10 Tips for Surviving Your (and everyone else’s) Mammoth Lakes Holiday Vacation

December 21, 2023

Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to spend a holiday ski vacation -- and a lot people know it. Here's how to enjoy a trip to the mountains during the most popular time of year.

Embrace the festive atmosphere that comes with a full town and full slopes.

Top Tips to enjoy your holiday in Mammoth Lakes

1. Know the peak times

If you choose to visit Mammoth Lakes during the holidays, know that you are not alone. A trip to the mountains has become an annual tradition for many families. Be ready to embrace the vibrant energy that comes from a full town, full slopes, and full shops.

2. Park your car (or fly here!)

Arrange your lodging in an area that will allow you to access our terrific, free transit system well into the evening hours. Yes, the shuttles can be crowded during peak periods but using them beats hunting around for a parking space, especially when snow storage reduces the number of spaces available. You also won’t have to worry about drinking and driving, or driving during inclement weather.

3. Get your equipment the day before you plan to use it

If you’re renting gear, most places will allow you to pick it up late in the afternoon or in the evening before you hit the slopes. Rental shops are usually slammed first thing in the morning, and you really can’t count on getting your kids into their morning lesson on time if you have to spend precious time having their equipment fitted. A delivery service like Black Tie ski rentals that brings your equipment to you can be especially valuable during the holiday rush.

4. Make an appointment if you’re shopping for new gear

Especially if you’re shopping for something like ski boots, call ahead and see if you can make an appointment or inquire about the best time to visit the retail store for more personalized service with less waiting. Our local retailers really appreciate your business and want you to have a good experience.

5. Plan some meals at home (and grocery shop early!)

There are plenty of restaurants here, but it does get very busy and you don’t want to spend the whole vacation trying to secure a table. Stock some grab-and-go breakfast foods and snacks in your hotel room or condo. Vons is a full-service market but it is often crowded all through the holidays. If you only need a few things, consider some smaller options like Busy Beez General Store, Grocery Outlet and even Rite Aid. For the ultimate level of preparation, consider buying groceries before heading to Mammoth Lakes.

6. Make reservations and consider takeout

Don’t make dinner a last-minute decision. Make a reservation as soon as you know where you want to dine if the restaurant accepts reservations and arrive promptly. If you can’t make a reservation and have your heart set on a certain menu, plan out how to keep yourself entertained during the wait. Our talented local chefs can also prepare excellent takeout meals. Just remember to allow a lot of time for your order to be prepared. Sometimes it feels like everyone in town gets hungry at once!

7. Eat lunch away from the mountain.

The majority of holiday visitors are here to hit the slopes, so they’ll be eating lunch in the lodges. Meanwhile, restaurants further away from the mountain tend to be slower mid-day. Insider tip: go early, go hard, and go home. You can get in plenty of skiing and riding while everyone else snoozes -- make your exit just as the lift lines are getting long!

8. Consider June Mountain and the Backside.

Mammoth Mountain’s sister mountain June Mountain is smaller and draws fewer crowds. It’s family friendly, the views are spectacular, and the town has a cozy atmosphere. It's definitely worth a day trip, since it's only 30 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes! Also, don’t overlook Chairs 12, 13, and 14 at Mammoth Mountain. These double chairs access some terrific terrain that tends to be less crowded during busy periods.

9. Expect slow internet and phone service

Even with recent improvements to our digital infrastructure, we know that internet and phone service in Mammoth Lakes can get slow during busy periods. If you must access the internet, especially to transmit data, try early in the morning. For entertainment, consider some traditional alternatives like books and board games. Mammoth Fun Shop has plenty to choose from!

10. Be patient. Be considerate. Be kind.

Remember that everyone who is going to be in town during busy periods is going to be struggling with crowds, and town is doing its best to create space for everyone to get around as best they can. Help others if you have a chance and be considerate in town and on the mountain. Remember that we operate on mountain time up here (i.e., a slower pace of life), so don’t worry about taking things slow. Better to arrive in one piece at your destination.

We know you’ve heard it before, but kindness goes a long way when it comes to managing stress during the busy season. Let’s all try to remember our human compassion and be kind to locals, visitors, and workers alike.

Be patient, be considerate, be kind -- and remember to have fun. Happy holidays!

Author

Betsy Temple-Truax

Betsy loves living and playing in Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra with her active family and friends. A passionate advocate for community recreation, Betsy never turns down an opportunity to swim, ski, paddle, travel or let someone else cook.