The ultimate weekend getaway to Mammoth Mountain

Five hours north of Los Angeles, tucked inside the Inyo National Forest, sits a place where fresh air seekers will find peace thanks to the geological paradise that is Mammoth Mountain.

It’s a mountain that has been a favorite among everyone, from newbies to die-hard ski enthusiasts since the day skier Dave McCoy opened up his first makeshift rope toe in 1937, when he charged .50 cents per person for a ride up the hill. The mountain also happens to sit amongst a tight-knit local population of just over 8,000 residents, who are dead set on continuing McCoy’s legacy of absolutely sending it with everything they do.

Formed some 760,000 years ago following a violent volcanic eruption, Mammoth Mountain and its surrounding terrain now sit as an awesome testament to the power of mother nature. And 759,958 years after the mountain first rose from the ground, McCoy founded Mammoth Mountain Ski Area so everyone from beginners to the pros can enjoy it too.

“There's no way to understand my life unless you see where I've spent it,” McCoy shared in an interview before his death at 104 years old in 2020. “When it's clear and calm on the mountain, there's no more beautiful place in the world.”

From new rules and regulations on how to get on the mountain, to a mask mandate unlike any other, Mammoth isn’t here to play when it comes to protecting your outdoor recreation time. All you need to do is be ready and be willing to listen to directions. Because when the ski patrollers, lift attendants, and local pizza shop owners tell you to “cover your nose so we don’t close” they mean it. Now, let’s shred.

-Stacey Leasca, SoCal’s Senior WeekEnder Guide

Before you hit the slopes, lock in a place where your head can hit the pillow. Here are our recommendations on where to stay near the mountain so you can hit first tacks.

For the ski-in, ski-out crowd: Mammoth Mountain Inn

Located at an elevation of 9,000 feet, the Mammoth Mountain Inn is just a few feet from the gondola, but don’t get it confused with the other on-mountain locations. This one is set 4.8 miles from the town of Mammoth Lakes. Though a bit away from other happenings, skiers and riders can’t really get closer to the mountain than this. And, with its traditional lodge feel but modern amenities like satellite TV and iHome docking stations, the condos are all anyone needs for a great stay. (It’s pet-friendly too.)

Honorable Hotel Mentions:

For the entire pod: Hillside Highlands Luxury Townhomes. Located just a few minutes from the Village Gondola, the three-bedroom townhomes are ideal for skiing with your entire quarantine crew. Each townhome comes with everything a group needs for a self-contained weekend, including private hot tubs. All three units can be combined to create a 9,000-square-foot, nine-bedroom, and 12-bathroom spot.

For the discerning mountain visitor: The Village Lodge Mammoth. It’s a 2020 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice for a reason. It’s located in the center of the action at Mammoth, just a few steps from the mountain’s gondola. Guests can choose from studio, one, two, or three-bedroom deluxe options.

For mountain purists: Tamarack Lodge and Resort. This resort harkens back to the skiing days of old. The romantic ski lodge is decked out with old-school sleds and skis adorning the walls, oversized fireplaces, and some of the best mountain views around. The hotel comes with free breakfast so you can carbo-load before hitting the slopes.

For those saving cash for apres ski: Sierra Nevada Resort. Don’t let the resort’s affordable rates fool you. The hotel offers all the hygge one needs for a snowy mountain escape. The hotel’s fireplace suites come with a bedroom, kitchen, living space, and, of course, a fireplace to warm your tootsies after a day on the slopes starting at $149/night.

This season looks a bit different on all the mountains due to COVID-19 restrictions. Mammoth Mountain accepts both the Ikon pass and day pass tickets, however, Ikon season pass holders will be given priority. Make sure to reserve your Ikon spot or day pass as soon as you can. For more information, see Mammoth’s ticketing options page.

Ikon Pass: Skiers and riders can use their Ikon pass at Mammoth Mountain, as well as at 43 other mountain destinations around the nation and the globe (when that sort of thing is allowed, of course). Some Ikon ticket options do come with blackout dates, so check your pass details.

Day passes: Mammoth offers visitors one-day tickets, as well as flex tickets including two of four-days passes, three of five-days passes, four of six-days passes, and six days+ tickets. Check out the mountain’s ticketing website for more information and to reserve tickets.

No matter how you choose to ride, the mountain staff is enforcing strict health and safety rules. This means skiers and riders must maintain a safe social distance and can only travel on the lift with people in their travel party. Masks must also be worn over the nose and mouth at all times, including in town. Can’t get down with the rules? Then you’ll kindly be asked to leave, and never come back.

“We have every level covered offering our beginner Fun Zones and Playgrounds at each base lodge and progressing up through the nine parks we are planning on operating this season,” Gabe Taylor, an ex-professional snowboarder, now brand content manager at Mammoth Mountain, shares.

If anyone knows what’s up with which areas of the mountain to shred, it’s him.

“The Unbound Terrain Parks are what freestyle skiers and snowboarders dream of,” Taylor, who’s been riding at Mammoth since 1998, shares of the parks off chairs four and six, and near each base lodge.

Don’t worry beginners, the mountain is still offering private lessons for those who want to level up too (along with gear rental, including helmets that you should absolutely invest in). And look, chances are you're not going to get so lost you need an airlift at Mammoth, however, it's important to know what to expect. Consider this your cliff notes to a trail guide.

Green runs: Spring Canyon. “There are a number of Easier (green) rated trails accessed from the top of Schoolyard Express (CH 17) but Spring Canyon is probably my favorite. It has a consistent grade and some fun snow banks that almost make it feel like a natural halfpipe in a few spots. You can also access Huck’s Drop – a short steep roller that my 5-year-old loves.”

Green level pro-tip: Who doesn't love #snowbunny selfies for IG, but if you decide to do it move to the side of the trail so others can safely pass.

Blue runs: Mambo. “Accessed from Stump Alley Mambo begins right below Forest Trail. Mambo has a few subtle rollovers on it that make for an exciting beginning to the run. Windlips are often found along the left side of Mambo that are a blast to bounce around on. As you continue down the run, it becomes gradually steeper and arcs to the right and back toward Stump Alley Express (chair 2). There are a bunch of different ways to ski/ride Mambo and the surrounding terrain, all of which I still look forward to after 20 years of riding them.”

Blue level pro-tip: Looking to advance? Book a guide rather than a lesson. This person will show you all the trails they think you’re ready for and help you elevate to the next level.

Black runs: Everything. “An argument could be made for each of our single diamond trails leaving from the top of the mountain. Dave’s, Cornice and Scotty’s all offer a good dose of excitement and steep, above tree-line bowl skiing at its best. For me Scotty’s is my favorite, a little longer, a pinch steeper and an incredible runout push it to the top for me, albeit narrowly.”

Black level pro-tip: Take it slow. We know the adrenaline rush that comes with hitting a difficult trail may want to send you zooming, but for a first run try hitting all the turns and corners you can to get to know the slope. Then, on the next run, go ahead and shred the gnar.

“I might not make it down for days” trails: Climax. “Steep and loaded with features, Climax could be one of the more exciting runs in North America. Climax is located right below the gondola thus making it one of the more visible runs on the mountain. With a cornice often lurking up top, large rocks strew throughout the middle and a few narrow chutes at the bottom Climax will keep you on your toes from beginning to end.

Deep and steep level pro-tip: Don’t be a hero. If you think you can’t make it down the most difficult terrain just don’t. Wait until you’re ready, and go with a friend for both moral support and aid if you need it.

Mammoth Mountain’s new regulations have led to some pretty nifty high-tech upgrades, including new mobile ordering options for mountain dining. All you have to do is download the Mammoth Mountain app and begin your order there.

For the “never waste a minute diners: Quick Eats. Mammoth Mountain now has two outdoor containers called “Quick Eats” serving beverages and hot food options including tortas and tacos and beers and brats.

For the carbo-loaders: Lunchbox. Mammoth now has a new airstream called the Lunchbox that sits at the base of chair 4. It serves tasty and warm cheesesteak sandwiches, along with a small selection of craft beers.

For the meat lovers: The Mill BBQ isn’t just for warm weather. Head to the base of chair two to fill up on The Mill’s famous house-made pulled pork and smoked tri-tip. As a bonus, take your meal outside to enjoy a bit of winter sun.

For the caffeine enthusiast: Black Velvet. Starting your ski day right means starting it with a cup of coffee strong enough to last all day. The espresso bar offers all the favorites, but if you’re there during a holiday, make sure to get yourself whatever special offering they’ve got.

For the noodle lovers: Yama Ramen. A new traditional ramen restaurant in the Village boasting a full selection of top-shelf Japanese whiskies, Yama Ramen is an ideal apres-ski dining spot located in the village. Perfect for winter take-out too.

For the pizza purist: John’s Pizza Works. John’s Pizza Works, a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice spot, has long been a Mammoth favorite. The shop makes its own dough and sauces in-house daily so you can enjoy a slice on sight or take home a massive pie to enjoy in your condo.

For the Skiing sweethearts: Skadi. Named after the Viking goddess of hunting and skiing, Skadi offers up fine Alpine dining at the base of Mammoth. The restaurant is for those nights when only a glass of expensive wine, pan-seared bay scallops and a hearty steak for two will do.

Skiers: 53 Kitchen & Cocktails has been reimagined as a casual sports bar eatery with multiple TVs, a full service bar, and order-at-the-counter dining options, making it a great spot to hang up your polls, grab a drink, and catch a game.

Riders: The Outpost. Located on the back side of Mammoth Mountain, the Outpost serves up craft beers out of an old shipping container. The only catch here is, you’ll have to take the last chair up, have your beer, then ride down to the bottom. Though, it may be worth it as you’ll have the mountain all to yourself.

Snow bunnies: Lakanuki Tiki Bar. The tiki-themed bar is the perfect place to go if you want to daydream about all the warmer vacations to come. The bar is well-known for its tasty mai tais and margaritas, and for serving up a really good time just at the base of the mountain.

If your quads are burning, or if you’re just looking for an alternative form of winter fun, Mammoth has you covered there too. One of its most precious natural gifts is its plentiful hot springs (remember, this place was once an active volcano so there’s still a lot of hot happenings going on below its snowy surface). Though there are a number to choose from it’s important to remember that these are all in natural spaces, so be ready to trek in and out and bring all your trash and goodies home with you too. Oh, and be ready to be surrounded by a few naked bodies, because people like to wear just what god gave ‘em in this natural space. Not quite your thing? Here are a few extra options for activities to do on and off the slopes to fill those off days.

Thermal baths: Wild Willy’s Hot Springs. The natural hot springs are free to the public, but you have to be willing to work to get there. To find the spring, head East on the 395 and turn left on Benton Crossing Road (marked with green church). Drive for about three miles until you reach a cattle gate and dirt road on the right. (Note: The gates are typically only open from spring through fall, so if you’re visiting in winter, you’re going to have to walk from here.) Go about a mile down the road and follow the boardwalk until you hit the spring. Then, strip down for your dip.

Snowmobiling: Snowmobile Adventures. Head out on a 90-minute family guided tour, which takes you through the gorgeous surrounding winter wonderland before stopping at the Minaret Vista, which offers the perfect view of Mammoth Mountain and the surrounding mountains.

Snowshoeing: Tamarack XC Ski Center Full Moon Tour. Plan your visit for a stay under the full moon and take advantage of all that light with a full moon snowshoe tour. The 90-minute tours begin at 7 p.m. and include all equipment.

Tubing: Woolly’s Tube Park. For kids and kids at heart, head out to Woolly’s Tube Park on the mountain for some thrilling fun. Tickets are sold in one hour and 15 minute blocks, making for the perfect afternoon or evening activity. Advanced reservations are encouraged.

Dog sledding: Mammoth Dog Teams. For an all-day adventure book a trip with a few athletic pups. Head out for a two-hour tour with Mammoth Dog Teams on its Smokey's Run trip, which comes with your choice of hot drinks provided. Trips can be booked a week in advance and run every day, weather permitting. Looking for more? Try to snag one of its limited overnight dog sled trips and dine out on that adventure story for years to come.

More like this: