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High average snowfall and mild temperatures draw skiers to California’s Mammoth Mountain |
California may be famous for sunshine, surfing and movie stars, but skiers in the know will tell you there’s more to the Golden State than that—especially at the popular Mammoth Mountain.
Sitting in Mammoth Lakes near Yosemite National Park, the resort is now more accessible to travelers thanks to Horizon Air’s daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles. Travelers to Mammoth can catch the 65-minute flight from LAX.
Mammoth’s tagline, “Play Big,” says it all. With an altitude of 11,053 feet (taller than Sun Valley in Idaho) and towering over 3,500 acres in the Eastern Sierra Mountains, the resort gets an average annual snowfall of 400 inches (more than Vail). Chances are, your clients will enjoy relatively pleasant temperatures that range from the 30s all the way up to the 50s—a true benefit of California skiing. The terrain is both ski- and ride-friendly, and vast enough to entertain those with beginner, intermediate and expert skill sets.
If your clients—be they couples, families or groups—are seeking to do more than just hit the slopes, there are many adventures they can experience via the scenic gondola ride, snowcat and snowmobile tours, ice skating, sledding and the Mammoth Ski Museum. After a day’s outing, there are plenty of places to enjoy some après cuisine, boutique shopping and posh nightlife.
Where to Stay
For easy accessibility to the slopes, we recommend the Mammoth Mountain Inn. The ski-in, ski-out property is adjacent to the resort’s Main Lodge. Room types include deluxe suites with lofts, standard rooms, spacious condominiums and the Pinnacle Suites—executive penthouses that provide incredible top-to-bottom views of the mountain.
Tamarack Lodge may not be as close to the slopes as some properties, but the lakeshore resort is just outside the town center with 35 log cabins and 11 lodge rooms. The accommodations range from rustic to exquisite, including some LEED-certified cabins, and are easily accessible, courtesy of a shuttle service to and from the airport.
The most luxurious place to stay is The Village Lodge. Rooms range from studios to three-bedrooms. The property is right by the fashion boutiques and pubs, as well as the gondola to the slopes. Among the Village Lodge’s amenities are three fitness centers, a heated pool and outdoor hot tubs.
For all Mammoth Mountain Ski Area resort reservations and purchases (tickets, gift cards, rentals/demos, lodging, lessons, snowmobile adventures, childcare, golf, scenic gondola rides, fishing, special deals and discounts), travel agents are advised to call 1-800-626-6684.