These 10 Resorts Have the Best Corduroy in the West
You don't have to worry about rough patches and death cookies at these resorts.
As the name implies, Mammoth Mountain is BIG. Boasting 3,500 skiable acres, there’s enough terrain variety for all levels of skiers, from beginners through extreme skiers, and an efficient lift system to get people to every nook and cranny. Everyone loves to hate on Mammoth’s “Sierra cement,” but if you’ve ever visited California while it’s getting battered by the Pineapple Express, you know that when it snows, it really snows. Besides, heavier snow sticks around longer. Resort laps in June, anyone?
Sure, it’s a bit off the beaten path and a little rough around the edges, but anyone who’s ever lapped Chair 23 after a storm or ridden the Unbound parks when they’re dialed knows it’s best to keep their priorities straight. That’s what Mammoth is all about. — Rick Sorensen
Annual Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
400″ | 3,500 | 28 | 150+ |
Mammoth Mountain is on the Ikon Pass. Ikon Pass holders get unlimited, blackout-free access to the mountain. Ikon Base Pass holders get unlimited, blackout-restricted days.
Read the SKI editors’ picks on how to spend your time both on and off the slopes at Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
Popular tubing spot Woolly’s Tube Park is reimagined for the coming winter with expanded lanes, more snowmaking, and new elevated magic carpet lift.
Local favorite The Mill will now be able to serve its delicious BBQ to more skiers this winter. Indoor seating and the outdoor bar space will both double in size, and a new sound system will enhance the live music experience during après.
The Voltaggio brothers of “Top Chef” fame will be opening a new restaurant in the Village at Mammoth, scheduled to debut in December.
If you need to rent or demo skis, try Ski Butlers, which is bringing its rental-delivery service to Mammoth for the first time this season. They’ll come to your hotel or condo, swap out equipment that doesn’t work for you right on the hill, and pick it up when your vacation is over—all for prices comparable to the village rental shops.
The new-last-season United flights from L.A., San Francisco, and Denver into Bishop Airport, 45 miles from Mammoth, make it easier than ever to get here. Bishop’s bigger airport means more capacity on flights and fewer weather disruptions.
If you’re willing to earn a few, The Hemlocks on Mammoth’s backside harbor some of the best in-bounds, hike-to terrain in the Sierras.
Mammoth is windy. When it starts whipping, stay low. Find some cover and wind-buff stashes in the trees off the Rollercoaster lift or Chair 22.
With its vintage ski collection and Nordic-inspired cuisine, Restaurant Skadi is widely considered the hottest table in town.
Skip the long powder day gondola line and ski the backside. Chair 14 offers face access, groomers, and glades.
Order a tasting flight of Mammoth Brewing Company’s seasonal ales and pair it with a bite from the eatery’s elaborate pub menu.
Woolly’s Tube Park features six rope tow-served groomed lanes for tubing fun. Slide with the kids or enjoy an adult bevvie on the heated deck.
Skip the weekend crowds at Mammoth and take a day trip north to sister resort June Mountain, where kids 12 and under ski free and the powder lasts all day.
You don't have to worry about rough patches and death cookies at these resorts.
Everyone wants legs of steel as soon as the chairlifts begin turning. But in order to get there, it’s time to start putting in the work now.
From lodging and dining to nightlife and off-slope adventures, here's the ski traveler's guide to planning a trip to Mammoth.
It’s hard to imagine that one of Colorado’s most popular resorts still has hidden gems, but we found them. Add these to your must-ski list this season.
Don't head to SoCal's iconic ski resort without a plan to challenge yourself on some of its steepest and most difficult terrain.
Via ferrata climbing routes are growing in popularity in the U.S., including a brand-new one opening this summer at one legendary Colorado ski area.
No ski vacation is complete without a proper après soak, and the soothing waters of these ski-country spring-fed pools are worth the drive.
This ski area mascot lays down big airs, slides tricky rails, and explores all that Mammoth Mountain's second season has to offer.
Check out Keri Bascetta's author page.
Our highly subjective list of the best terrain parks in ski country.
Winds reaching 80 to 100 miles per hour, as well as high avalanche danger and snow totals, could keep ski areas from operating
Despite regional prohibitions on short term rentals in Lake Tahoe, visiting skiers are still pouring in.
A pandemic ski-season update from coast to coast, plus what’s going on with our neighbors to the north—even if we can’t visit quite yet.
From extreme steeps to top-to-bottom groomers, these are the 10 resorts in the West with diverse enough terrain to please all comers.
Hosting an amazing range of terrain and snow, Mammoth aims please skiers of all types.
X-Games Gold Winning Photographer Peter Morning shares his best advice for action cell phone photography.
Michelle Parker, Chris Benchetler, and Co. take night skiing to a whole new level.
We crunched the numbers: Here's the Top 10 resorts for purists who care only about the ski experience.
Don't let ski season fizzle out: These 10 resorts close it out with a bang.
The lifts are still spinning at these areas in the USA.
The coast is nice, but the mountains really shine during summertime in California.
Escape the heat and the crowds of Southern California this summer to escape to this mountain paradise.
Pack your Ikon Pass and hit the slopes from Squaw Alpine to sunny SoCal.
Sure, ski instructors selling under-the-table private lessons will save you money. But at what cost?
Mammoth Mountain is doubling the size of its slopeside coworking space.
These spots might not be on your radar, but they still have have something awesome going on.
Warren Miller's essay on the history of how many iconic ski areas were built: hard work, love of the mountains, and entrepreneurship.
One part Chris Benchetler, two parts #VanLife, and a whole lot of stunning GoPro follow cam.
The Crown family, owners of Aspen resorts, and KSL Capital Partners officially finalize the blockbuster acquisition of Intrawest Resorts and Mammoth Resorts.
The snow gods clocked in some overtime as Mammoth Mountain really lived up to its name this season.
The legend lives up to the hype when it comes to Glen Plake – a true ambassador for not only Mammoth, but the sport of skiing as a whole.
Chris Benchetler embodies the Mammoth way.
Part Vegas, part skatepark, the most diverse ski destination in North America just might hold the secret to skiing’s future. Welcome to California’s Big Bear Mountain Resorts.
Find your ski pass for next season—and the best deals—here.
Pack the car the night before, wake at a ridiculous hour, layer long underwear under track pants, then pull away from the world of rustling palm fronds, bougainvillea, and perennial hibiscus flowers before L.A.’s 10 million or so other residents wake up and clog the roads.
The World War II vet, and subject of the movie “Unbroken,” brought hundreds of boys to Mammoth Mountain to ski, fish, and keep out of trouble.
A few strategies for finding the best airfare to your next ski destination.
A new season pass provides unlimited access to Mammoth, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and June Mountain.
A new season pass provides unlimited access to Mammoth, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and June Mountain.
Hard realities and opportunistic skiing during California’s drought.
Olympic ski cross athlete John Teller talks Sochi 2014.
U.S. downhiller Stacey Cook, now an Olympic veteran, sets lofty goals for Sochi.
Check out these 2013/14 pass deals that will save you money and get you skiing.
Eldora joins Vail’s Epic pass while Mountain Collective adds Mammoth, Snowbird, and Whistler Blackcomb.
It's never too late to get back on the mountain.
The Return of Tom Wallisch
Haven't gotten your pond-skim on yet? Hit up one of these end-of-season ragers.
Skiing on the fourth of July means national pride, slushy skiing and banana hammocks. Lots of banana hammocks.
Salute the Red, White, and Blue at altitude.
As the Western US was pounded with snow, and resorts like Mammoth Mountain saw thirteen feet of snow, meteorologists were pointing to the "pineapple express." But what exactly does that mean? Meteorologist Joel Gratz fills us in.
Skiing editor Kevin Luby flew into Mammoth Mountain, California, last Thursday. Since then, 13 feet of snow have fallen on the Sierras and he is stuck there. Somehow, we don't feel bad for him.
Winter mini-golf? It's possible at Frosty's.
Take a day or night tour to explore the mountain.
Ice skating is a classic family pastime.
From quick 50-minute jaunts to multiple-day overnight excursions, Mammoth Dog Teams has a little something for everyone.
Rope-tow access to sledding means you don't have to hike back up.
The science of skin and body is combined with a personal experience.
A full-body and holistic approach to wellness.
Experience a mountain-chic spa experience.
Enjoy a day at Mammoth’s original spa.
A singular presence in the Eastern Sierra.
Nothing says apres-ski like fondue.
Hike or drive to the ghost town of Bodie, an hour north of Mammoth where it was once the second largest city in California and a thriving gold and silver mining town.
When you think 4th of July, you probably think: fireworks, cookouts, and beach-side festivities. When the people at Mammoth think of 4th of July they think: skiing, golfing, and mountain biking.
The season's not over quite yet. Here's where you can get your late, late season ski fix.
The best food you'll ever find inside a gas station.
Enjoy Mexican food on a sunny patio.
The best breakfast spot in town.
Mammoth's rowdiest spot for happy hour also serves good steak and potatoes.
The closest hotel to Mammoth Mountain.
So much going on you won't want to stay inside.
Book a ski-and-stay package at Mammoth's Westin, which is walking distance to the gondola, and get a $20 tab for après ski drinks.
Going on a romantic weekend to Mammoth? The Cinnamon Bear Inn is as cute and cozy as it sounds.
Mammoth's rowdiest spot for happy hour also serves good steak and potatoes.
Enjoy Mexican food on a sunny patio.
A French restaurant with 10 tables, lake views, and delicious wild blueberry tarts.
The best breakfast spot in town.
A BBQ place in downtown Mammoth.
The best food you'll ever find inside a gas station.