The numbers guide to Mammoth Mountain
California’s Mammoth Mountain is famous for a reason. It’s big, it’s scenic, and it boasts one of the longest seasons of any resort in North America, making it perfect for skiers and snowboarders who want to take advantage of those winter-wonderland vibes for longer.
To fully comprehend the scale of this mega mountain playground, we’ve broken down the numbers for you, covering both on-snow and off-snow experiences - everything from how much snow to expect to how many restaurants are open for business.
Read on and enjoy the best possible kind of maths, the kind that’s walking you through exactly how much fun awaits you.
ALL THE REALLY IMPORTANT NUMBERS
45… minutes is all you need to get to Mammoth Mountain from Bishop (BIH). There are daily connecting flights via San Francisco and Denver, making for an easy transition from Australia. Or, if you prefer, drive the 6 hours from Los Angeles, making a road trip out of it.
300… sunshine days are what you can expect from your time on the slopes here. You’re in California, after all. But you won’t need to compromise on that snowfall, because…
400… is the average amount of inches that fall on the mountain every season, making for some seriously top-notch bluebird days. Conditions are so consistently good, the season generally stretches from November all the way through to June or even July.
11,053… feet is the summit elevation, making Mammoth’s summit the highest lift-serviced one in California. With all that height comes good things - you’ll enjoy lighter snowfall than other destination resorts in California, so dry and fluffy you’ll feel the difference as you make those turns on your skis or snowboard.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
3,500… is how many acres of terrain you can enjoy in Mammoth. Weave your way through the glades, carve your way down the groomers or ask a local on the lifts for their favourite powder stash: there are plenty of tucked-away spots, so the freshies can last for days here, especially in the wind-loaded places.
150…is the number of ski runs you have to explore, with everything from beginner slopes to expert terrain covered. From the first timers to the adrenaline junkies, there’s something for every skier and snowboarder to enjoy in Mammoth - and the amount of Olympians and athletes who have called Mammoth home over the years are testament to that.
25… per cent is how much beginner terrain you can expect. 40% is intermediate, another 20% is advanced, and 15% is expert.
28… chairlifts and gondolas are there to whisk you up the mountain to access all that terrain, making for less time in line-ups and more time on the slopes. Some of the chairs are named by numbers, making them easy to keep track of. Start with 3, 5, 9 and 12 for beginners and intermediates, and Chair 23 for the more advanced in the group, with easy access to the chutes and runs above the treeline. The local’s favourite is Chair 22, great even in inclement weather on those rare non-sunny days.
3100… feet of vertical makes for an epic run down the mountain. Prepare to be left breathless: the view is one thing, and the steep and deep to be found along the way is quite another.
8… terrain parks are what keeps all those international ski and snowboard professionals entertained while they’re visiting and training for the Olympics or X Games. That includes no less than 3 pipes.
FOOD, APRÈS AND MORE
10… on-mountain restaurants will keep you fuelled up, plus there are plenty more options in town at Mammoth Lakes at the base of the mountain. From a genuinely good coffee in the morning (Black Velvet Lounge comes highly recommended) through to sports bars, ramen restaurants, fine dining establishments and everything in between, there’s something for every taste and budget.
8… off-snow activities round out the fun to be had here, all carefully curated to make the most of the surroundings. This includes snowmobiling, ice skating, tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more. Our pick are the snowcat tours, offering you a backcountry experience with the comfort of a heated cat.
Endless… events. It’s too hard to put a number on them, so know there’s constantly something on the calendar throughout the lengthy season - whether it be Summit Sunset rides for live music at the top of the Sierra, alpine parties with spectacular views, world championships and plenty more.
Ready to experience everything at Mammoth Mountain for yourself? Get in touch with the team at Skimax to book your perfect Mammoth holiday with the numbers and experiences to suit.
