Mammoth Mountain Travel Guide

Travellers need only drive six hours outside of Los Angeles, three from Reno, or a short distance from San Francisco to find some of the finest Alpine skiing in the world at the holiday resort of Mammoth Mountain, which lies on the eastern edge of California's Sierra Nevada range. Every year an average of 400 inches (10m) of snow falls on the summit, providing about 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, which can be revelled in by all, beginner to expert, during the November to June season. Despite all the snow, 70 percent of Mammoth's winter days are sunny, providing plenty of time to enjoy the slopes and numerous other facilities at this well-equipped holiday resort, which offers hotel and condominium accommodation.

Skiing

Mammoth Mountain caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders through steep chutes, moguls, tree skiing, wide open bowls, beginner trails and wide, well-groomed slopes. Mammoth Mountain is as big as its name implies with 3,500 acres of terrain and a vertical drop of 3,100 feet (945m), 150 named trails and 27 lifts. Snowboarders can also enjoy three unbound terrain parks with halfpipes, a quarter pipe and jib park.

Shopping

Mammoth Mountain has an interesting and varied selection of stores that will keep holidaymakers enthralled. There are several art galleries, a souvenir shop called 'Mammoth Memories' selling branded items, sports equipment outlets, designer boutiques and even a store that sells Christmas decorations and goodies all year round.

Restaurants

The village of Mammoth Mountain itself has plenty of dining options, and holidaymakers who are able to reach further afield will find the surrounding area has dozens of restaurants to choose from, whether they're craving a quick burger or are inclined to have a full course dining experience. Some of the favourite spots are John's Pizza Works and Roberto's Mexican Cafe. Travellers should try the Lakefront Restaurant at Tamarack Lodge for delicious California French cuisine, and Shea Schat's Bakery for terrific pastries, freshly baked bread and moreish apple fritters.

Nightlife

Apres-ski in Mammoth Mountain begins around 3pm each day when the first thirsty skiers and holidaymakers run straight to the door of the Yodler Restaurant and Bar. Later, visitors head to local bars such as the Hawaiian flavoured Lakanuki bar and Mammoth Tavern. The Clocktower Cellar Pub and the Side Door Cafe are also popular nightspots.

Holiday activities

There's a very pleasant pattern to the days spent in the Mammoth Mountain resort area: holidaymakers can start after a hearty breakfast with a cross-country ski trail, snowmobile excursion, dog-sledding, tubing, ice-skating or anything else they can find to have fun with in the snow. After lunch, visitors can take a wander through the pretty village, exploring the outlet stores, or perhaps indulging in a day spa. They can also watch a movie at the local theatre before hitting the pubs for the start of the apres-ski fun.