Minelie A.
Yelp
During our visit over Thanksgiving weekend, we found that only one restaurant was open, and unfortunately, several items from their menu were unavailable.
Mammoth Mountain is a fantastic destination for beginner skiers, offering a range of gentle slopes and well-groomed runs. For those just starting out, we recommend Schoolyard, a perfect spot with wide, gentle slopes ideal for practicing skiing skills.
While Palisades Tahoe earned its title as 'California's largest ski resort' by combining Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain surpasses it in terms of elevation and snow coverage. Mammoth tends to receive more snow and offers more open terrain than its Lake Tahoe counterparts. Although Palisades Tahoe has a total slope length of 200 km, Mammoth Mountain stands out as one of the best resorts, particularly for late spring and early summer skiing. Its snow farming operation is considered the best in North America, and they salt the runs, which helps prevent the snow from becoming too sticky during warmer weather.
For the best savings, it's advisable to purchase Mammoth lift tickets at least seven days in advance through the resort's website. You can also find discounted lift tickets at select Costco locations during the season.
Mammoth Mountain boasts the highest lift-served summit in California, reaching an impressive 11,053 feet. It is known as the leading four-season mountain resort in the state, offering year-round lodging and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Compared to other major ski resorts in North America, Mammoth is not one of the most expensive. For example, a day pass at Vail in Colorado can cost as much as $175, making Mammoth a more affordable option for many skiers. The resort justifies its higher price tag in part due to the extensive maintenance of family and terrain parks across the mountain.
An interesting tidbit: for the past 20 years, 63-year-old Vince has called the top of the Panorama Gondola his home. As the official gondola caretaker and operator at 11,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Vince lives alone among the elements in the gondola building.
Mammoth Mountain also caters to expert skiers, with 60 percent of its terrain rated as difficult to extremely difficult, offering challenging runs for seasoned athletes.