Mammoth Mountain Resort

• 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