How to Go Skiing in Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Mountain has one of the longest operating seasons of ski resorts in Southern California, with snow-making equipment in operation to the top of its highest peak. Often open until July 4, this resort offers trails for all skill levels across 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, as well as terrain parks with super pipes and well-designed features for snowboarders. Mammoth Mountain has a vertical drop of 3,100 feet, and its summit is 11,053 feet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Choose Your Lodging

1. Book on-site accommodations by calling (800) MAMMOTH or visiting the Mammoth Mountain Web site (see Resources below).
2. Choose from four on-site accommodations, including the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Tamarack Lodge and Resort, Juniper Springs Resort and The Village Lodging. The rates range from moderately priced to expensive, but the rooms are charming and luxurious.
3. Book lodging in the town of Mammoth Lakes. This small town is abundant with hotels and other styles of accommodations due to the popularity of Mammoth Mountain among Angelenos and other Southern Californians.

Arrange Transportation to Mammoth Mountain

4. Find that Mammoth Mountain's close proximity to major cities in Southern California makes it easy to book flights into an airport within easy driving distance. Shop around for the best fare by looking at airports in Los Angeles, Ontario, Long Beach and Burbank.
5. Take a tram between the town of Mammoth Lakes and the slopes. These operate regularly during the winter and are equipped with outside racks for ski and snowboarding equipment.
6. Charter a flight into the nearby regional airport if you want to avoid the larger airports of Southern California at the start of your trip. There is information on charter flight operators on the Mammoth Mountain Web site.
7. Drive into Mammoth by taking U.S. 395 to State Route 203.

Plan Your Ski Trip to Mammoth Mountain

8. Ride up to the trails on more than 28 different chairlifts. You will also find three gondola or tram-style lifts to the slopes and nine high-speed quad chairlifts to move more than 50,000 visitors per hour at this popular resort.
9. Snowboard over 75 acres of board-only terrain. Snowboards are also permitted on all of Mammoth's trails.
10. Purchase passes for Mammoth Mountain through the online store. Prices vary by age, and there are a number of pass options for mid-week, all-season and non-holiday use.
11. Select from one- to five-day lift tickets if you are not planning on frequenting Mammoth Mountain throughout the season. These can be purchased at the Main Lodge, the Canyon Lodge or the Eagle Lodge ticket counters. Lifts begin their operations at 8:30 a.m. daily.
12. Enjoy cross-country skiing at this resort, as well. Other activities include sledding and snowshoeing.
13. Locate a current ski report on the main page of the Mammoth Mountain Web site.

Tips & Warnings

• Book online to find exclusive Internet deals and packages.

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