Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort Overview

With the highest lift-served terrain in the state of California at 11,053 feet and more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, Mammoth Mountain lives up to its name.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort lies on the eastern edge of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It’s 330 miles east of San Francisco and 310 miles north of Los Angeles, making for a five-to seven-hour drive.

Situated within hours of Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and June Mountain, the resort provides a great starting point to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most visitors stay in the town of Mammoth Lakes, which offers up restaurants, bars and plenty to do for those seeking a nightlife scene.

Mammoth Mountain was founded in 1953 by Dave McCoy. It averages an impressive 400 inches of annual snowfall, allowing it to have one of the longest ski seasons in the country. In the winter of 2017, the resort was open from November to early August! The mountain is great for all levels, with options ranging from expansive bowls, tree skiing, wide groomers, steep chutes, halfpipes, and the world-class Unbound Terrain Parks.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area

► Alpine Ski Area

Mammoth Mountain is made up of several distinct base areas, including Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, The Village, Eagle Lodge, and The Mill. The resort truly is of mammoth proportions with over 3,500 skiable acres to explore, 3,100 feet of vertical drop, and multiple terrain options. An extensive lift system transports skiers to a great mix of terrain for all skill levels.

The top of the mountain boasts steep chutes and mogul runs combined with expansive bowls and glades. If you enjoy powder pillows, be sure to check out the Hemlocks: in-bounds, hike-accessed steeps that offer natural terrain off the beaten path. For some of the best snow on the mountain, hop on Chair 23 and ski Drop out and Wipe Out Chutes.

Mammoth Mountain is home to the award-winning Unbound Terrain parks, where top pros in extreme snowboarding and skiing come to train. The terrain parks offer facilities aimed at creating a seamless transition and progression from beginner to expert freestyle terrain and span Main Park, Forest Trail, South Park, Transition Park, and Jibs Galore to make for easy access.

► Tubing Park and Snow Play

Rent a snow tube at Woolly’s Tube Park & Snow Play right on the mountain, with a rope tow and six groomed lanes. Here, adults can relax with a drink on the heated deck while kids enjoy the snow play area.

► Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Explore Mammoth Lakes Basin from Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, with over 19 miles of scenic, groomed, world-class trails. Rentals, lessons, guided tours, and season passes are available at Tamarack Lodge.

Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Mountain Essentials

Take in the views of the jagged peaks of the Minarets, part of the Ritter Range and known as Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline.

Take a selfie in front of the 19-foot Mammoth Mountain summit sign.

Ski the expert terrain of Huevos Grande or Climax.

Enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and Bavarian fare at The Yodler Restaurant & Bar.

Non-skiing Activities

Non-skiers can enjoy snowmobile adventures, scenic gondola rides, snowcat tours, mountain and naturalist tours, and shopping and dining at The Village and Old Mammoth.

Looking for attractions indoors? Add bowling and indoor golf to your itinerary, or check out the Mammoth Alpine Trampoline Club at Snowcreek Athletic Club. Catch a movie at Minaret Cinemas, indulge in some self-care at several spas, yoga studios, and fitness centers in the area, or work remotely at The Fort Coworking Offices. 

Top Winter Events at Mammoth Mountain

Top annual events in Mammoth Lakes include Elevation: Mammoth Gay Ski Week, the Mammoth Winter Biathlon, and Easter festivities. Don’t miss the pond skim at Canyon Lodge, where crowds fill up the slopes to witness the craziest skills and snowboarders straight-line across a 100-foot long ice-cold pond.

Ski School

Mammoth Mountain offers ski and snowboard school for those just starting out up to more experienced skiers and riders looking to take their skills to the next level. They’re located from the Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, and Eagle Lodge.

Child Care

Mammoth Mountain has two convenient state-licensed child care locations from infants up to 6-year-olds. They offer daily, hourly, and evening care, as well as ski lesson/childcare packages.