At 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain boasts the highest lift-served terrain in California—true to its name in both size and stature. But vertical bragging rights aren’t the only thing that make this High Sierra ski area in Mammoth Lakes a must-visit. Its legendary Sierra Nevada snowpack—averaging more than 400 inches annually—and expansive mountain terrain are also irresistible to skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
For Olympic greats such as Shaun White, Kelly Clark, Stacey Cook, and Chloe Kim, the mountain’s snowy slopes have served as the ultimate training ground. For everyone else, Mammoth Mountain is a world-class winter playground.
Here’s what to expect from a visit to this larger-than-life destination in California’s High Sierra.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain
Ski season starts in early November and often extends well into early summer, with lifts still spinning at the beginning of June. In big snow years, 4th of July skiing is all but guaranteed.
During winter, five base lodges are the hubs of all things skiing and snowboarding: ticket offices, ski school, gear rentals, and access to more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. Whether you’re cruising groomers off School Yard Express (Chair 17) or racking up laps off the summit—that’s 3,100 feet of vert and 3 miles from top to bottom—you can feel the laid-back California vibe reverberating throughout the resort.
In addition to season passes and single-day tickets, Mammoth Mountain is also part of the Ikon Pass, which grants pass holders access to both summer and winter activities.
Terrain Parks at Mammoth Mountain
If groomers and off-piste skiing aren’t enough of an adrenaline rush, take it up a notch in the Mammoth Unbound Terrain Parks. With more than 100 jibs, a rotating selection of up to 40 jumps, and two halfpipes across 10 distinct parks, Mammoth Mountain is a freestyle paradise.
A dedicated Unbound grooming team keeps the terrain parks on the cutting edge of the sport, earning Mammoth Mountain a spot as one of the official training grounds for the U.S. Freeski and Snowboard teams.
On-Mountain Dining on Mammoth Mountain
There are 17 on-hill eateries and on sunny days, dining alfresco is the way to go. Head to The Mill at the base of Stump Alley (Chair 2), where the smoker rolls out tri-tip, pulled pork, and other tasty barbecue fare all day long. A lounge chair on the snow is the perfect spot to give your legs a break and enjoy the slopeside people watching.
If “break” isn’t part of your ski-day vocabulary, opt for The Lunchbox at the bottom of Rollercoaster Express (Chair 4). This low-key pit stop serves cantina-style menu items from a vintage Airstream right on the snow.
On the backside of the mountain, The Outpost serves up fancy grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of local craft beer. Post up on the sundeck with a view of the slopes to watch the action on the Hemlocks. Accessible by boot-pack only, this expert terrain attracts dedicated skiers and riders, so it’s usually quite an impressive show.
Where to Après-ski at Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain delivers on the classic après-ski experience. The official party happens every Friday and Saturday afternoon, snow or shine (unless the snow reaches winter storm warning levels), at the Canyon Lodge Sundeck. Grab a drink from the indoor/outdoor Lincoln Bar. Then, soak in the good vibes with music from a DJ spinning in an elevated gondola that’s been transformed into a DJ booth above the crowd. After last call, the party migrates to The Village via the Village Gondola.
Kids can enjoy their own version of après-ski at Woolly’s Dance Party, held in The Village every Saturday during peak ski season. Expect music and wholesome festivities with everyone’s favorite skiing pachyderm, Woolly the Mammoth Mountain mascot.
More Winter Activities in the High Sierra
Get the full winter experience with even more on-snow fun at the resort. Explore 140 miles of groomed cross-country trails at the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Zoom through frosty forests on a guided snowmobile tour. Or try a SNO-GO Snow Bike tour, a recent addition that combines the carving feel of skiing with the balance of biking on a ski hill.
Winter at Woolly’s Adventure Summit brings snow tubing, thrilling rides on the Mountain Coaster, and snowplay activities for kids of all ages.
Summer Activities at Mammoth Mountain
During the summer months, mountain bikers can ride more than 80 miles of lift-access singletrack at the Mammoth Bike Park. With outstanding downhill and cross-country terrain, Mammoth Mountain offers thrills for even the most accomplished mountain bikers. Green riders can cut their teeth on beginner-friendly trails in the Discovery Zone or book a mountain biking lesson through the Mountain Center.
For kids, endless opportunities for kid-friendly fun abound at Woolly’s Adventure Summit. Think summer camp with a side of adrenaline: a mountain coaster, climbing wall, ropes course, zip line, bungee trampoline, archery, and more are all on the agenda.
Where to Stay at Mammoth Mountain
When on-mountain activities are your top priority, slopeside lodging is the way to go. Stay across the street from the Main Lodge at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, or just steps from Eagle Lodge at Juniper Springs Resort. Or book a condo at The Village Lodge or Westin Monache Resort—prime real estate with easy access to Canyon Lodge via the Village Gondola, plus shops, restaurants, and nightlife.