Mammoth California beauty and a beast in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

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When people talk about Mammoth, they normally say something like “yep, wow, can’t wait to get back there”. Or “the best skiing I have had in the US”. Or “I love the incredible diversity of the mountain”. Or “bloody hell it was impossible to drive there in the blizzard”. Mammoth Mountain creates fans, and that is a combination of the excellent quality of the snow, (people do say that it is a drier powder on that falls on the east side of the Sierra Mountains), the weather (over 300 days of sunshine) and the altitude (3,300m) which keeps the snow cold and the season very long (this season they stayed open til the end of May 2024).

The village has smart shops, great hotels, hot pools, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The mountain has plenty of options to eat, drink and have a coffee break.

Image Credit | Mammoth Mountain

GETTING THERE

Mammoth Mountain is 387 miles from San Francisco which weather permitting will take you about six and a half hours. That is as long as you are not driving into a massive snow storm that turns the I-80 freeway into a carpark which can happen. If you are familiar with the area skip over the next bit. For those who have not driven the road before watch weather forecasts carefully, there are roads that Google Maps tell you will be open that cross the Sierra Nevada just south of Lake Tahoe (triple check – good chance they wont be open, especially if it is mid season) same can be said for driving through Yosemite – nope that road is a summer and spring road. So you should head up via Reno, the home to big casino hotels and not much more, that said it is an easy place to spend a night and break the trip. The drive from Reno to Mammoth is about 3 hours (169 miles) straight down Death Valley, it is a very pretty drive.

You can fly direct from LA to Mammoth Yosemite Airport but it is a semi-private charter service so prices do vary. From there it is a 15 minute trip into town. It is recommended that you do book a transfer. Alternatively United Airlines fly to Bishop California which is 45 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, again you will want to organise a transfer from the airport to your accomodation. Both airports do have car rental options. And of course you could fly to Reno.

ABOUT MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

There are three primary base lodge areas across the resort, Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge and Eagle Lodge each have all the usual facilities gear rental, shops, ticket office etc. Depending on the snow there is parking at each lodge and they are a base for your day of skiing.

Most people stay in self contained apartments some of these are in a hotel / condo arrangement with daily housekeeping and an common pool / spa.

The village is a great place to wander in the afternoon when the skiing is done and the apres beginning with open gas fires in central areas and people settling into bars for a post ski session.

WHATS IT LIKE TO SKI

There is a lot of terrain at Mammoth. Pretty much everything you are looking for is there, if you are an intermediate skier there are numerous groomer trails to whip around some of them

Image Credit | Mammoth Mountain

WHERE TO STAY

There are three big hotels and a range of condo’s, apartments, luxury homes, lodges and more to choose from here are the big ones.

THE WESTIN MONACHE RESORT

Its a Westin so you know what to expect. This is a full-service luxury hotel and it is just steps away from the Village Gondola (which typically operates from mid-December through mid-April) offers quick access to the ski slopes, as well as being in the middle of the Mammoth village’s many restaurants, shops, and nightlife options. The hotel has its own fine dining at the Whitebark Restaurant & Lounge or have your meals fireside delivered to the privacy of your suite.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN INN

Mammoth Mountain Inn – is a slopeside hotel with stunning mountain views and ski-in, ski-out convenience. A base for many families and powder hounds for over half a century. As with the other large hotels it has its own full-service restaurant, bar, coffee shop – and is just steps away from Main Lodge, ski school, and the Panorama Gondola.

VILLAGE LODGE

Right in the centre of Mammoth Village in the heart of the shopping, dining and entertainment, Village Lodge is often at the top of recommendations for its incredible convenience and the facilities of its condos (from one room to three bedroom), its multiple hot tubs and heated swimming pool.

JUNIPER SPRINGS RESORT

Juniper Springs Resort is Mammoth’s premier slope side condominium rental. Offering spacious condos and townhouses with kitchens, private balconies, and gas fireplaces, this resort delivers all the comforts of home in a family-friendly resort environment. Nestled at the base of Mammoth Mountain, Juniper Springs Resort also offers convenient ski-in, and ski-out access to the slopes, ski school, and all the amenities of Eagle Lodge.

WHERE TO EAT

Toomey’s: Its a classic American sports bar, located in the centre of town with all the regular American dishes, wine, beer and cocktails. Google Maps
Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe: A laid-back cafe with a lengthy wine list & coffee drinks as well as crepes, panini, salads & fondue. Google Maps
Mammoth Tavern: lots of wood. American fare, beer and cocktails. Google Maps
Petra’s Bistro and Wine Bar: A broad wine list & large fireplace welcome diners to this charming eatery with upscale bistro fare. Google Maps
Skadi: Arguably one of the best tables in Mammoth, named for the Norse goddess of hunting and skiing, Skadi serves up alpine cuisine with an ever-changing menu based on freshness and availability. Expect house-cured Gravlax and Canadian duck breast with spaetzle and lingonberries. Note that the dining room is very small, reservations are a must. Google Maps
Shea Schat’s Bakery: Shea Schat’s Bakery located on Main Street offers freshly squeezed orange juice and the best baked goods in Mammoth. Famous for their Sheepherder Bread, the bakery also has doughnuts, banana bread, croissants, strudels and hot drinks. Open daily at 6 a.m., Shea Schat’s Bakery is a sweet spot to start your day. Google Maps
The Lakefront: The Lakefront is on the shore of the Twin Lakes, in cozy Tamarack Lodge, a large stone fireplace and a menu of rich seasonal dishes and good wine list. Google Maps
The Melt House : Up the hill, it is located on the backside of Mammoth Mountain near Chair 14. Warm up with a gooey grilled cheese and hearty soup, before getting back out to the ski slopes, or soak up the views and the sunshine while sipping a lunch-time beer on the deck. Google Maps

WHERE TO DRINK

Clocktower Cellar: With over 160 varieties of whisky and 26 beers on tap, Clocktower Cellar is an essential player in Mammoth Mountain nightlife. The cozy bar, located right across from the Village Gondola, is complete with foosball tables and a delicious array of pub food – the perfect place to kick off your night. Google Maps
Shelter Distilling: Newish to Mammoth Mountain Village, Shelter Distilling is a hip spot to unwind after a long day on the slopes. Their extravagant drink menu offers a variety of home-brewed beers, ciders and spirits each with unique flavors. If you can’t decide what looks best, Shelter Distilling also offers beer and spirit tastings so you can sample the best of the best. Google Maps
Lakanuki: Lakanuki Bar & Cafe brings the tropics to the ski slopes, with tiki torches, fruity cocktails and late night dancing. Their full menu with burgers, salads, wings and more, is sure to satisfy your late night cravings and you can’t go wrong with their signature cocktails. Google Maps