Mammoth Mountain offers an exhilarating ski experience paired with California’s sunny skies and stunning Sierra Nevada landscape. With over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, incredible après, and one of the longest ski seasons in the US, Mammoth is a bucket list destination.
The Sierra’s have gotten some amazing snow the last few years. In 2023 closing day took place in August, AUGUST! Last season didn’t go quite as long, typically their season goes November – June. We visited Mammoth in April and got in some great spring skiing. It is where we finished the season and there couldn’t have been a better way to end than at Mammoth.
Where to stay in Mammoth
Outbound Mammoth
$$
Good for: groups, people traveling with pets
Proximity to the slopes: 5-10 minute drive to the mountain.
Amenities we love: They have an heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and there is a sauna inside. Bar Sierra is the on site restaurant offering drinks, food, and music.
The Westin Monache Resort
$$$
Good for: extended stays and large groups, people with Marriott points
Proximity to the slopes: 4-minute walk to the ski lifts
Amenities we love: A heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and a fitness center
Mammoth Mountain Inn
$$$
Good for: people who want to maximize time on the slopes
Proximity to the slopes: Ski-in/ ski-out
Amenities we love: They have not 1, not 2, but 4 hot tubs! There is also an outdoor heated pool and they are pet friendly.
Best après in Mammoth Mountain
Canyon Lodge Weekend Après Party
$$
Where: On the patio of Lincoln Tavern at the Canyon Lodge
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 2-5pm hosted by DJ WLDCT, no ticket required but recommended to get there early to stake out a spot.
What to order: A bottle of champagne for spraying
Vibe: Crowd surfing, dancing on tables, and champagne showers kind of party.
Lakanuki
$$
Where: Tiki bar located in The Village at Mammoth
When: Stop in for happy-hour or go on the weekend for late night music and dancing, they’re open until 2am Friday-Sunday.
What to order: Their world-famous Mai Tai
Vibe: Late night tropical club
Clocktower Cellar
$$
Where: In the Alpenhof Hotel
When: They’re open daily from 4-11pm with happy hour from 4-7pm.
What to order: A beer from their extensive selection of craft beers
Vibe: Relaxed, cozy local hang out
Night Shift at Bar Sierra
$
Where: Located onsite at the Outbound Mammoth hotel.
When: Night Shift, at Bar Sierra, is the new nighttime après party featuring WLDCT and special guest DJs all season long. Night Shift starts at 10pm, must purchase ticket ahead of time, must be 21+.
What to order: Beer or a house cocktail
Vibe: Dance party with all your friends
Where to eat
The Eatery at Mammoth Brewing Company
$$
Cuisine: Elevated pub-fare
Reservations: Walk-in only
Best for: Beer lovers, casual dinner with friends
The Yodler
$$
Cuisine: Bavarian-inspired hearty, German dishes.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Best for: Dinner with a European alpine vibe
Vulcania
$$$
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Reservations: Reservations recommended
Best for: Date night or a nice dinner with family and friends.
Roberto’s Café
$
Cuisine: Mexican
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Best for: Fun dinner and cocktails with friends
What to do if you don’t ski
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
FREE
Where: About a 15-minute drive from Mammoth right off highway 395 down Benton Crossing Rd there is a dirt road that leads to small parking lot.
When: Go when the weather is nice on a slightly warmer day. From the parking lot you need to walk about ¼ of a mile to reach the hot springs so dress warm or go on a warmer day.
Why we love it: A great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Sierras. There are 3 large hot spring pools so they aren’t too crowded.
Woolly’s Adventure Summit
$$
Where: Right on the mountain
When: Open 10am-4pm most days, tickets must be purchased in advanced online.
Why we love it: Fun for the whole family, they offer tubing, a mountain coaster, and a snow play area for little kids.
Snowmobiling
$$$
Where: Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures, located adjacent to Mammoth’s Main Lodge, there is parking for snowmobile adventure customers behind Yodler.
When: Reserve your time and date ahead of time online, Ikon Pass holders can save on mid-week single tours, but must purchase in person.
Why we love it: Get off the beaten path and explore the mountain in a whole new way.
How to get to Mammoth and getting around
You can reach Mammoth Lakes by flying directly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), which is serviced by a limited number of regional flights during winter. Alternatively, you can fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) or Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and drive the remaining distance. For a more scenic route, take a road trip along US-395, which offers breathtaking views of the Eastern Sierra.
Mammoth Mountain has an efficient, free mountain shuttle system, with routes connecting The Village, Main Lodge, and other key locations. Many hotels also offer shuttle services. Parking is available for those who prefer to drive, but arrive early to get a spot. In winter, a four-wheel drive or chains are recommended due to snowy conditions.
Ski passes and ski rentals
Mammoth Mountain is on the Ikon Pass, pass holders have unlimited access and are not required to make reservations at this time. There is also the Mammoth Black Pass, their dedicated season pass that comes with lots of perks and extras, like premier parking and VIP event access. There is a waitlist for Mammoth Black passes right now. If you’re not on a pass, you can purchase lift tickets directly through the resort. There are discounts for multi-day tickets, lodging bundles and purchasing in advance online. Right now a single day lift ticket is running about $169-$209.
Ski rentals are available directly through the mountain, they have several convenient shops for pick up including at the Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, and Eagle Lodge. They offer equipment for all levels as well as demos. Ski Butlers also offers rental delivery right to your accommodations, Ikon pass holders save 20% on Ski Butlers!
