mammoth31oct002_0_0.jpg

Photos: Mammoth Mountain

The lifts have stopped turning at most resorts, but at Mammoth Mountain, it looks like they won't be stopping for quite some time. This SoCal shred haven will remain open until July 4, and with the amount of snow it's received this season there will definitely be quality.

Mammoth Mountain is in fact a lava dome complex, formed by a series of eruptions ten of thousands years ago. If you've never snowboarded on a volcano before, there's no time like the present. The volcanic activity makes for some great apres sessions in the many natural hot springs. Mammoth is also the highest resort in California at 11,053 feet.

screen_shot_2011-04-28_at_5.33.38_pm.png

With a population of about 7,500, Mammoth Lakes is a quaint community-orientated mountain town fueled by tourism throughout the year. Delve into snowboarding history and see what all the fuss is about. With killer off-season deals on everything from lift tickets, to hotels, food and flights, this may just be the best time to visit for a final shred trip of the season, and maybe get in some lake, hiking and fishing time as well.

WHERE

Located 300 miles north of LA and about three hours south of Reno, Nevada, Mammoth Lakes lies in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Enjoy breathtaking views on highway 395, a wide open road leading to one of the most premier resorts in the country. While Mammoth Lakes is nestled in a valley, a winding road up from the village leads to the base of Mammoth Mountain in all its glory.

mammoth_mountain_ski_0.jpg

GETTING THERE

The easiest and fastest way to travel into Mammoth is by plane. Flights are now available into Mammoth Yosemite Airport direct from Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose and Portland, OR. It's a short 10 minute drive via shuttle, rental car or taxi to town. There's plenty of free public transit around the town of Mammoth once you're there, so a car isn't necessary. If you do drive, it's about a 4-5 hour trek from Los Angeles and the same from San Francisco.

TERRAIN

trail_map_0809_0.jpg
 

Known for its parks and vast terrain, Mammoth is in fact a massive mountain that can be overwhelming. Check out a map or ask a local, then whisk away to 3,100 vertical feet of wide open runs with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Boredom is not an option, with chair after chair and run after run of endless turns. With all the hype about Mammoth's Unbound parks you can imagine what might be in store for you. From Main to South Park there are 9 parks of all shapes and sizes. Good luck finding them all.

20090216_mammoth_super_duper_pipe_0_0.jpg

Another Day in Paradise Teaser

FACTS

Vertical drop: 3,100 feet
Uphill capacity: 54,000 people per hour

Annual
Snow Fall: 400 inches

  • Snowmaking covers 700 acres, 33 percent of the mountain

Lifts: 28

Elevation:

Summit: 11,053 feet
Base: 7,953 feet
Skiable Acres: 3,500

Parks: 9 parks, 3 pipes built by the Unbound crew, including the new Art Park and an air bag featuring artwork from the "I Am Snowboarding" Exhibit.

Average Temp: mid 20s to low 30s for the low, early 40s to mid 50s as the high.

Lift Ticket Pricing: Adult day ticket $92, April 24- close $72. MVP Season Pass for only $659, available now and good available to use May 1.

railcomplete_0.jpg

LODGING

village_winter_0.jpg

The Village Lodge
Stay in the heart of the Village and enjoy all the amenities Mammoth has to offer. Featuring rooms from studios to three-bedrooms The Village Lodge will make you feel right at home. Amenities include kitchenettes, fireplaces, workout rooms, a heated pools and hot tubs. It's time for a little R and R.

mmi_01_0.jpg

The Mammoth Mountain Inn
Located right at the base of Mammoth Mountain, The Mammoth Mountain Inn is the perfect place if you're looking for convenience to the mountain as well as privacy. From basic rooms to condos and suites, The Mammoth Mountain Inn is slopeside accommodations at its best, featuring kitchenettes, a heated outdoor pool, gym, restaurants and bar making staying and playing a breeze.

ff46_topten_westinmonacheresort_01_0.jpg

The Westin Monache Resort
The newly added Westin brings prestige and variety to Mammoth. Perched above the Village The Westin is steps away from shopping and dining, while bringing the highest in hotel style and variety to the area. Enjoy fine dining, meeting and spa facilities and comfort while being waited on hand and foot. The Westin offers studio to two-bedroom suites all with breathtaking views, suited to meet your needs.

EATS

 

buildingfront.jpg

Base Camp Cafe
Pick up a morning brew or hang for brunch and mimosas – Base Camp Cafe has you covered. It's not such a big place, so there's sometimes a wait, but if you have the chance to sit outside and enjoy the sun you may end up staying awhile. Get a breakfast bagel sandwich or go big with an omelette. Base Camp serves lunch and dinner as well with a Thursday night all-you-can-eat pasta special.

Breakfast Club
If you're craving a homestyle hearty breakfast you must try the Breakfast Club. From breakfast, brunch and lunch, the Breakfast Club will make you feel like you're at your parents for the holidays. Try the three eggs with corned beef and hash browns, the pancakes or the huevos rancheros and get ready to be full all day.

outside_photo.jpg

Roberto's Cafe
A must-try and must-visit every time I'm in Mammoth. From yummy margs, big plates of food and great service, Roberto's offers authentic Mexican food in a fiesta atmosphere. Roberto's has daily and happy hour specials. The number one reason why this place is truly rad thought is because the El Jefe Burrito is named after the late Jeff Anderson.

restaurant_0.jpg

Whitebark Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
Located inside of The Westin, Whitebark lends a high class mountain dining appeal that can't be beat. From the decor to the array of food and wine, come for apres or enjoy a lovely dinner and jazz music. Whitebark offers an eclectic Asian influence including tapas, sushi and lobster. Reservations recommended.

Whiskey Creek
Whiskey Creek is both a locals and visitors favorite. Hit the upstairs bar for some of the best happy hour deals around, or enjoy a sit down surf and turf style meal with the fam. This place is generally going off.

The Auld Dubliner
Make friends and get loud at The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant. Enjoy a pint or a variety of Irish specialties from whiskey to Bailey's on the rocks. Fill up after a long day on the hill with one of the Dubliner's specialties including corned beef, fish and chips or shepherd's pie. Yum!

Giovanni's
Get a taste of Mammoth's best pizza at Giovanni's in Mammoth Lakes. Family owned and operated, Giovanni's pizzas are hand tossed and made to order. Giovanni's also offers a variety of pastas, entrees and salads as well. Pick up to enjoy back at the pad or take a seat and try a Mammoth Brewing Company pint on tap.

NIGHTLIFE

1_1.jpg

Hyde Lounge
Bringing a little bit of Hollywood to the mountains, the newly opened Hyde Lounge is the latest and greatest late night hot spot. Feeling like a big spender? Get a table with bottle service on weekend nights. Party the night away sipping some high-class cocktails and rubbing elbows with snowboarding's elite.

insidedayshot450.jpg

Lakanuki
This Hawaiian inspired joint serves food, but it's generally known for its late night karaoke and dance parties. The place will be packed, but the drinks will be stiff. Fun times had by all.