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Ski Resorts: Mammoth Mountain California (US)

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Mammoth Mountain Summary:

Base: 7,953 ft
Summit: 11,053 ft
Vertical: 3,100 ft
Ski area: 3,500 acres
Trails: 150
Lifts: 29
Terrain parks: 3
Snowfall: 400"
Sunny: 300 days

Runs/trails:

Beginner: 25%
Intermediate: 40%
Advanced: 20%
Expert: 15%

Trail Map:

Mammoth Mountain Description:
Mammoth Mountain Mascot

The mountain is indeed "Mammoth" with over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. It packs in 28 lifts, four ski lodges, a vertical rise of 3,100 feet and an average snowfall of over 33 feet per year. Winds will often close the top of the mountain with the more advanced steeps. You can find the most challenging and steepest terrain under lift 22 which is sheltered from the wind and thus not subject to the same closings. The Mammoth crowd travels from Los Angeles and San Diego where it continues its beach party style and attitude. Check out the Yodler for "apres ski".

Mammoth Mountain Terrain:

Chutes:

The best chutes are off of lift 22 on "Lincoln Mountain". Known as the "Avalanche Chutes", they are steep and provide for a challenging run.
Bonus: Lift 22 never has a line and the ski runs in this area are sheltered from the wind. Lincoln Mountain at Mammoth

Warning Signs Take a hard right (180 degrees) after you get off of lift 22 and your will find that the entrance is greeted with plenty of warning signs for beginners to turn back and they should. Respect cliff warning signs in this area. Cliff Warning Signs

Taking the first, second and third drop offs to the skier's left will put you into the "Avalanche Chutes". They are very steep and a fall here can be disastrous. The routes to the skier's right if following under the lift are slightly less treacherous. Following the lift line will lead to cliffs.

Licoln Avalanche chutes Licoln Avalanche chutes Licoln Avalanche chutes

Mammoth also has plenty of steep terrain at the top of the mountain accessible from the top of the Gondola: "Hangman's Hollow", "Climax", "Drop out chutes" and "Wipe Out chutes".

Moguls:

Mammoth management seems adverse to the development of moguls and too often grooms potentially good mogul runs. "The Acts" (lower lift 22) and "West Bowl" (skier left of lift 3) are the best mogul runs. Too often some as%&*?@le grooms "The Acts" on Friday evenings just before the weekend visitors hit the slopes. Its a crying shame that out of 35,000 acres of terrain, Mammoth has two and often only one decent mogul run.

Trees and powder:

Skiing powder If you are trying to find fresh powder after the masses have hit the slopes, you may be pleased to find some powder in the trees off of lift 12 and 14. Just venture off of the groomed runs and you may be greeted with some pleasant surprises. The other side of the mountain near chair 9 and 25 provides glades with a more forgiving spacing of trees which is less steep to accomodate the intermediate skier.

North facing slopes tend to preserver their powder as it is less likely to melt and refreeze creating the dreaded "crusty crud". Of course, crusty snow on South facing slopes (chair 25 and 9) are more likely to soften up first in the afternoon if the day warms up enough. The 11,000 foot elevation at the top of the mountain also tends to preserve powder although the volume of weekend skiers will tend to track it out quickly.


Beginners and Intermediates:

This mountain has plenty of terrain for the beginners and intermediates. Beginners should stay low on the mountain. Taking lifts to higher elevations may not allow one to find an easy way down. Higher terrain tends to be more advanced. Trails are well marked and should not provide any trouble for the intermediate skier. Most intermediate runs are well groomed. On windy days, you will find more shelter skiing off of the lifts servicing Eagle Lodge and Canyon Lodge.

Special areas are reserved for young children and "rolling carpet" lift. Mammoth claims to have 6 "carpets" but I have only seen two.

Kids ski classes

Mammoth Terrain Parks:

This mountain has three terrain parks with three half pipes (Mini, Super 450 ft long x 15 ft high and Super-Duper 600ft long x 18 ft high), 50 jumps, 40 rails, pipes and platforms for all sorts of tricks. They are enjoyed by boarders and skiers alike.

Skier riding rails

Terrain park

The main boarder terrain park is located in front of the Main Lodge and is accessible from the Gondola and lift 6 - "Thunder Bound Express". Three others are accessible from lift 20, and a beginner "family fun park" is available from lift 17 - "Schoolyard Express" at Canyon Lodge.

Mammoth Apres Ski: Yodler

Yodler at Mammoth Mountain

Yodler cow bell I must issue one warning for all of those who may visit Mammoth Mountain and attend the "Apres Ski" at the Yodler (bar/restaurant) so that they will not make the same mistake I made. My friends had found an optimum place to congregate, the bench seats in the pit in front of the fireplace. I would often look up at the large but innocent looking cowbell hanging over the fireplace and upon an impulse decided to ring the bell. Immediately two bar tenders and a member of the wait staff rushed over to me, surrounded me and proceeded to inform me of the Yodler's 40 year tradition. I was informed that I must partake in this tradition, there was no other option. I was escorted to the bar where there was a "Wheel of Fortune" which I had to spin to determine the type of shot I was to buy. The wheel landed on Jagermeister. I was then informed that I either buy a round for all of my friends or a round for everyone seated at the bar. I bought a round of nine shots for my friends. I learned my lesson.

Note: The last shuttle is at 5:30. If you get stuck, try the hotel shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn located steps away from the Main ski lodge.

Apres ski in Yodler

Mammoth Mountain Snowmobile Trails:

Snowmobiles at vista

You can rent snowmobiles behind (and to the right) the Yodler but be sure to call early to make reservations. The guide led trails were very scenic with a combination of trails through the forests and open plains and elevated vistas.

Snowmobile Adventures: 1.5 hr (9am, 11am, 2pm) and 3.0 hr (9am, 12 noon) tours (760)934-9645

Cross Country Skiing:

Cross country skiing

Take the Orange bus line from Mammoth Village (far side of village) at 9:00am or 12:00 noon to Tamarack Lodge for some fine cross country skiing. Bus returns at 9:30, 12:30 and 5:00pm. There are also special full moon tours for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. The trail is very scenic with both an open lake and trails through the woods. Tamarack has rental skis and boot and boasts 18 miles of trails.

Call (760)934-5293, Ski center: (760)934-2442

Where To Eat:

Mammoth caters from the high end (Parallax Snowcat (dinner reservation 800-MAMMOTH), Chart House, Nevados (across the street from "The Village"), The Mogul, Whiskey Creek) to the cheap but good Pita Pit (Village).
Noteworthy: The Side Door Cafe and Lulu's in "The Village"

The Stove for breakfast Breakfasts are legendary at the Stove for quantity, quality and cost. Never have I had a slice of breakfast ham include with my meal that I still rave about.

Shopping:
Mammoth village The Town of Mammoth Lakes and "The Village" are your best bets. Touring around town can be accomplished by bus but you can't beat the convenience of your own ride. "The Village" is only accessible on foot.
Mammoth Night Life:
Clock tower Nightlife in Mammoth centers around the "Village". Some of our favorites include The "Clocktower" at the Alpenhof Lodge (early warm-up. Closes at 11:00), "The Auld Dubliner" (mingle and hang out) and "Whiskey Creek" (corner of Main and Mineret) for live bands and dancing (they also have a great restaurant). Dublins Dublin's keeps the beer flowing.

Whiskey Creek dance floor Whiskey is famous for importing bands from all over Southern California.

Mammoth Taxi:

  • 760-934-8294
  • Mammoth Cabs:
    • 760-934-CABS
    • 760-924-2227 (reservations: 10am-10pm)

For more Mammoth nightlife information, see Pubclub.com's Mammoth guide.

Directions to Mammoth Mountain:

Most of the skiers at Mammoth drove five to seven hours from the Southern California population centers of Los Angels and San Diego.

  • From Los Angeles: (307 miles)
    Directions:
    • Interstate 405 North (toward Sacramento)
    • Interstate 5 north
    • CA Hwy 14 North (toward Palmdale / Lancaster)
    • Hwy 14 becomes US Hwy 395 North to the Mammoth Lakes exit (CA 203 / Minaret Rd.)
    Note: The towns of Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine and Bishop are know speed traps.
  • From San Diego: (375 miles)
    • Interstate 15 North
    • US Hwy 395 North to the Mammoth Lakes exit (CA 203 / Minaret Rd.)
  • From San Francisco and Sacramento: (320 miles)
    • Interstate 8
    • SR 207 Kingsbury Grade cutoff
    • US Hwy 395 South to the Mammoth Lakes exit (CA 203 / Minaret Rd.)
  • From Las Vegas: (310 miles)
    • Interstate 15 North
    • US 95 North
    • Hwy 266 West and turn a slight left to SR 168
    • US Hwy 395 North to the Mammoth Lakes exit (CA 203 / Minaret Rd.)
  • From Reno Nevada: A 165 mile drive.
    (Reno/Tahoe Int. Airport: RNO Phone: 775-328-6870)
    • US Hwy 395 North to the Mammoth Lakes exit (CA 203 / Minaret Rd.)
  • Mammoth Yosemite Airport: (MMH) Local airport for small private aircraft. Located on US Hwy 395. Phone: 760-934-3825
    • US Hwy 395 North to the Mammoth Lakes exit (CA 203 / Minaret Rd.)

Road conditions:

Map of Mammoth Lakes CA:

Google Map

Mammoth Mountain Accommodations:

The town of Mammoth Lakes CA (93546) has a plethora of condos for rent, hotels, motels and hostiles:

Links:

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