Being on the mountain is physical. It quickly exposes everyone’s comfort level when it comes to being in the sun, wind, cold, up at elevation, etc. Proper gear is essential and make sure you plan in some down time.Of course, there’s a certain stoke that helps push through all this: a sense of learning. Of progression. Whether it’s your kids’ first run in the terrain park or just getting more comfortable on a snowboard and overcoming those initial jitters, it’s all one endless learning experience.
When to Visit Mammoth Lakes in the Winter
There’s plenty of space at Mammoth Mountain for even holiday weekend crowds, but if you can avoid the peak days/times by skiing midweek or early morning (be at the lifts at 8:30 am), it can help everything go even more smoothly.
As far as seasons, Mammoth Lakes often gets great snow early (November), and the warm days of spring skiing (mid-March to end of the season) can be absolutely unreal. Both late and early season will see fewer crowds. That said, high season is also a fun time to be in Mammoth Lakes, with holiday events and other festivities filling the calendar.
Winter Gear Rentals in Mammoth Lakes
Picking up your gear (skis, board, boots, helmet) can be quick and easy. That said, if you have a lesson scheduled, make sure to get to the rental shop at least 45 minutes (an hour is better) before it starts, just in case.
There’s a discount when you reserve gear at least a week in advance at some rental locations, and there’s also a premium rental service that makes getting your gear even faster and comes with locker service.
If you’re a seasoned rider/skier, consider the demo option. You can test out various new (sometimes brand new) boards or skis over the course of your stay.
What to Pack for Mammoth Lakes in the Winter
You’ll want to bring: goggles (all kids taking lessons must have protective eyewear in addition to their helmet), ski socks, thermal underwear (tops and bottoms), snow pants, jacket, and hat, plus a balaclava to keep in a pocket in case the wind comes up. Shopping for these items (let the kids help choose!) and trying it on beforehand can be a fun way to build anticipation and get kids used to gearing up.
What to Expect on a Ski Trip to Mammoth Lakes
Novice skiers and riders start off on gently sloped areas, runs with easy conveyor-belt-style lifts. From there, instructors will work on fundamentals. The big breakthrough comes when students can stop on command, turn, and stay in control, which allows instructors to take them up on the chairlift for the first time, giving learners their first real taste of the mountain.
It’s important to remember that each person learns at their own pace. Alleviate the pressure. Whether or not the kids make it up on the chair the first day, second day, or not at all on this first trip doesn’t really matter. The goal is having fun and a positive first experience.
On-Mountain Fun at Mammoth Mountain
To understand Mammoth Mountain, you have to start with the terrain. As storm systems come in from the Pacific, they sometimes drop heavy snow on the Eastern Sierra. Mammoth Mountain averages 400 inches of snowfall or more each season — with some seasons extending into August. Storms of three feet, four feet (sometimes more!) can be routine.
At times, these big weather events can be accompanied by winds, creating temporary lift closures. But the moment they’re open again, a kind of feeding frenzy occurs, with powder-crazed riders and skiers looking for first tracks down their favorite lines. And this is when Mammoth Mountain turns legendary. The infrastructure is built around four base lodges (as well as the Village at Mammoth, which has its own Village Gondola up to the mountain):
- Main Lodge — summit access via Panoramic Gondola. Gets the first sun in the morning.
- The Mill — less than a mile before Main Lodge, easier parking. A good meeting point between Main Lodge and Canyon, yet limited services and storage.
- Canyon Lodge — accessible from Village Gondola. Busiest of all four lodges.
- Eagle Lodge — closest to the center of town, yet limited parking.
Lift tickets can be purchased directly at any of the four bases (as well as the Village at Mammoth), and each has food options as well. Ski school is available at Main Lodge (which also offers daycare), Canyon Lodge, and Eagle Lodge.
While not directly part of the lift-accessed infrastructure, a “fifth” lodge — Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center — is a quiet alternative located on 19 miles of groomed Nordic trails.
Skiing & Snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain
The 25 lifts at Mammoth Mountain give access to more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, with 3,100+ feet of vertical, over 150 named trails, and several different terrain parks. The terrain breaks down to 15% expert, 20% advanced, 40% intermediate, 25% beginner. Download the free Mammoth Mountain Mobile App for interactive trail maps, lift ticket purchasing (and specials), mountain cams, events, and more.
The Panorama Gondola gets you from Main Lodge to the summit comfortably in 10-15 minutes and runs (as do all lifts) from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Conditions permitting, the protected steeps off Chair 22 (Avalanche Chutes) are classic expert runs. Intermediate riders, try lapping Chair 12 for some sweet (and often uncrowded) features, as well as the overlooked glades on the mid-to-lower mountain.
Mammoth Mountain Ski School
At Mammoth Mountain Ski School, you’ll meet passionate instructors from all over the country. Kids’ (or adults’) group lessons are a fun way to get started; you’ll work through a proven method for developing mountain IQ and riding/skiing.
Group lessons are offered daily in both the morning and afternoon. There are also full-day lesson + childcare packages for days when you might want to just leave the kids and spend the day shredding. Private lessons are also available for riders of all skill levels, which really accelerates learning curves.
On-Mountain Dining at Mammoth Mountain
Midway up the Panorama Gondola, there’s a food court at McCoy Station with lots of options open 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. At the Main Lodge, Tusks is a sports bar with live music on weekends.
If your crew makes it to the backside of the mountain, The Outpost is a really cool sundeck/open-air sandwich stop with plenty of craft beer. If you’re basing out of Canyon Lodge and it’s still warm and sunny when you’re done, The Beach Bar is a great outdoor hang spot. If folks are cold, head upstairs to The Grizzly Bar. Just keep in mind that some spots stop serving food at 3:30.
The Ikon Pass
The Ikon Pass — which gives access to the world’s best ski destinations — naturally includes Mammoth Mountain. But you get more than an unlimited, no-blackout-date pass to the slopes. Here, your Ikon Pass comes with serious discounts: 25% for up to 10 Friends & Family lift tickets, as much as 20% off your Mammoth Mountain lodging, and more discounts at local restaurants and retailers. Then there are the reduced lesson and rental rates, the special events like “Early Up” days (where pass holders score early access to the lifts and a free breakfast)…the list goes on.