California Dreamin': What Makes Mammoth Mountain an Epic Snow Destination
2023 marked the year of the most snow ever to fall on the shoulders of Mammoth Mountain (MM). Over 700 inches of the freshest of fresh snow. That’s a depth taller than Matilda from the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, and what now feels like the not-so-Big Pineapple.
I mean, the place was literally buried in snow, and to really test the resilience of the locals, they skied up to July in 2023.
Where does one even start with Mammoth Mountain… It’s mammoth by name and nature. With a free gondola that leaves from the town centre to the mountain base, with multiple options for all your needs, Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful place to enjoy both ski life and an accessible community of like-minded frothers.
Photos of historic snow season from 2023. Image credits: Rooftop view by Scott Hannaford, all other images by Andrew Suggit.
Skiing and Boarding Mammoth Mountain
3,500 acres of ski-able terrain, 28 lifts and an elevation of 11,059 ft. MM is Mammoth.
The resort, founded in 1953 by Dave McCoy, is truly the heart and soul of the Mammoth community (not to mention a starring location in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) this place is one to behold. Deep pockets of powder, some ‘dawn of time’ landscapes, mental half pipes, unbound fun parks, and on- and off-trail options to fill all your Warren Miller fantasies.
When your thighs are finally burnt to a crisp, have a Skrewball and hit the Canyon Lodge Sundeck to move whatever muscle memory you may have left to a DJ slinging tunes from a gondola car.
Please Skrewball responsibly! Image credit: Andrew Suggit
And if you are really lucky, see if you can spot Woolly, the most perfect mascot you will see (Pretty sure Woolly has a few stunt doubles floating around).
If you think you need a day off the hill, but still crave a thrill, look no further then Woolly’s Tube Park. I mean, what isn’t fun about hurtling down a hill in an inner tube with friends and strangers?
Where to Eat & Drink
On the mountain, just enjoy anywhere you land but Fowl Language is a good vibe, and the Melt House (when not snowed-in) has the best toasted cheese this side of the front side.
Off mountain you’ve got a heap of options in the village.
Vulcania
Vulcania is an Italian share-style restaurant in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, served by a local grom in a modern setting. This place would feel at home in any Australian city. Run by an acclaimed chef-and-brother duo of Michael Voltaggio (who can boast a Michelin star to his culinary achievements) and Bryan Voltaggio (a James Beard Foundation Award finalist), you know you’re in safe hands.
The al fresco dining here is also a blast with fire pits and DJs, and the wine list of mainly American drops is solid.
The Clocktower Cellar
Whisky is the order of the hour at the Clocktower Cellar — voted as one of the best ski bars in the USA. The whiskey lineup includes 160 choices from across the globe. Or you could just settle for a beer (they’ve got 26 options on tap alone) and have some classic pub fare while you’re at it. Just pack your quarters, ID and your foosball A-game.
The long bar at Clocktower Cellar. Image credit: Scott Hannaford
Petra’s
Petras is an intimate venue for a wonderful winter dining experience… Even when still dressed head to toe in ski gear. Located inside a beautiful alpine lodge, the vibe is cosy and charming with a stand-out wine program (over 250 drops available by the bottle). The food is a more up-market bistro affair.
Old New York Deli
Get your day started with a great coffee that isn’t Starbucks and order a bagel from the mammoth menu at Old New York Deli. Heck, why not grab yourself a pocket bagel for a mid-run snack. You’ll be patting yourself on the back in a couple of hours.
Gomez
Gomez is home to the Mammoth Margarita, great food, and over 900 Tequilas. It’s your call.
Mammoth Brewery
Mammoth Brewery has 14 beers on tap, multiple big screens and long communal bench seating. Is this high-altitude heaven?
Main section image: The dining room at Petra’s. Credit: Scott Hannaford.
Where to Stay
Hillside Highlands Townhomes
Gather your family, mates, significant others and book yourself a townhome. These three-storey luxury homes include an internal lift (I mean, who needs stairs after a day on the slopes?), a hot tub, huge kitchen, mammoth ceilings, open fire and a laundry, all within a minute walk from the centre of town.
It’s already a luxury option however, if you’re feeling particularly boujie, book yourself a Ski Butler. Yes, a SKI BUTLER. Door to door service to take any hassle out of rental gear. I mean this service is a pure joy and worth its weight in gold.
Alpine-chic decor for the lounge area of this Hillside Highland townhome. Image credit: Scott Hannaford.
If you are considering getting snowbound in the Northern Hemisphere this summer, the Californian slopes don’t disappoint. From the terrain to the scenery to the thriving après culture, if you’ve never considered these resorts for your getaway it’s time to add them on the list.
Words and select photography by Andrew Suggit. Andrew travelled as a guest of Mammoth Mountain and Ikon Pass.
With 59 iconic destinations worldwide (including Thredbo, Mount Buller and various New Zealand resorts), Ikon Pass is your ticket to shred year round. Discover more at the website.