Weekend on Mammoth Mountain: Snow sports galore and cozy lodges

Talk about a slow-build: It took over one million years for the Sierra Nevada mountain range to form its craggy edges, verdant valleys, and majestic tree-lined tops. This geological timeline created an area that’s now one of America's favorite ski destinations: Mammoth Mountain. Today, its slopes, covered in some of the deepest snow in the nation, are a real magnet for skiers and snowboarders. And though this natural wonder is already near-perfect, that doesn't mean it can't get a tune-up now and again.

This year, Mammoth is welcoming a few totally new attractions—including restaurants and a new hotel—and adding some serious upgrades to one of its most popular spots, Woolly's Tube Park.

Stacey Cook, the park's manager, who also happens to be an ex-professional skier and Mammoth-sponsored athlete, shares the game plan for the tubing park, which now features longer, more exciting runs; an upgraded Magic Carpet lift to get folks to the top faster; and even redirected runs to make sure the snow never gets slushy. "It's definitely better for the springtime,” she says. “We won't have guests going from snow tubing to water tubing at the bottom."

According to Cook, these changes are part of a bigger effort to collect ideas on the ways Mammoth can improve. “We’ve taken in a lot of guest and employee feedback to redesign the park to meet the needs of [everyone] a little bit better,” she says.

Of course, not everything here needs an upgrade. Mammoth maintains its top-of-every-ski-mountain ranking because of values that stay unchanged: a welcoming vibe, high standards for service, and frankly, just being a hell of a lot of fun.

"People are usually very happy to be here. Both the locals and the guests alike. It's a very helpful community. You often find it to be more of a family than a resort," Cook says. At Mammoth, she adds, "you can be part of a world that is maybe a little bit foreign, but you never feel out of place."

So, pack your parka. In this edition of The WeekEnder, we're taking you back to Mammoth to enjoy all the sparkly new stuff but also celebrate the things that make this place so easy to love.

—Stacey Leasca, SoCal’s Senior WeekEnder Guide

Experience some revamped favorites in and around Mammoth.

Sorry, Disney, but the “happiest place on earth” could very well be Woolly’s Tube Park. Just watch the ear-to-ear smiles as people woosh downhill. And this Mammoth mainstay is getting a significant upgrade over the next few years. Already, the park has extended its tubing lanes to make it both a longer and safer experience and moved the track to now face east so that the snow won’t get melty in the sun. Soon, it’ll also have a day lodge for those who want to warm up in between runs with a hot cup of cocoa and a slopeside snack.

If you prefer your winter fun on a snowboard or skis, you’ll still find plenty to love, and we mean plenty. The mountain is absolutely massive, with 3,500 skiable acres to roam. Plus, its trails are split across beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert-only slopes, making it a stellar spot for groups with mixed abilities. Looking to level up? Join a ski or snowboard lesson, which will help you progress in just a few hours.

The Eastern Sierra backcountry is a jigsaw puzzle come to life. Picture rolling hills covered in soft white snow; clusters of pine trees in emerald green; and a deer or two in the distance, completing the scene. Ready to see it for yourself? One of the best ways to do just that is by snowmobile. These winter-ready vehicles allow you to see as much of the landscape as possible on either 1.5-hour or 3-hour rides.

Need a break from the cold but don’t want to dial back the fun? Head to the new Trampoline Club. Located at the Snowcreek Athletic Club. These in-ground trampolines are the real deal—we’re talking Olympic-quality, giving the best bounce around. It’s a bit more serious than your average Skyzone, but it’s still welcoming to newbies, with drop-in rates and spotters included in the entry fee for safety. And if you have little ones in tow, check out the “bitty bouncer” hour for ages 3 to 6.

Not every Mammoth activity has to be about getting an adrenaline rush. Sometimes you’re after that clear-headed inner peace that only comes with a crisp morning of crunching through snow and listening to birdsong. If that’s what you’re seeking, try strapping on a pair of snowshoes. And with some 3 million acres of wilderness all around Mammoth Lakes, there’s tranquility in every direction. Rent a pair that’ll fit just right at Black Tie Ski Rentals. Then, head to Miraret Vista Trail, beginning at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge, which will take you on a 2.5-mile loop with gorgeous views all the way.

Tried-and-true or new-and-exciting, Mammoth’s restaurant scene is serving it all.

For locals and Mammoth die-hards, this is the one club they all belong to—The Breakfast Club. The eatery, which opened in 1986, is beloved for its filling, no-nonsense meals, including simple omelets made with whatever stuffing you choose, classic eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, and gargantuan breakfast burritos (including vegan options) that will fuel you up for a day of nonstop adventures.

On-mountain dining doesn’t get any more iconic than The Mill, a spot known for its BBQ plates and plentiful beer, wine, and on-mountain cocktails. But this year, it’s expanding to include new indoor and outdoor spaces—all the better to cope with the midday rush of hungry skiers, snowboarders, and tubers. You’ll also be able to snag a snack on the run or pick up mobile orders without hassle. But whether you’re hunkering down on site or grabbing takeaway, you can’t go wrong with smoker plates piled high with your choice of pulled pork, turkey, or sausage. Or order up a burger any style you’d like, including a vegan one.

Talk about buzzy. Vulcana, the newest restaurant on the block, comes with some serious hype. No surprise, given it’s the latest restaurant from brothers Bryan Voltaggio, a James Beard finalist, and Michael Voltaggio, a Michelin starred chef. Have we mentioned they’re both Top Chef alums, too? But just because the brothers have a few fancy accolades doesn’t mean this dining spot will be stuffy. In fact, you can expect the opposite—relaxed, inviting Italian American cuisine, including oven-baked pizzas, pastas topped with the brother’s Rigatoni Arrabbiata with brown butter sauce and basil, and even their take on SpaghettiOs, lovingly renamed “VoltaggiOs.” Vulcana is slated to open early in February. Be among the first to review it on Tripadvisor, and beat out the Michelin critics.

Soft lighting, warm wood paneling, and crisp white tablecloths give The Lakefront Restaurant the perfect air of romance—not to mention the beautiful view of the pine forest out all its picture windows. This luxury dining venue offers a seasonal menu, including seared scallops on a polenta cake with smoked tomato beurre-blanc; a pan-roasted trout with confit fingerlings, braised fennel, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes; and fragrant wild mushroom ravioli, with truffle, sage, butternut squash, and asiago. As a bonus, the restaurant hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night, upping the ambiance.

Laid back, charming, and just the right amount of divey—that’s the Clocktower Cellar, which is exactly why it’s the perfect Mammoth bar. This après favorite offers 26 beers and three wines on tap, along with 50 more bottled beers on the menu and more than 180 different whiskeys. Come order your favorite, then put a few bucks in the jukebox and challenge your buddies to a round of pool.

From recent upgrades to time-honored classics, here’s where to stay in Mammoth.

Once a modest budget hotel, The Sierra Nevada has been completely transformed into a maximalist mountain dream. Located just five minutes from the slopes, the hotel now has 179 rooms, including 20 four-bedroom villas for those traveling with a ski and snowboard pack, plus 10 cabins complete with roaring fireplaces. It remains rugged and unfussy, but you’ll now spot finer touches like vintage artwork, alpine decor (e.g. rawhide stools, weathered leather chairs), and a neutral color palette complementing the scenery outside. Close out the day at Bar Sierra, the resort’s modern American restaurant concept with plenty of local beers on tap and in bottles.

Trust that Tripadvisor’s users won’t steer you wrong—The Village Lodge at Mammoth has continuously ranked atop Tripadvisor user’s rankings. It was even named a Traveler’s Choice destination in 2022. That’s because, as many reviewers note, it has stellar customer service ready to cater to your every ski-getaway need. Even better, it’s located right by the gondola, surrounded by the top restaurants and shops in town. Choose between a studio, one, two, or three-bedroom deluxe accommodation, which all come with simple but cozy furnishings, and full kitchens so you can cook up a feast pre- or post-ski.

Looking for those throwback, classic ski chalet vibes? Tamarack delivers. This lodge is still close enough to town to be convenient, but it sits on the very edge of Mammoth’s wilderness. Then there are all the mountain-themed accents that set the mood, including vintage sleds and skis mounted to the walls, warm fireplaces ideal for a cocoa pitstop, and wood-paneled rooms with picture windows providing stunning snowy views. As a bonus, a hotel stay comes with free breakfast, too.

The Mammoth Mountain Inn is yet another spectacular ski-in, ski-out spot, only this time, it’s located at the very top of the mountain at 8,000 feet. It’s remote for sure, but this lodge comes with everything you need. The lineup includes comfortable rooms with full kitchens, an on-site restaurant, indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, a game room, a fitness center, and a 24-hour concierge. It’s even pet friendly, so you don’t need to leave your four-legged friend behind.

After a long day playing in the cold, who doesn’t want to pamper themselves with little touches of luxury? Picture a heated pool overlooking Mammoth or rooms decked out in leather furnishings, to say nothing of the hotel’s famous Heavenly Beds that you can melt into. Not bad for a home base. Service is equally attentive, and the Westin even has a mountain-specific service you won’t find anywhere else—tire chain installation. That way, you can drive home safely on the snowy and icy roads.