Current Weather:
Sunny
weather 38°

Base Depth:
122-162"

24hr Snowfall:
0

Surface:
Powder

Mammoth Mountain

1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, 93546
Phone: 760-934-2571 Snow Report: 888.SNOWRPT
Mammoth Website

by Josh Bishop

The BASICS
• 150 trails
• 28 chair lifts
• 9 high speed quads
• 2 high speed 6 packs
• 3 high speed gondolas
• 214 skiable acres
• 11, 053’ Summit elevation
• 3,500 Acres of Skiing
• 400 inches of Annual Snowfall
• Season: November to June

Mammoth Mountain offers everything a ski resort should: incredible scenery, an amazing view from the summit, limitless terrain, endless powder days, and over 300 days of sun every year. Located about five hours outside of LA and three hours from the Lake Tahoe area, Mammoth is just far enough out of reach from major urban areas that it doesn’t receive the vast influx of tourists as seen by other resorts (something that will most likely change with the new airport providing nonstop service to most large NW cities).

Mammoth is known for manmade terrain. Coupled with it’s strong commitment to build the best terrain park in North America, the mountain has received a great deal of media attention from both Freeskiing and Snowboard magazines for their meticulously groomed terrain parks. The backcountry options are expansive and only recommended for the most experienced of skiers. For skiers looking for a taste of the backcountry but do not have the knowledge or the technical ability, some expert instructors will take guided groups to those areas of the mountain.

For the more adventurous and well-versed skiers, take the Panorama Gondola to the top of the Sierra and make your way to Huevos Grande, Climax, and other genuinely challenging double back and black diamonds runs. The lower half the mountain offers excellent tree skiing on Grizzly, Shaft, and Viva. Anything serviced by Chair 5 and the Facelift Express are a must ski for expert skiers. For intermediates, Chair 8, the Canyon Express, and the Roller Coaster express service enjoyable terrain. Chair 12 provides access to more intermediate terrain - this area is typically less crowded than the main base area. The backside of the mountain and the runs serviced by Chair 13 and Chair 14 offers wide open bowls, scattered trees, and other natural features – overall a great destination for intermediate to advanced skiers.

With a population of approximately 7,500 people, Mammoth Lakes is a small community. For the kids, the Jeff Anderson Memorial Skatepark is one of the best in the area. There is also a movie theatre, a playground, coffee shops, boutique stores, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of the local favorites are: Skadi serving an eclectic offering with a peculiar décor. The Chart House, home of seafood, steaks, and some exotic offerings, and The Lakefront Restaurant at Tamarak Lodge where you can enjoy a relaxing view of the lake, spectacular cuisine, and a respectable Wine List.

*all photos courtesy of Peatross/MMSA

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Current Weather:
Sunny
weather 38°

Forecast:
Partly Sunny
weather 38°

SKI CONDITIONS

Latest Report: 20100311T06:26:00
24hr Snowfall:
0		 Last Snowfall:
Mar 10 - 6"		 Surface:
Powder
Base Depth:
122-162"		 Trails Open:
150		 Total Trails:
150
Percent Trails Open:
100%		 Lifts Open:
icon 28		 Total Lifts:
icon 29
Terrain Type:
Beginner:
N/A		 Intermediate:
N/A		 Advanced:
N/A		 Expert:
N/A
Elevation:
weather Peak Elevation:
11053 ft 3369 m Vertical:
3100 ft 945 m Base Elevation:
7953 ft 2424 m		 Total Acres:
3500 Total Miles:
N/A
Longest Run:
N/A
3 miles		 Easiest Run:
Sesame Street		 Steepest Run:
Hangman's Hollow
Best Bumps:
West Bowl		 Best Trail Name:
Paranoid Flats		  
 

Great times...

Submitted by Anonymous on February 2, 2010.

Our family loves Mammoth. The local residents are very laid back and friendly. The mountain is so big that it never feels crowded. Lots to do there in both winter and summer.

Hot Springs

Submitted by Heading to mammoth on January 27, 2010.

Does anybody have a map or guide to all the hotsprings near the mammoth airport?

My favorite in CA

Submitted by CAskibum on January 27, 2010.

Mammoth offers the biggest and baddest skiing in California. After moving to LA from Colorado, I was very nervous that I wouldn't be able to find a similar experience within driving distance. I was wrong. This place rocks! And it doesn't suffer the same warm/cold fluctuations that the Tahoe resorts do. Grab a cocktail at the mid-mountain Steeps bar and then hit Hangman's Hollow for some stomach-turning fun.

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Air Travel

You used to have to fly into the Bay Area, Reno or Los Angeles and drive to get to Mammoth.  Following a multi-million dollar renovation, Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) will begin accommodating commercial flights into Mammoth this December, getting you to within 6 miles of the mountain.  Hotel shuttles, taxis and rental cars are available at the airport.

Driving Directions

The drive to Mammoth offers a spectacular tour of the Eastern Sierra. From the moment you hit the highway, you travel through one of the most beautiful portions of California. Valleys give way to mountains and energy builds until Mammoth Mountain looms in the distance. Access from all directions via the scenic north-to-south US Hwy 395, running along the eastern edge of California's Sierra Nevada Range.

From Southern California: You'll pass Death Valley, Mount Whitney and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Take I-5 north to State Route 14 north to US 395 north to State Route 203 (300-375 miles).

From San Francisco: Arrive via Yosemite National Park in the summer. In winter take Interstate 80 to Hwy 50 to Kingsbury Grade cutoff to US 395 south to State Route 203 (320 miles).

From Lake Tahoe/Reno: Drive through miles of scenic backcountry, Bodie State Historical Park and Mono Lake. Take US 395 south to State Route 203 (165 miles)

From Las Vegas: Tour the deserts interesting rock formations and old gold mining towns. One of several options is US 95 north to Hwy 266 west; turn slight left to State Route 168 to US 395 north to State Route 203 (310 miles).

The winter Mammoth Transit System offers a convenient, fun and environmentally-friendly alternative to getting around Mammoth.  Their numerous routes will get you around town with ease and they even offer Dial-A-Ride service that'll take you door-to-door, as well as a Crest Service that provides transportation north to Reno and south to Lancaster (70 miles north of Los Angeles). 

Click here for a complete transit map with schedules and routes.