Mammoth Mountain: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Looking to plan your perfect winter getaway to Mammoth Mountain? I’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know before your first visit!

From how to get there, to what to do once you are there, and including insider tips through that I’ve learned this season. And be sure to check out the photo gallery at the end!

This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant and is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law. Learn more.

Table of Contents

Getting To Mammoth Mountain

You have two main options to get to Mammoth Mountain: flying or driving.

There is a small airport about 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes Airport (MMH). Advanced Airlines flies direct from Burbank (BUR), Hawthorne-LA (HHR) and Carlsbad (CLD). This is your fastest option.

If you are in Southern California, I recommend driving. It is only a 5-hour drive from Los Angeles if you time it properly to avoid traffic. AKA leave by 5 am, or between 10am-1pm to escape rush hour traffic. I’ve driven with friends each time I’ve gone up, and the drive flies by. You have the flexibility to leave Mammoth when you want, especially if you need to leave before an unexpected snowstorm. Plus, it is great bonding time in the car!

Pro-tip: fill up with gas in Bishop. Bishop is a small town a little less than an hour from Mammoth. Gas is cheaper, and there are a lot of good food spots you can stop at (see below)!

Where To Stay

You have a ton of different options when it comes to lodging at Mammoth Mountain:

Lodge

If you want to maximize your time on the slopes or have young kids, I would recommend staying at Main Lodge or Canyon Lodge. These are located right at the base of Mammoth Mountain.

That way you will not have to look for parking at the mountain or worry about trekking all your gear in a shuttle. Parking is really tough to come by unless you are one of the first people at Mammoth Mountain in the morning.

Hotel

If you want to splurge or are doing a romantic couples retreat, I recommend booking a hotel in the Village. This way you will still be super close to the mountain (just a quick gondola ride away) and can enjoy the cute village vibes.

There are also a ton of restaurants and bars located in the Village that are easily accessible from the hotels. Plus, you could change out of your ski boots before après ski or shower right away!

Airbnb

If you have a larger group, or want to save money, I recommend booking an Airbnb. I personally have only stayed in Airbnbs. It is so fun to come back at the end of the day and get cozy with all my friends around the fire.

Pro-tip: make sure to reserve one with a hot tub! There is nothing like relaxing your muscles in the jacuzzi after a full day on the slopes.

Securing Ski & Snowboard Rentals

If you’re like me, someone who doesn’t ski too often, or don’t want to spend a ton of money buying all of the snow gear necessary to have a fun day on the slopes, then you’ll have to hit up a Ski / Snowboard Rental spot!

I got my ski rentals, including skis, ski boots, poles, and a helmet, at ASO – Adventure Sports Outpost. It was fairly priced, and really close to my Airbnb both times, which made it really convenient. I recommend making your reservation online in advance, and filling out all your information, so that you don’t need to do it when you are there.

I picked up my rentals the night before I needed them, which also saved me a lot of time. It can get quite busy the morning of, as that’s when everyone else is trying to get their rentals!

If you are staying at Mammoth Mountain in a lodge or hotel, you are able to secure a rental from one of the lodges. Check out Mammoth Mountain’s official website for more details. This is more expensive, but definitely way more convenient.

Transportation To Mammoth Mountain

To get to the Mountain, you can either drive yourself or take advantage of the free mountain shuttle.

There is limited street and lot parking at each of the lodges. However, if you are able to snag a spot, this option is really nice because you won’t have to carry all your snow gear as far, and can stop back at the car throughout the day.

When I went to Mammoth Mountain for the first time, there had been so much snow that the already limited parking was even more so limited. Since we got a later start, we took the shuttle, which was super convenient.

Mammoth Mountain offers a free mountain shuttle, which is a fabulous option if you are staying in Mammoth Lakes. This is typically where you will be if you are renting an Airbnb for the weekend. The shuttle runs all day; check out the official shuttle website for their current route map and schedule.

Pro-tip: leave by 8am or earlier to get a good parking spot and be at the mountain right when the lifts open at 8:30am.

Things To Do Besides Ski or Snowboard

If you’re not interested in skiing or snowboarding, or don’t plan to be on the slopes all day long, don’t fret! There are a ton of other activities you can enjoy while in Mammoth Mountain besides spending all day on the slopes. Here are my favorite alternatives:

Snowshoeing: This is perfect if you want to still be in the snow and get in some physical activity! The Lake Mary Winter Public Access Corridor is free for everyone for snowshoeing.
Ice Skating: Another classic winter activity! Mammoth Ice Rink is open from late November through February each year.

Pro-tip: parking is limited here, so I suggest taking the shuttle.
Explore the Village: There are lots of cute shops and restaurants you can check out in the Village. You can grab a bite to eat, and sip some hot chocolate or sit at the outdoor public fireplace to warm up.

Pro-tip: take the 10-minute Gondola that runs from the Village to Canyon Lodge. It’s free, and you can enjoy some people watching and get a great view of Mammoth!
Snow Tubing: Check out Woolly’s Tube Park for a fun-filled, snowy activity. If you have kids, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. They also have a big snow play area, and a snack bar with hot chocolate and adult beverages. I recommend booking your tickets in advance; you can’t buy same day tickets online.

Pro-tip: Again, parking is limited here, so I suggest taking the shuttle.

Where To Eat

There are a ton of great dining options at Mammoth Mountain and also in the Village! I’ve also included a few spots in Bishop, the small town an hour outside of Mammoth. Like I said earlier, it’s a great pit stop right before you get to or after you leave Mammoth.

Bishop

Erick Schat’s Bakkery: This is a super cute, European-style deli & bakery. We stopped here on our way back to Los Angeles to get sandwiches and yummy baked goods!

They’re known for their original sheepherder’s bread, and WOW does it really live up to the hype. Definitely recommend stopping here to pick up lunch for your ride back, fresh baked loaves and all the sweet treats.

Taquiera mi Gudalajara: This unassuming Mexican stand offers the most delicious tacos, quesadillas, tortas, burritos and more. We grabbed a quick dinner here on our way up to Mammoth Mountain and it was perfect. I promise you don’t want to miss this spot!

Mammoth Mountain

The Mill: For a quick lunch stop while you’re on the slopes, check out the Mill. They have really good BBQ options, like pulled pork sandwiches and platters. There is also a DJ, which makes the dining experience super fun.

Tusks Bar: Another fun option if you want to grab a drink and food by the slopes at the Main Lodge. There’s a live DJ here, and you can go to the Broadway Marketplace inside the lodge, which offers a wide variety of dining options. I opted for a grilled chicken sandwich with seasoned fries here and it really hit the spot.

Pro-tip: If you or your friend has the Ikon pass, you are able to get a discount on all food purchased at Mammoth Mountain!

Vulcania: Brand new to the Village, make sure to make a dinner reservation at Vulcania. This is an authentic Italian spot with a modern twist. Plus you can sit in one of their outdoor dining bubbles for a truly unique experience!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: An absolute must for dessert! This well-known chocolate shop offers candy & chocolate apples, boxed chocolates and truffles, caramel popcorn and seasonal goodies. When I was there a couple weeks before Easter, they had a 22 lb milk chocolate Easter Bunny!

Mammoth Lakes

The Stove: For brunch, you have to go to the Stove. It’s a really cute diner-type vibe spot with all of the breakfast classics. They don’t take reservations, and it can get pretty busy since it is so popular, so I would recommend going early. We went here on Sunday morning before heading back to Los Angeles. It was so delicious, and the perfect way to end the weekend in Mammoth.

Elixir: For a healthy dining option, definitely check out Elixir. They have cold-pressed juice, açaí bowls, build-your-own salads, rice bowls and more. The kitchen is 100% gluten-free and all their ingredients are organic whole-food ingredients, with no GMOs, preservatives or refined sugars.

Roberto’s Cafe: The best Mexican cuisine in Mammoth! This is a fun place to come if you have a large crew; the portions are huge and great for sharing. There is also a bar upstairs!

John’s Pizza Works: If you’re exhausted after a long day of snowboarding and want something easy, order pizza from John’s. It’s perfect too if you have picky eaters in the group – you can build your own pizzas! They also have wings, sandwiches, salads and pasta. If you have enough energy to dine in, this is also a sports bar that’s a fun, low-key place to hang.

Where To Go Out

I am so excited for you to experience all Mammoth Mountain has to offer. There are so many fun options to go out and party after spending all day in the snow!

Canyon Lodge: The easiest and most popular option for après-ski! The party goes from 2pm – 6pm, but starts to get really busy around 4pm, when the lifts close.

This is a must for your first time to Mammoth Mountain. One weekend I was there, it started snowing in the middle of the party. It was so fun, it felt like we were inside of a snow globe!

Lakanuki: This is a Tiki bar located in the Village, and is another Mammoth first-time must. They have happy hour from 3pm – 6pm with really good drink and food specials. However, the party continues late into the night if you don’t want to miss Canyon Lodge!

Clocktower Cellar: This is a popular pub, also located in the Village, that offers classic bar food like burgers, sandwiches and pretzels. They also have an extensive whiskey collection and lots of beers on tap. It’s a great spot to hang; you can also play fun bar games like pool and foosball!