Very Good!4.2 / 5May 07, 2018
Jason B. advanced skier
Build your Mammoth Mountain Ski Trip
Learn more about Mammoth Mountain
Pros
- One of the longest seasons in the US
- Large area and terrain for all ability levels
- Tons of snow
Cons
- Far from major cities
Overall
Mammoth Mountain is one of California’s biggest ski areas, with more than 3,500 ac of terrain! It gets tons of snow and has one of the longest seasons in North America – as recently as 2016-17 the lifts kept turning until August! Here you’ll find a modern resort with all the amenities you’d expect, along with a community in Mammoth Lakes which has laid-back, small-town Eastern Sierra vibe. All that acreage includes terrain to suit all ability levels, making it a great destination for families and groups.
Best month to go
January to March
Mammoth has one of the longest seasons in the country but the best time to visit is between January and March. January is the coldest month which is great for the snow, while March is perfect for spring skiing as it's warm during the day yet still rather cold at night.
FLY TO
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
drive/taxi/uber to
Mammoth Mountain (22 minutes)
Base of Mammoth Mountain (Walk)
- Village has a range of lodges
- Variety of dining options in Village
- Ski-in/ski-out accommodation also available at other bases
Mammoth Lakes (0.50-1 mi)
- Town adjacent to ski resort
- Variety of accommodation options from budget hotels to luxury resorts
- Wide range of dining options
For beginners
Beginners will have plenty of long and wide runs to explore at Mammoth. There are a range of easier runs around the Canyon Lodge base area but those with a bit more experience should try out Road Runner Lower, our favorite run for beginners here. Sitting close the ski area boundary, this trail will give beginners a real "in the woods" feel to it. While it is rated as "slightly more difficult" than the easier runs, there are some sections that can get quite flat and snowboarders might even have to take off their bindings!
For intermediates
With so much terrain at Mammoth, intermediates won't have trouble finding new runs to explore with tons of long and wide runs across the mountain. Our top pick for intermediates would have to be Solitude, a long wide trail that has the perfect pitch and a bit of curve! If that's not enough for you, the backside also serves up a range of blues and even an intermediate rated bowl, Rigley's bowl!
For experts
Advanced and Expert skiers and snowboarders are well catered for at Mammoth with plenty of steep trails, bowls, glades and double black diamond chutes to explore! While there's tons of black pistes to explore, our favorite is Cornice Bowl! For the daredevils, the chutes offer cliffs with falls of a few yards!
Find freshies
Unfortunately, freshies can get tracked out within the first hour of the resort opening, especially during holidays and powder weekends. Avoid the crowds by heading to the back of the mountain to Chair 13 and 14, but you have to be quick as freshies can also get tracked out fast too.
Ditch the crowds
Lifts at the base such as Canyon Express and lower lifts tend to be the most crowded. Lift queues here are usually no more than 10 minutes though sometimes can be more. The best lifts to avoid the crowds is on the back of the mountain on Chair 13 and 14
Non skiers
For the non-skiers, Mammoth offers a range of things to do including tubing, snowmobiling, scenic gondola rides and snowcat tours.
Families
Mammoth Mountain is great for families with a fantastic ski school to get kids learning. The huge lodges are also a great place for meeting up and taking a break. Mammoth also has childcare facilities for the little ones and a range of fun kids activities such as a tubing.
Save up to 33% when you book a Mammoth Mountain package!
View Mammoth Mountain packages
Mammoth Mountain Reviews
Jason B. Good!3.8 / 5May 01, 2018
Trey B. advanced skier
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 05, 2017
RSRichard S.
The best ski mountain in the United States. There is runs for every level. We drive from Arizona to Mammoth at least 12 times a year to get the best runs and snow and customer service. Truly God's Country!... Moreintermediate skier
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 03, 2017
MMMichael M.
Best mountain in California, hands down. Easy drive, great terrain, huge jumps. People are friendly staff is helpful and when mother nature dumps a healthy amount of deep white fluffy stuff, there's no where I would rather be.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 03, 2017
JUJustin U.
Mammoth Mountain is Epic and has is all! With plenty of technical terrain runs through the depths, steep sweeping groomers for intermediate riders and long easy runs for beginners. This place has more than enough variety for everyone. Hit these slopes and start your adventure now.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 02, 2017
MCMatthew C.
mammoth is awesome! I did my first year of snowboarding last year. and it was epic !!!!! I'm hoping to go to other resorts as,well. but I will definitely be going to mammoth again this year ! Mammoth has so many good powder days . and view is amazing !!!!!!! ... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
Mammoth is a go to in CA for many reasons. Very well maintained and taken care of. Killer parks and a wide variety of terrain for everyone. Lots of food and drink options. Long season and lots of snow. The town has some decent lodging options for the budget and tons of fun places to have a good time after riding. Also, lots of great food options.... Moreexpert snowboarder
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 23, 2017
VLVitaliy L.
Mammoth is the best resort in Calulifornia. It opens earlier than any other resort and stays opened all the way into the summer, which is the longest season in America. It's very accessible, the town is taking care of the roads really well. The lifts are superb, the Gondola can take you up and down if you don't want to ski, but just want to check... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 20, 2017
GKGavin K.
Mammoth is one of the places you know you will be returning to season after season. Mammoth provides some of the best skiing in all of the sierras. Fun for all levels... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 17, 2017
CCCody C.
I have grown up going to this resort and absolutely love it. The employees are awesome, friendly, and help out with any problems. The snow was fantastic last year. The resort is big enough that even on peak holidays it doesn't feel as crowded as some other resorts. Definitely would recommend making the trip up here if can. ... Moreintermediate snowboarder