Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

Offering 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, Mammoth Mountain also features the highest peak of all Californian ski resorts at 11,053ft. While 25 percent of its flats and slopes are beginner terrain, 40 percent are intermediate runs, so it is an amazing resort for families and more advanced, avid skiers alike. Experienced skiers will be pleased with 35 percent of expert trails. Even cross-country skiers won’t miss out here, as 19 miles are reserved for them, which are a blast for snowshoe hikers as well.

With an average of 300 sunny days a year you will want to sit at the sun decks of the mountain huts for hours to soak in the Californian sun. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and 400 inches of high quality snow every year, which makes skiing and riding more than enjoyable. 

Positive about skiing at Mammoth mountain are the several access possibilities. The Village gondola brings you to four additional rides that each service a ton of runs. Chair 8 is perfect for intermediates and beginners. Milk Run is a designated green downhill which is considered a no-brainer and thus ideal for winter sport newbies. Intermediates can either hit Hully Gully, Redwing, or Swell. Canyon Express is great for everyone regardless of individual skiing abilities, covering green, blue, and black trails. Schoolyard Express satisfies the needs of those taking a more leisurely approach with five well-groomed green runs.

Eagle Express whisks you up the mountain in no time from Eagle Lodge. The slopes around here enjoy a great reputation among those who have some more experience under their belt. Intermediate skiers should head over to Chair 25, which features awesome blue tree skiing trails everyone is raving about. Cloud Nine Express runs parallel. Grab this one if you want to reach a couple of black bowls and chutes that merge with the blues Dragon Alley and Ricochet. 

Take the ski bus to Mill Cafe and get into one of the three base stations of either Chair 21, Goldrush Express 10 or Stump Alley Express 2. All of them transport you to mid-mountain from where you can hit the great intermediate trails or take the connection lifts to reach the peak. Grab Panorama Gondola in order to reach the Top of the Sierra. On your way down, descend on double diamond runs and deep black bowls. Christmas Bowl and China Bowl are extremely challenging, boasting stashes of fresh powder. 

What’s more is Mammoth Mountain’s giant amount of terrain parks. When you put your brave face on, hit the Main Park underneath Chair 6. On 21.5 acres you can really push your boundaries and feel like a pro showing off your skills. South and Transition Park are perfect for intermediate and advanced freestyle skiers and boarders. Many experts come here to warm up for Main and never leave the park until lift closing times because it actually is so much fun. If you are new to the world of laps, jumps and boxes, look out for Forest Trail or Unbound. Here you can work on your progress without all the craziness you might have at the other terrain parks, and you will be slowly introduced to the nerve-racking sports.

Mammoth Mountain offers numerous locations to stop for a bite to eat. The Outpost, for instance, is for the ones who simply love grilled cheese, hearty soups, stews as well as yummy hot and cold beverages. McCoy Marketplace serves different types of pizza, Mexican food, Asian noodles, fantastic Chili, stews, soups, and fresh-cut salads. McCoy Express offers sweet and salty buns, and amazing hot chocolates.

Eleven53 Café is another great lunch spot. They serve fresh salads, sandwiches, and hearty delicious soups. Enjoy the panorama view while devouring your favorite snack or tasty lunch. Both The Mill and Eagle Lodge BBQ are places to go if you fancy some nice burgers, neat pulled pork dishes, or an outstanding BBQ. The outdoor fire pit outside of The Mill is a great place to hang out with family and friends with a nice glass of wine after a long day on the slopes. 

Some of the longest runs in the ski resort, which are perfect for intermediate skiers, are served by Cloud Nine Express and Chair 25. The most difficult run is Wipeout Chutes with just 600m of length, but with an elevation difference of 300m, which is definitely not for the faint of heart!

When you've worn yourself out with your adventure-of-choice for the day, there is plenty to keep you occupied at Mammoth Mountain. Grab a lift to the top and speed down as fast as you can in one of the high-speed snow tubes at Woolly's Tube Park. Not only six groomed lanes expect you here, but also a heated deck where you can buy hot cocoa or snacks for your kids as well as some adult drinks for yourself. 

Those who always wanted to take a snowmobile or snowcat tour might want to get this unique experience in Mammoth. All snowcats are heated, so it is not even a freezing experience. Experienced guides and excellent equipment grant you access to thousands of acres of trails. In case you want to learn about the area’s history and want to discover all the beautiful places, book a guided tour that shows you all the historic landmarks. 

It never gets boring in and around Mammoth Mountain. Tusks Bar is located in the Mammoth Mountain Inn. Drink specials and nice people are always around, so it is easy to spend many a night dancing to a good band. The Canyon Lodge has always live music and amazing margarita specials going on. A great place to meet friends and enjoy a nightcap. 

Located in Mammoth Lakes, the Grizzly Bar is one of the best places to hang out and celebrate the night. Of course, some of the restaurants, such as Yodler Restaurant & Bar or Campo Mammoth, are also perfect to just have one or two drinks with some friends. 

The Lakefront Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in town, home to fine dining, and a foodie's favorite spot. A fresh, seasonal menu, an extensive wine list and extraordinary service will make you want to stay all night.

If you are craving Italian fare, reserve a table at Campo Mammoth, also located in the heart of the Village. It is a popular gathering place to enjoy happy hour specials, wood-fired pizzas, and other specialties. Kids eat free on Sunday evenings. Sushi lovers should pay a visit to Sushi Rei, a lively, vibrant sushi bar in the village. Besides sushi, you should also try their noodle bowls and creative cocktails. 

German food is what you love? Well then, experience authentic Bavarian dishes at Yodler Restaurant & Bar. Whether you try some brats and schnitzel or you grab your favorite drink to hang out on the sundeck taking in the spectacular mountain views, Yodler is your go-to address. Another recommendation is Mountainside Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy your meal with a view. Experience true family-friendly dining with a variety of traditional meat and vegetarian dishes. 

The drive to Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain offers scenic views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Range. You can access the resort from all directions via US Hwy 395. Still, most people get to Mammoth by plane. Several airlines approach Mammoth Yosemite Airport from San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Franciso. Visitors can travel to Mammoth by bus, shuttle, or cab easily.