On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Hotels, Restaurants, Ski Resorts [Edit]
1 Minaret Rd
Loading...
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area...
If you like to ride or ski, you owe it to yourself to come here at least once. It will change how you see winter. Riding from the top of the mountain at 11,053' down 3,000+' of vertical to the Main Lodge, with the ability to traverse any and every type of terrain on your way down... being able to ride a park that takes 4+ minutes to make it from top to bottom... riding through the trees... making your way down a cornice... it makes my pants a little tighter just thinking about it.
If this place wasn't 7+ hours away now that I live in San Francisco, I would still be going there, and plenty okay with paying the absurdly high lift ticket prices. Any and everyone who described this place as being a Disneyland for snow enthusiasts hit that nail right on the head.
(note to Mammoth: please don't tell Northstar I had a thing for you on the side)
Sometimes I lay up at night and wish I lived closer. Mammoth has really been the best Snowboarding trip I have had yet except for one time when it snowed all crazy like.
I will see you soon my Mammoth lake.
People thought this was:
Smooth speedy lifts, long hard (and easy) runs, playful parks, and a super satisfying snowboarding/skiing experience overall = Mammoth Mountain.
I only had the chance to use my season pass 10 times the 2008-2009 season but used it about 30 times during 2007-2008. It was worth paying $750 for the pass during their one-month special in May especially since a one-day all-mountain lift ticket is $83. The boy and I bought season passes for next year and can't wait to play in the snow again starting this weekend!
FYI: If you want to make the most of your lunch money in the Mammoth food court (I usually eat at Canyon or Main), think vertical. I get a "small" lunch plate for $9, pile it several feet high with salad bar food and voila, lunch for 4 for only $9 in the food court!
Ivy's Guide To Getting Your Money's Worth In The Mammoth Food Court:
1. Start with heavy items at the bottom such as chicken and mushrooms which are usually at the end of the salad bar - start at the end of the salad bar and work backwards!
2. Build up with lighter and lighter items, ending with lettuce, ceasar salad leaves, etc.
3. Hummus can be used as mortar to keep your layers of food glued together
4. Feel free to "overflow" onto napkins or the tray - as long as half of your plate is showing so the cashiers can see it's a small plate and not a large, it's all good.
5. Put as many items as you can on the side like cups of salad dressing, eggs (one time I took 8 eggs and the cashier didn't bat an eye as she rang me up), etc.
Now you know. Happy boarding/skiing/eating!
People thought this was:
What can I say that hasn't been said already. By far the most amazing mountain I've ridden in California. Mammoth is particularly notable for its fast lifts... I've never done so many runs at a big mountain as I've done here.
Great snow; great mountain layout; long runs; cool staff; and EXCEPTIONAL view.
Mammoth is my favorite mountain ever!
People thought this was:
The Good: The best damn ski area in California period. I love the snow, the powder, and the massive size of this place. The lines never seem to be long and the conditions always seem to be spot on. There might be some wind, rain or snow but hey it's so worth it. They always seem to have the best snow conditions with the best snow base. This is the mecca of ski resorts in Cali. Why go to the local mountains where it's always crowded and will only get you a few runs for the day?
The Bad: The price of lift tickets are just crazy high. They seem to be twice the price of any other resort in Cali. The food and drink prices are just crazy as well. Pack a lunch, bring a energy bar or eat across the street at Burgers. Get there early because you'll never get a parking spot.
The Ben: The pros outweigh the cons. We stay at some condos walking distance to the lifts to wake-up late and have no worries.
People thought this was:
If snowboarding was like sex ... Mammoth Mountain would be the perfect partner.
Curves and bumps in all the right places. If you ride down as fast and hard as you can, she'll be up again for another round whenever you are. You can go as many times as your body can handle the action. $83 for a lift ticket and you can go all day long. But if you have the stamina of a married couple with kids, then you can just pay $63 for 1/2 day that starts at 12:30p. There are toys all around such as the strap-ons, anal beads .... what I meant to say was rails, table tops, jumps and a half pipe.
If you enjoy snowboarding, skiing, tubing or just snow bunny watching ... you'll be sure to enjoy your trip to Mammoth. Mammoth has runs for just about everyone at every skill level.
Even if you don't do any of the things I just mentioned, you can spend you day at the Village and do vacation and relaxation type activities.
Oh yeah ... if you happen to finish riding early, you can go down and try to sell your pass to somone coming in late. They leave the zip tie cutters out and extra zip ties.
People thought this was:
I need to go back and hit up Mammoth again. I've only been there once back in 2002 and I can't remember a darn thing except for posing next to the darn Mammoth sculpture.
What's wrong with me? I think I need to lay off the booze for a while.
People thought this was:
Great runs... pretty darn good food... lots of eating options and seats indoors.
Thumbs up for crepes at Canyon Lodge, yummy chili cheese fries, and wide wide runs!
Thumbs down for the rude boarders and skiiers who cut in line and cut you off on the slopes.... but that's not the resort's fault.
People thought this was:
MY NEWFOUND PLAYGROUND!!
I boarded 2 days here and I couldn't even clear all the runs. True, some runs were shut down since it was snowing and it was whited out at the top, but I think even if it wasn't, there's so much grounds to cover.
$83 all day lift for adults
I scored their board/ski 2 of 3 consecutive days deal for $150
Yes Mom, it's PRICEY.
After 2 days of snow, this place got a TON of powder and still attracted a LOT of boarders/skiiers -- even in white out conditions. Shuttles take you to and from the resort to surrounding areas which is niiiice. There are 4 main entrances to this place which has an inkling resemblance to Heavenly. Get on the gondola from the Village if you want to see a big bear statue with sharp claws or get on the lifts from the Main Lodge if you want to see the infamous wooly mammoth statue. He's awesome. Even awesome-R covered in snow.
I think Mammoth is tied with Heavenly as far as my favorite resort goes, but Heavenly definitely wins because it's 2.5 hours closer to me than Mammoth is. I already accomplished my goal of going to Mammoth this winter season so YAY.
I heart Mammoth.
(Pictures to be posted).
People thought this was:
All I have to say is: WHY THE FUCK AM I BACK IN LA??!!!
....i should just move there...lol
People thought this was:
Mammoth is my 2nd favorite SoCal mountain, losing only to its smaller sibling, June Mountain that's 20 miles north. There's a variety of terrain and the runs here are WIDE which makes this freecarver happy. I totally feel the quad burn by the time I get to the end of each run.
The food is expensive though and so is the lift ticket at $83. I don't like going to Mammoth during the holidays or any weekend for that matter. There's too many gapers from SoCal who don't have any ski etiquette. The lift lines can get incredibly long too. Mammoth is best enjoyed M-F, and maybe on Sunday. Otherwise I prefer June where there are NEVER any lines and I don't have to share my runs with anyone.
People thought this was:
Mammoth is the shiznit.
For those who haven't heard....Costco offers 2 and 3 day tickets at reduced prices. I paid $165 for a three out of four day pass (that comes out to about $55 a day -- which is far better option than paying $80 bucks a day when you get up to the mountain). This is not offered at all Costco's, so call your local Costco to find out they offer this option.
Go to costco. Get your pass. Drive. Ski. Enjoy.
People thought this was:
The mountain and I have a connection. Most of the time I'm the one doing the riding. Until, last season the mountain had enough. I was riding through the trees and the mountain bucked me off and I " superman" flew into a tree separating my shoulder. Am I mad? Of course not, Mammoth Mountain has the best ride in California and rivals many in the westside. Now that I'm all healed up, it's time to ride that monster again. Thanks for scars!
Woo....Hooo!!!!
People thought this was:
I'm not one to rock the boat.. this place is great!
I finally got to snowboard at mammoth and it is definitely worth the trip!!
$83 for 1 day lift tickets. You can get a slight discount if you get them online prior. But not discounts on holiday weekends :(
People thought this was:
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN.
You don't really ride until you've done so in Mammoth. Bear Mtn. is not riding. Mt Crap/High is not riding. Any dinky, tool-ridden place with 99% man made snow does not burgeon good riding.
'Spensive? Very. Try to borrow a friend's pass. Or, in the waning days of Jan., take advantage of the mountain's Midweek Madness lift ticket specials-- $57. If you're a beginner, opt for the beginner lift ticket that allows you access to all the bunny slopes for nearly half the price. Friends don't let beginners purchase full price tickets.
Main Lodge has the best food, hands down. The Mill is home to some fine ass salads. Or, do lunch on the cheap and stow a sammich in your car or pack.
Take the gondola up, up and away (11,000 ft up) for the panoramic view, or, for a few runs down Dave's or Cornice. Harsh winds and sandstorm conditions make the trip down all the more breathtaking.
Highlights about town:
- the wanna be apres ski setup of the McDonalds
- PITA PIT.
- Pictures with Wooly.
- Schat's Bakery (the one in Bishop is better, though)
- Nik n Willie's pizza.
- THE DO IT CENTER (just cause its fun to say and its fun to insinuate something perverse)
- Rite Aid in the Do it Center for delightfully retro square scooped ice cream.
-THE FREE BUS. I dont' do public transportation at home, but Mammoth transportation is just so efficient and dare I say...clean.
Bring your chains, your wax, and your game face cause Mammy is serious business.
People thought this was:
Best. Park. In CA. Almost as good as some places I've been in CO, ID, and MT.
Loved the mix of runs, and the midweek lift ticket prices - I honestly couldn't complain about the price. Offers a lot of terrain and run types from some cliff and log jumps to tree runs to chutes to freaking long ass back way around the mountain cat tracks. I'd loved to do the front side of the top if it weren't blowing 30 mph....
All the service people were really nice - you have your mix of Americans who love the powder and work up there for the season, as well as school kids from Argentina, Brazil, Japan, etc who come for the season as well.
Loved everything except the Eagle Lodge area, mainly because it was so freaking icy when Frank K, Dave G, and I went. I hate it when it sounds like I'm boarding on Styrofoam.
All in all, it beats the pants off my local mountain (Bear) and at 6 hours away from OC, it's not _too_ far away.
Def. want to go back.
People thought this was:
I vacation and snowboard @ mammoth mtn. every year. I always look forward to it! This year I rented a condo in the summit through premier reservations. The condo was clean, nice, slept 8, fire place, covered parking, laundry, jacuzzi & sauna within walking distance to chair #9, close to eagle lodge. Had the weather been more in my favor this year it would of been even better, but my vacation days were limited. The snow here is always fluffy & powdery so I don't have to worry about hitting ice on the slopes & bruising my bum! It was great starting @ eagle lodge working my way down to the main lodge. Some of my favorite trails are "the roller coaster" & "the rooster tail". All runs are good here. you can't go wrong. Mammoth is a big mountain, lot's to explore!
I went just before Christmas "The Village" had a number of holiday activities going on... They had a live concert, the mammoth mascot was on the slopes for all the kiddies & they had a night of beautiful fireworks I could see from my condo.
I also recommend...
On the drive up I stopped @ Schatts bakery in bishop to pick up their yummy, sticky, gooey, cinnamon pullaway loaf & goodies for my snow boarding trip. Also giovanni's pizza (in von's shopping center) in mammoth has the best pizza in town!
People thought this was:
This mountain is HUGE! As long as you are with someone who knows the terrain you are in good shape. If it is your first time up you might want to take a free guided tour, they are much better than a map.
Good Times!
People thought this was:
Snowed in at Mammoth and 3-4 feet of fresh... Hmmm
All they need now is cheaper lift tickets and more terrain features.
People thought this was:
AWESOME. Great, huge mountain. If one lift is packed; go to the more obscure places to board/ski.
Looked like more skiiers than boarders. However, everyone was super friendly!
I didnt eat/drink at the lodges, but they always had free water. Constantly have shuttles to the various lifts, parking and lodges. Massive amounts of rentals with a great system - computerized! They have various patrols and hosts on the mountain to help anyone. Definitely try to go during the week for less crowds.
The best deal is the 3 day pass for $53/day. Sell your pass if you dont use it. Or buy a half day! Slopes open at 830am. I think there may be a military discount as well $62?
Check out the online map and figure out your attack.
People thought this was:
The skiing is great but I want to talk about something more important - food.
It's been a while since I skied here so I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the fare here. The cheeseburger, made with scoops of fresh ground meat, is fresh and moist and topped with fresh ingredients. The chili con carne is delicious, not too thick or too liquidity. I mixed my fries into the chili and made great chili fries. Also tried the cream of broccoli soup which was also very nice.
Definitely something to look forward to for a mid-day break.
People thought this was:
Lift tickets for two days on a holiday weekend: $166
A la carte ski rentals for two days on a holiday weekend: $52
The rental line wait: Nearly 2 hours of wanting to stab everyone around me.
Lunch and drinks at Canyon Lodge after waiting for a table for nearly 30 minutes: $40
Skiing fresh powder at Mammoth for the first time: Priceless.
People thought this was:
OK, after another day on the mountain, I have to give a third star
I'm not reviewing the people there, there were way cooler people there on Sunday than Saturday. Maybe all the LA people went to their therapist to find out why they were yelling at their kids on the bunny slopes for embarrassing them. I don't know, but Sunday was cool.
The place is laid out more for skiers, kinda like Heavenly, linking trails took planning, but the staff was great.
People thought this was:
Mark B nailed this review, but I like that its in the middle of nowhere and I don't mind the lack of… Read more »
For So Cal folks, Mammoth is the closest to Heaven one can get. And, if you're at the top of Dave's, you would know what I am talking about.
My fiance has ridden here his entire life. And, it was important to him that I love this place too. Well, let me tell you. He didn't have to convince me much. What can I say that has not already been said by the others here... Not much more. Just do it! You can buy lift passes in advance. There is a Special deal going on now. Purchase at least 4 days of riding, and it's just $53 a day. Killer deal, considering the regular daily pass can be up to $83.
I hear the lodging in the area can be very expensive too. We're lucky his family owns a condo out there. Otherwise, I'd cry to see our expense total. My advice, do your research, plan in advance, and book your passes and lodging early. Also, please stay away from the Chamonix Condominiums. You do not want to partake in their amazing amenities, which include at least two spas near the pool, a redwood panel sauna room, and even a gas fire pit outside under the stars. The nightlife is okay, not a lot of diversity. You're better off bringing your own party. There are plenty of restaurants. Some good, some, eh, not so good. Read the reviews. Shopping is not my thing, but there are enough shops to satisfy those that care to shop. I'm sure its overpriced. It is Mammoth, after all.
In years past, we've been able to go up more. This season, we're heading out there this weekend for the first time. We plan to ride at least 4 days, so I'll let you know how that goes. The weather is so warm lately, I wonder how the conditions are like... I'll be sure to follow up with a review if necessary. Gosh, I'm so excited just writing this review. My body is craving Mammoth for sure... Who's been out there recently?
One of my favorite places in the whole world!
People thought this was:
Snowboarding in so cal, you're pretty limited to your options. Bear mountain, snow summit, and mountain high. Nowhere do you really get fresh powder and real snow...
And there is Mammoth.
Mammoth, you HUGE mountain you! I have fallen in love once again with the ever so soft snow that is packed from top to bottom. Great runs, wide open spaces, and hardly any lines! They have a pretty sick park with insane ramps that'll launch you sky high for the experienced riders and have plenty of bunny slopes for the beginners.
One day is not enough. That's where my heart broke. I only did one day.... =(
Next time I visit that beautiful mountain, going to stay at least for a week!
my absolute FAVORITE resort for riding! i've been coming here every season for the past 4 years and it never fails me. i've ridden in cold stormy weather, bluebird warm weather, and i have nothing bad to say about this place.
the mountain is big and you can defintely get lost here if you dont pay attention. explore and you will find that there are plenty of parks for the jibbers, jumps, half pipe, super pipe, open runs, steeps and tree lines for every type of rider.
if you want to take the gondola up to the top of sierra, make sure you try and go early because sometimes they close early either due to weather or just because!
if it wasnt 5 hours away and i didnt work almost every weekend at my local resort, i would definitely get a season pass and ride here.
People thought this was:
this review is for The Eagle Lodge @ Mammoth.
We went spring skiing and it was beautiful; sunny, not super cold (avg 55F/40F) and the snow was powdery.
Also, it wasn't crazy crowded, even at the Main Lodge (compared to Heavenly, North Star in Tahoe)
Gorgeous mountain, updated, new facilities, great, patient instructors
This place has an awesome variety of slopes and is not over-priced like some other resorts. It is also HUUUUGE so you'll need the whole day to try out every slope. Keep in mind that when you're finding parking, just take the next available spot off of the main street if you're coming in a little later. There is a bus that rides back and forth often and will pick you up. There's no point to drive all the way to the parking lot, get stuck in traffic and have to make a U-turn and park on the street anyways. You can also park near the first couple of lodges (Canyon Lodge and Mill Cafe) and then just ride the lift up to the top and then ride down to the Main Lodge.
People thought this was:
Fantastic snow & sunshine. It felt like 80 degrees! It is a very family friendly environment. It was so fun. My kids went to ski school the first day where they were taught the basics and we started the bunny runs via "Discovery" lift. It was relaxing and a lot of fun. There were a lot of tiny kids & they were so cute doing their "pizzas"- snow plowing.
Staffed by juveniles from all over, ie Brazil, U.K., as well as Riverside, Washington, etc. and not particularly well trained.
People thought this was:
Had to subtract 1 star because the lift tickets are soooo expenisve but ...
this is a great place to go ski/snowboarding, no matter how many people are on this mountian it never feels crowded because the runs are so wide and the terrain is so vast.
This review is about the Mammoth Mountain Gift and Gear Shop. I needed a new pair of gloves, and previously could never find a pair I liked at the store. I bought a pair of DaKine gloves, and then the lining started to rip after a few runs. I brought them back and they gave me another pair! The guys there were pretty knowledgeable when I was asking about replacement lens for my goggles and all the other questions I had.
People thought this was:
Coming from SoCal this is by far the best mountain in driving distance - and they now offer flights from LAX, but for my money and time I'd still take the drive, LAX sucks.
I love being able to drive into town park my car and not have to drive again until I'm ready to head home. They have a great bus system (red line) that runs from town to the mountain every 15 min. As for the mountain, its great, lots of runs, groomed and well taken care of, I guess for $83 per day lift tickets, they can afford it. I'm still bummed I let my MVP pass slide...
On this latest trip, I enrolled my 3 year old in Mini Ski lessons at $95 for 3 hours, which is a little steep. But the staff went above and beyond to make sure he was comfortable and truly wanted him to enjoy his first experience on the snow. It was comforting to know he was in good hands.
If you live in California, Mammoth is the closest and best ski/snowboard resort around. Lift tickets are ridiculously expensive though. $80+ for one day is really steep. A lot of places outside of California offer better resorts for much lower prices.
Weather can get a bit hairy at times. High winds and fog are common towards the top of the mountain. Within California, you can't beat Mammoth.
Yep, it's Mammoth. You can ski for miles without going over the same trail twice. It can be pretty crowded on weekends on runs that end near the 3 lodges or the Mill restaurant, so ski away from the lodges. The restaurants are expensive. And the lift tickets are $80, but you can get season tickets in April for about $550. Plenty of buses take you from the motels and condos to the mountain and there is a gondola that travels out of "The Village". About a 5 hour drive from L.A. But it is soooo much better than Big Bear. Plenty of special areas for snowboarders and mogels for skiers. Snowboarders and skiers get along well up here, probably because there is so much space for both. If you want to learn, go midweek for lessons, cause it is pretty deserted and your "group lesson" will probably be private for the group price.
I don't shred, but when it comes to playing in the snow, I much prefer Mammoth over Tahoe. It's a bit of a pain to get to from the Bay Area (Tahoe is a lot closer), but I think it's well worth the trip.
Mammoth is just that: mammmoth. It's huge! They have more lifts than any single resort in Tahoe and I love the surrounding village.
The runs accommodate both boarders and skiers alike. It's a great place for beginners and experienced riders. I can't wait to go back!
I've skied all over the US and Mammoth in terms of terrain is as good as any other mountain in the US. Plus it gets tons of snow (they got over 5 feet this weekend in 2 days). Luckily its hard to get to so we Southern Californians pretty much have it all to ourselves.
What really sets Mammoth apart are the people. In the midst of getting the family packed up and on the road last night I left a pair of skies near the gondola, and didn't discover till I got back to LA and was unpacking. I was panicked because this Friday (5 days later) I am supposed to catch a flight to Aspen for 3 days of skiing.
First thing this morning I called the main lodge lost and found. They transferred me over to the gondola station. The person who answered went outside and found my skies and volunteered to take them right over to Lost and Found for me. A great guy named Russ in Lost and Found packed up the skis for shipping and walked them down to Dave in shipping. Dave got my information and shipped the skis direct to Aspen for me. Everyone I dealt with was extremely helpful, friendly, and informative, which is indicative of the treatment I always receive when I visit. Thanks Mammoth - you rock!!!
This place is ROBERT APPROVED. **Please look out for the ROBERT APPROVED signature in my reviews**
If you ask me what my ideal winter vacation will be like, the first thing that will pop up in my mind is MAMMOTH. I've only been here a few times and much less than the avid snowboarder, but Mammoth has always been exciting and something to look forward to in the winter or summer (camping). I haven't gone to any other place in California that matches the slopes of Mammoth.
I'm still a novice at boarding, and haven't even attempted to ski. It is almost guaranteed that I get injured every time i go snowboarding, but i'll take some pain for a lot of pleasure. The snow here is plush, so unless you're a beginning testing out double black diamonds, you shouldn't be getting hurt.
I've always had good times coming here. Rent a cabin with family and friends to spend some quality time there as well. It makes the vacation much sweeter.
People thought this was:
I love Mammoth...the snow, the slopes...on a powder day or finding some good powder stashes in the trees, there's nothing like it. I've been to other resorts and only Vail surpasses Mammoth, but Mammoth is easier to get to from LA/OC and more affordable. If you go often, get yourself a season pass when they're on sale in April, and get in on a condo lease...it'll save you thousands!
(I'm only rating the snow area. The building development and stuff like that...as it has gotten more and more of a corporate feel...sucks.)
People thought this was:
When the time is right, Bf and I drive out six hours from Vegas to Mammoth. The drive is one of the best things. When you go through the Sierra Nevada, the road coils for miles. I wanted to buy a WRX just to tackle that stretch. You will be mine.
Mammoth is like Disneyland for snowboarders and skiers. In a day, you couldn't hit all of the runs.
It has all of the charm of modern Cali, with a dash of foreign flavor. People from all over the world come to Mammoth to lay tracks.
Its expensive ($80 adult lift ticket when the season is in full swing), but for a good reason. The facilities are well kept. The lifts and gondolas aren't rickety. The employees are nice. There are plenty of lodges. The maps are readily available. The season pass is worth it if you can make it out enough times.
Cabins 'round these parts are expensive, too. Plan ahead. Have a lot of people in your cabin with you. Try and get a place with a hot tub near. Really comes in handy, post session. Trust me. Its worth it.
The cornice is cool. But only during ideal conditions. It can't be windy (because you're at the top of a freakin' mountain), but the snow has to be nice. There are two ways to descend: the really steep front face of the mountain, or the back door. The back door is a narrow path the coils around the mountain. I was afraid I was gonna fall off of it. And the front face of the mountain is so steep, I couldn't carve down. But one of the times I went down that way, it was so powdery, I just tumbled down happily.
My favorite runs are Roller Coaster, Wall Street, and where ever the family park is. Because I'm a kicker puss.
The first season we ever went, it was that epic season two years ago when they had like 80 feet of snowfall. Ridonkulous. Not even George Jung has seen that much snow. Google him, I'll wait.
THE MILL. There's a party in my mouth when I order garlic fries from The Mill. For $6, get a basket of shoe string fries, drenched in oil, garlic, and peppers. If you don't carb coma after that, beware of heart attack. I love it.
I have so many stories about Mammoth. Most I don't remember. Because all the Irish Car Bombs and sake have damaged my memory. Something about Guitar Hero and ganj with Canadians ...
...
People thought this was:
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Category: Outdoor Gear
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Category: American (New)
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Category: Breweries
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Category: American (Traditional)
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Category: Pubs
For the past 3 seasons, I've been into…
Where I get my carve on...and my apres ski drink…
the stuff that takes a little bit more effort, but…
From Northstar to Whistler, Timberline to…
Inspired by the Olympics? Snowboarding, skiing,…
Places in Mammoth. On the way to Mammoth. Coming…
Here's where I go to in Mammoth in the summer and…
Well.....if' you're like me.....A goofy snow…
