A Winter Wonderland and More

Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain have long been known as a winter wonderland where families and individuals can visit for time on fresh powder or play in the snow.

No longer just a winter resort
Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes have evolved beyond just being winter destinations. Over the last few years, the Eastern Sierra community and its iconic ski resort invested in summer recreational activities, capitalizing on its natural surroundings.

“Mammoth Lakes is a perfect year-round road trip destination. During the summer months, Mammoth is home to 800-plus campsites dotted throughout alpine forests and conveniently located near countless streams, lakes, bike and hiking trails,” said Lara Kaylor, Director of Communications at Mammoth Lakes Tourism. “The wide-open spaces of Mammoth Lakes offer awe-inspiring natural beauty that is truly rejuvenating any time of year.”

In 2018, Mammoth Mountain invested over $10 million in improvements, including a host of new summer activities.

Hiking opportunities alone abound. Hiking in the Eastern Sierra is spectacular year-round. In spring, the sharp and craggy granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada Range form a dramatic backdrop for meadows brightly colored by wildflowers. In the summer, you’ll never tire of finding secret alpine lakes, lush aspen-lined streams and forested hideaways tucked away in the mountains. In fall, early snow in the high country contrasts beautifully with the vibrant golds and oranges of aspens and willows alight with their display of autumn colors. There are plenty of short, easy and family-friendly hikes.

Biking in the Mammoth area has always been an attraction. Test your suspension on the Inyo National Forest’s vast network of trails and unpaved roads. There are so many different conditions and views to discover; in fact, you may even cross a couple of microclimates.

Hiking and biking on Mammoth’s trails are still enjoyable activities, even during a pandemic. PHOTO BY DAKOTA SNIDER/MONO COUNTY TOURISM

During the summer, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park offers opportunities for everyone from beginners to veteran bicyclists. Paths are even available for those on e-bikes. Whether it’s your first time riding on dirt, or you’re a downhill master, the Mammoth Bike Park delivers the ultimate high-alpine riding experience for everyone. With over 80 miles of singletrack offering plenty of pavers, berms, jumps and drops, as well as our beginner-friendly Discovery Zone, there’s two-wheeled fun for all at the country’s premier lift-served bike park.

The Discovery Zone is dedicated to helping you progress, this area features shorter trails, a Skills Park, an intermediate trail, and a beginner-friendly lift. It’s ideal for quick practice laps that will leave you smiling.

Winter operations
Mammoth Mountain plans to prioritize access to the mountain for season pass holders. Resort visitation levels will be controlled to avoid overcrowding by tightly regulating the number of daily lift tickets sold. Walk-up sales of lift tickets will be available, but guests are strongly encouraged to buy in advance. Face coverings are mandatory in public indoor spaces.

A sign directing skiers to Dave’s Run at Mammoth Mountain is seen in April 2019. PHOTO BY DAKOTA SNIDER/MONO COUNTY TOURISM

The guest experience will also be elevated by several new restaurants and lodging options, including two new mobile shipping container eateries and a new luxury lodging property.

Getting to Mammoth Lakes will also be easier. The town of Mammoth Lakes announced a new airline partner in Advanced Air. The public charter carrier allows air travelers to skip the terminal, making travel to Mammoth Lakes from several airports in Southern California easier and faster than ever before.

The mountain experience has also been upgraded with new amenities, according to Mammoth Mountain operations.

• Hillside Highlands Luxury Townhomes — Luxury just steps away from the Village at Mammoth, the new Hillside Highlands Luxury Townhomes are now a part of the Mammoth Mountain Lodging Collection. Only a short two-minute walk to dining, shops and the Village Gondola, the top-notch, three-bedroom townhomes are elegantly and efficiently appointed with all the modern amenities, including private hot tubs. All three units can be combined to offer over 9,000 sq. ft., 9 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

• Two new up-hill routes (now five total) — Mammoth Mountain will offer two new up-hill ski routes this winter, adding to the three such trails already in place. Up-hill lift tickets are required and provide skiers and split-boarders looking to earn their turns with a safe up-hill travel experience.

• Contactless rental services — Skiers and snowboarders have the option of reserving rental and demo gear and have it waiting for them in a sterilized locker in Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge or the Mountain Center in The Village. The option minimizes wait times and reduces contact with other guests and staff. The locker is also yours for the duration of the rental, so there’s no need to haul gear around.