Lodge.
Mammoth Lakes Transportation (Courtesy Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board)
Guest Services
As always, have the emergency hotline number saved in your phone just in case— the number for dispatch is 760.934.0611. Ski Patrol offices are at each of the lodges, and you can flag down any employee (especially the ones with red jackets and white crosses) to assist you if you need assistance. The customer service staff at Mammoth Mountain are fantastic, and they are equipped to assist with the smallest snags to major complaints of any kind. If you need anything, talk to the customer service desk, and they will get you taken care of as quickly as possible to ensure your visit is as great as you want it to be.
Mammoth Mountain Skiing (Courtesy Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board)
Delicious Dining
There is absolutely no shortage of dining on Mammoth Mountain. You never need to run back down to The Village or your hotel for a meal. Each lodge has plenty of choices, from marketplace snacks to grab-and-go meals if you’re in a rush. You’ll also find Barbecue at The Mill, chicken sandwiches at Fowl Language, panoramic views at Eleven53 Cafe, quick bites at McCoy’s, cheesesteak sandwiches at The Lunchbox, and even several bars perfect for a cocktail to warm you up after a day on the slopes.
McCoy’s (Courtesy Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board)
More Than Skiing
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you’ll find plenty of snowy weather activities for all your winter needs. Woolly’s Tube Park is just down the road and offers a great set of hills for you and the family to tube to your heart’s content. During the winter months, free mountain tours are offered to those on skis and snowboards so you can get a real in-depth look at the mountain and the resort. Naturalist tours and snowshoe tours are also available, and the requirement for all tours is a valid lift ticket.
If you’re feeling fancy, book a snowcat tour. The two-hour tours accommodate up to twelve visitors and take you to all of the best scenic points on the mountain. Once at the top, enjoy a toast and a bite to eat while taking in the stunning panoramic mountain views.
For adventure seekers, snowmobile tours are also available and offer a more all-terrain look at the environment. If you’re feeling low on adventure, you can still enjoy a look at the mountain by purchasing tickets to the scenic gondolas—the two rides can take you all the way to the summit.
Mammoth Mountain Skiing (Courtesy Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board)
