Mammoth Lakes: A Winter Destination Like No Other

Sponsored by Mammoth Lakes

Winter in Mammoth Lakes, California, feels unreal — a landscape of alpine lakes, volcanic craters, steaming hot springs, and deep Sierra powder at over 11,000 feet. Mammoth Mountain kicks off one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often one of the first to open and last to close on the West Coast. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping turns on the slopes, incredible summit views, or unique adventures that you can’t have anywhere else, you’ll find it in Mammoth Lakes.

Winter Fun For All Ages

The winter fun starts at Mammoth Mountain, California’s highest four-season resort, which rises to a summit of 11,053 feet above sea level. Mammoth boasts more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, 3,100 feet of vertical drop, 180 named trails, and an average of 400 inches of snow each season. Beginners will find immaculate, rolling groomed slopes with stunning views, while more seasoned skiers and riders can drop into steep descents, powder-filled bowls, and the legendary Unbound Terrain Parks that have everything from beginner-friendly boxes to massive jumps.

But you don’t have to be a powder hound to enjoy Mammoth. Families can head to Woolly’s Adventure Summit for classic tubing fun, take in sweeping Sierra views on a scenic gondola ride to the summit, strap into snowshoes for a snowy hike, or go ice skating at Mammoth Lakes Community Recreation Center, which features an Olympic-sized arena, an ice rink in winter, and a multi-use gym in summer. The surrounding Inyo National Forest offers endless opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking.

But the fun is just beginning when the lifts stop turning for the day. Don’t miss one of America’s best après-ski parties, Mammoth’s Weekend Après Party, which takes place on the Canyon Lodge Sundeck on select Fridays and Saturdays through the end of winter. Afterward, hop on the complimentary Village Gondola and continue après-ski down at the Village at Mammoth. The Village at Mammoth is dotted with unique food and drink spots, like Lakanuki Tiki Bar, Shelter Distilling, and Vulcania, which comes from the Voltaggio brothers of Food Network fame. Experience Mammoth like a local with Après Adventure Eats — where every activity comes with a crave-worthy pairing.

Midweek Is When Mammoth Lakes Shines

While Mammoth often attracts weekend warriors, it really shines midweek. The midweek adventurer gets fresh tracks, shorter lift lines, and uncrowded slopes — you might even feel like you have the mountain to yourself. What’s more, midweek means Mammoth Lakes’ best lodging deals.

Stewardship Matters

Caring for the mountains is part of the Mammoth Lakes way of life. Visitors are encouraged to ski and ride responsibly, respect the environment, and share the slopes with care. Choosing to visit midweek is an easy way to help protect the mountain while enjoying wide-open runs and peaceful trails. Pack out what you pack in, tread lightly, and leave Mammoth Lakes just as stunning as you found it.

Mammoth Lakes Travel Tips

• Book early and visit midweek to save big. Peak winter lodging deals go fast, and early or midweek stays offer the best rates, shorter lift lines, and uncrowded slopes. 

• Layer up. It might sound obvious, but in Mammoth Lakes, it’s essential as weather can shift quickly at 8,000 to 11,000 feet. 

• Take advantage of your multi-resort ski pass. Your Ikon Pass grants you unlimited access to Mammoth Mountain and nearby June Mountain. 

• Getting there. Fly into Bishop (40 miles south of Mammoth Lakes), or directly into Mammoth Lakes, from around the country. United offers nonstop service to Bishop (BIH) from San Francisco and Denver, while Advanced Air flies into Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) from Carlsbad/San Diego and Hawthorne/Los Angeles. 

• Where to stay. Mammoth Lakes is dotted with everything from luxury hotels to ski-in, ski-out condos and more. Also be sure to check out Limelight Mammoth, Mammoth Lakes’ newest luxury hotel, opening this December, just steps from the Village at Mammoth. 

Header image ©Visit Mammoth