Mammoth Mountain, California, carries a kind of mythos. Whether it’s the thrill of skiing on an active volcano (its last eruption was 700 years ago), the remote charm of its location on the scenic Highway 395, or its legendary long seasons—something about this mountain is truly special. Anybody who has been here understands why people make the long drive from SoCal or the Bay Area, year after year.
Nothing describes Mammoth better than its name. Boasting a massive 3,500 skiable acres and a peak elevation of over 11,000 feet, this mountain is a beast. With a footprint of 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 15% expert, it has something for everyone.
One of the mountain’s standout features is its summit area, offering some of the best high alpine skiing in the country. The views from the summit are off the charts – on clear days, you can see the Minarets and even parts of Yosemite National Park. Chair 23 is phenomenal, having some amazing groomed steeps and funky mogul runs. A rite of passage is to cut your teeth on Cornice bowl – a groomed, less steep run from the summit – before moving into some of the gnarlier terrain. Conditions up high are reliable as well, and Mammoth’s renowned wind buff helps keep runs from getting too skied out.
My personal favorite is Chair 22. My dad was the first one to take me on this chair, and it was where I learned to ski moguls and how to handle myself on steeper lines. On a powder day, this lift is immaculate, and you can find fresh stashes in the trees even a couple of days after a storm. Last season, on a particularly deep day, I remember doing lap after lap on my own, finding a new line every run amidst glades and rocky chutes. Even though I was by myself, I still had the time of my life, and I had a blast just skiing and exploring from this chair.
Beyond the summit, Mammoth’s terrain parks are another highlight. These are some of the best in California, with some insane features and massive airs. Any day you’re there, you can see some locals or pros throwing some tricks off the half pipe or XL jumps in the Unbound Park.
While the skiing is incredible, Mammoth’s culture and atmosphere are what set it apart. At no other ski resort have I found a community that is so welcoming or has such a love for the sport. The joy of being outdoors is palpable here, and every time I visit, I’m reminded of the sense of wonder and excitement that got me into skiing in the first place.
