Mammoth Mountain is where California’s sunshine meets a seemingly endless winter. With a season that regularly stretches into July, Mammoth delivers towering peaks, massive snowfall, and a high-alpine vibe that attracts everyone from Olympic athletes to families chasing their first powder day. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically Californian—where the snow stacks high, the music plays loud, and every sunset over the Minarets feels like it’s straight from a movie.

Quick Stats

• Location: Mammoth Lakes, California
• Elevation: 7,953 ft base / 11,053 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 3,100 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 3,500 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~400 inches (often more)
• Number of Runs: 175+
• Lifts: 25 (including 3 gondolas and the Panorama Gondola to the summit)
• Vibe Check: Laid-back California style meets serious mountain muscle

The Vibe

Mammoth has that rare mix of surf-town energy and alpine intensity. You’ll see park rats hiking features all morning, big-mountain riders dropping cliffs in the Dragon’s Tail, and families carving groomers off Broadway. When the day ends, the mountain doesn’t slow down—it just shifts gears. The Village hums with live music, food trucks, and fire pits, while locals swap storm stories over local brews. Mammoth is social but grounded, high-energy but never pretentious. It’s the California dream with snow instead of sand.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Broadway – classic wide-open warm-up at the main lodge
• Schoolyard Express – great for new skiers with views of the Minarets

🟦 Blues

• St. Anton – long, rolling groomer that perfectly captures Mammoth’s rhythm
• Andy’s Double Gold – smooth blue under the Panorama Gondola with killer views
• Cornice 2 Cruiser – soft snow and wide turns near the upper mountain

♦ Blacks

• Climax – steep, iconic face directly below the summit
• Huevos Grande – long, sustained pitch with natural drops and features
• The Hemlocks – advanced tree terrain that rides like a natural terrain park

Après + Town Stays

Mammoth Lakes blends mountain town charm with California flavor. You’ll find high-end dining, dive-bar favorites, and cozy lodges all within minutes of the lifts.

• The Clocktower Cellar – Mammoth’s most beloved après bar with 150+ beers and pool tables
• Gomez’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina – strong margaritas and a lively Village scene
• The Lakefront Restaurant – fine dining inside Tamarack Lodge with lake views
• Shelter Distilling – small-batch spirits and creative cocktails just steps from the Village Gondola
• Mammoth Brewing Company – the go-to for local beer and outdoor patio vibes
• Tamarack Lodge – historic log-cabin charm on Twin Lakes
• Westin Monache Resort – upscale lodging with ski-valet service and mountain views
• Travel Tips

Fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), just 15 minutes from the Village, or drive from Reno (3 hours) or Los Angeles (5 hours). Shuttles run between lodging and the main base area, so you can ditch the car. The season runs long—February and March deliver the best snow, but spring skiing here is legendary. Bring layers: the California sun is strong even when temps drop below freezing.

Fun Facts

• Mammoth’s summit is a volcanic crater, offering panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.
• It often records the highest snowfall total in California.
• The mountain’s name came from the “Mammoth Mining Company” that settled here in the 1800s.
• Mammoth hosts the U.S. Grand Prix and World Cup snowboard events every year.
• Locals say “winter is a habit here,” and they’re not wrong.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Mammoth is California skiing at its finest—huge terrain, massive snow, and a community that lives for the mountain. It’s a resort that balances big energy and laid-back vibes perfectly. With a season that lasts half the year and a sunset view that stops you in your tracks, Mammoth belongs on every skier’s bucket list.