As the name implies, Mammoth Mountain is BIG. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is unquestionably one of the finest Alpine Skiing Mountain in the world. Situated in Eastern California near the world famous Yosemite National Park, the Mammoth Ski Resort really is, well, Mammoth!
Mammoth Mountain from Mammoth Lakes, California
With 3100 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding, much of the mountain is above the tree line, and the Main Lodge base at 9000 feet, you are going to get some great snow and the best snowpack in the west. Mammoth Mountain's terrain is primarily north-facing (65%), ensuring excellent snow retention. Also not surprising, a No. 2 rank for its variety of terrain thanks to 3,100 vertical feet and 3,500 skiable acres on offer.
With an average of 400 inches of snow each year, it’s no surprise that Mammoth boasts one of the longest seasons in North America (typically November to at least May; last season the lifts spun until July 28!). The snow season runs from late October to early November through May and can extend into July 4th on some of the bigger snow years. One year, they ran from October 8th to August 16th. In 2017, the ski area closed on August 6th, despite a warm summer.
Mammoth finds the happy balance between being well developed and not too fancy, and it’s somewhat affordable relative to some of the other high profile US ski resorts that have comparable facilities. That’s why it’s named Mammoth… when you come here to play, the opportunities are just about endless.
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The Mammoth Mountain snowpack is one of the most consistent worldwide. Long, endless ski seasons with many being large 500-inch winters. Add in an extensive snowmaking system, and it’s hard to beat Mammoth when the sun is shining.
Key Facts and Figures
- Skiable Area: 3,500 acres (1,420 ha)
- Vertical Drop: 3,100 feet (940 m)
- Summit Elevation: 11,059 feet (3,371 m)
- Average Snowfall: 400 inches (1016 cm)
- Terrain Parks: Eight Unbound terrain parks
Mammoth Mountain is a lava-dome complex on the southwest rim of Long Valley Caldera. Its last magmatic eruption occurred about 50,000 years ago.
History and Development
In the late 1940s, Dave McCoy had a vision and a dream, and today, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is one of the world’s premier ski and snowboard destinations. Ever since Dave McCoy opened the first rope tow in 1942, Mammoth has had a long history of California ski culture-riding up the lift is like “putting on a favorite old sweater,” says one nostalgic reader.
Mammoth was founded by Dave McCoy, a hydrographer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. As a member of the Eastern Sierra Ski Club in the 1930s, McCoy noticed that Mammoth Mountain consistently held more snow than other mountains. McCoy bought the rope tow from the club in 1941 and usually kept it at Mammoth. Forest Service permit in 1953 and constructing its first ski lift in 1955.
On February 23, 2005, Dave McCoy announced the pending sale of his stake in Mammoth Mountain, after 68 years of running the ski area. On October 5, 2005, Mammoth announced that a majority stake will be sold to Starwood Capital Group, a private equity fund specializing in real estate, run by Barry Sternlicht.
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Intrawest Corporation acquired a stake in the 1990s, leading to real estate development, including The Village at Mammoth. In January 1996, Intrawest Corporation and Mammoth Mountain Ski area announced that Intrawest Corporation had purchased 33% of Mammoth and June Mountain ski operations, as well as all of the developable real estate owned by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. In 1998, Intrawest increased their partnership interest to 58%.
Slopes
Mammoth Mountain CA has a great mix of terrain; novices are catered for with 25% of the trails, whilst intermediates have 40% with lots of well manicured cruisers. Towards the top of the mountain the runs get steeper, and advanced and expert riders are rewarded with steep chutes, mogul runs, bowls and glades. Officially the trail statistics for experienced riders are 20% advanced and 15% expert (double blacks), but of course there’s plenty of off-piste terrain too.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area has everything from above-treeline bowls to endless groomed runs, unbound parks, tree-lined powder runs, powder, the wind buff machine, groomed packed powder, and, come spring, the perfect corn snow to ride on. The terrain parks scene goes off all season long. No resort has fun like Mammoth. It’s huge (well, mammoth, really, at 3,500 skiable acres), and is just as well-known for its season-long spring party scene as its skiing.
Terrain Breakdown:
- 25% Novice
- 40% Intermediate
- 20% Advanced
- 15% Expert
Lifts
Mammoth’s lift system offers up to 23 chairs, three gondolas, three pomas, and several magic carpets. The Little Eagle Lodge Area can also get you up on your first day with two pomas and two magic carpets.
Snow Conditions
Mammoth Mountain receives over 400 inches (more than 10 metres!) of California snow on average per season. The weather here in Mammoth during the winter is about 70% sunny. That said, we can get some 3-week storm cycles that offer day after day of storm skiing. However, when storm cycles intensify and there is excessive snowfall and high winds, only a few lifts open from the lower lodges. Mammoth is the highest California ski resort with a top elevation of 11,053 ft (3,368m), and the base elevation is still a very high 7,953 ft (2,424m), so this is a plus for the snow quality.
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It’s funny how people say it never rains or snows in California. Mammoth Snowfalls can range from an average of around 350 inches at the 8000-foot level to well over 500 inches up at 11,053 feet. In years with significant snowfall, there have been 650-750 inches.
Terrain Parks
Mammoth Mountain has the best terrain parks for snowboarding. Constantly upping the bar, the Unbound Parks have make it a point to keep features new every season. Fresh rails, boxes, and a Wall Ride are only enhanced our world-class stystem of pipes. There are eight Unbound terrain parks.
For Different Skill Levels
Mammoth Ski Resort generally gets plenty of snow and the high elevation leads to superior snow conditions compared to the Tahoe ski resorts. Many ski resorts claim to cater well to all ability types (and not deliver), whilst Mammoth really does have abundant terrain for everyone. Dave MC Coy invented modern grooming standards right here at Mammoth Mountain.
Intermediate
Today, Mammoth’s fleet of over 30 Snow Grooming machines is one of the largest to run nightly during the long seven-month season. On weekends, that adds up to around 110 runs during the peak of the season.
Advanced
As you progress from intermediate groomed runs, you can move to the advanced runs on chairs 3 and 5 and then up to the cornice run off the top of Mammoth Mountain. Cornice and then Scotties are the runs advanced skiers and riders want to master first. Dave’s is also a good choice.
Experts
Freeskiing and boarding, cliff hucking, powder, trees, chutes, cliff bands. It’s all here for the expert skier and riders.
Getting There
Mammoth Ski Resort sits above the town of Mammoth Lakes in Eastern California, 313 miles (about 500km) north of Los Angeles, and 360 miles west of San Francisco (by road in winter). Mammoth Yosemite Airport is the closest airport, being only 7.8 miles (12.5km) from the town of Mammoth Lakes.
While readers gripe that it’s not the most convenient place to get to, added flights into Mammoth Lakes continue to make it easier than ever. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) provides free roundtrip shuttle service to all three of Mammoth Mountain’s lodges. The Red Line bus runs to Main Lodge. The Blue Line bus serves Canyon Lodge, and the Yellow Line provides transportation to Eagle Lodge. Access all three shuttles from The Village at Mammoth or designated stops along the routes. A gondola also runs from The Village at Mammoth to Canyon Lodge.
Mammoth Mountain lodges are also easily accessible by car. Parking at all Mammoth Mountain lodges is free, although paid premium parking options are available. A number of Mammoth Lakes taxi and shuttle services also provide transportation to Mammoth Mountain.
Lodging and Dining
The Mammoth lodging is somewhat spread out across different zones. Lots of overnight guests stay in the Village at Mammoth in studios, hotel suites and condos. Not surprisingly for a well developed resort, Mammoth has a great range of dining and shopping options. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort really takes their branding the extra yard, with the resort owned hotels and condos providing guests with towel origami shaped into a mammoth!
You’ll find a variety of dining options and bars at Main Lodge. From classic grab-and-go options at the Broadway Marketplace to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at Green V, there’s something to fuel your day on the slopes no matter your taste. For a relaxing afternoon or après, hang out at Tusks Bar. A food court, two bars and a coffee shop provide plenty of dining options and social space at Canyon Lodge. Take a mid-day break mid-mountain at McCoy Station to enjoy a variety of lunch options, including pizza, Mexican, Asian noodle dishes, warm chili, soups, and stews, as well as a fresh salad bar. Or check out our newest dining option - the Melt House & Boundary Bar at The Outpost - located on the back side of the mountain near the base of Chairs 13 and 14.
Famous for its house-made pulled pork, smoked tri-tip, California BBQ favorites, fun slopeside bar and extensive sundeck. This casual hangout features an outdoor fire pit perfect for an al fresco après at day’s end. The menu offers a variety of delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, hearty soups, and a huge array of local and regional craft beers.
Tips for Visitors
- Book in Advance: Advance purchase of lift tickets is strongly suggested for the 2024/25 season. Pricing is based on seasonality.
- Transportation: Use the free shuttle service (ESTA) to access different lodges.
- Local Tip: Mammoth is windy. When it starts whipping, stay low.
- Powder Day: Skip the long powder day gondola line and ski the backside.
Mountain Review: Mammoth, California
When you’re ready to enjoy the variety of activities available at Mammoth, you can find everything you need at ASO Mammoth, the area’s top provider of everything from hiking gear to snowboard rental. Mammoth visitors can rely on us for high-quality equipment and outstanding service.
Mammoth Mountain Terrain Park