An aerial view of Mammoth Mountain in 2021.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Distance from Los Angeles: A five-hour drive
Projected season opening date: Nov. 5
What makes it special: Mammoth is California’s highest lift-served, four-season resort playground with a lofty summit at 11,053 feet. It offers one of the longest ski seasons in the country, normally running from early November into May and often June and even July. Getting to Mammoth Mountain has become easier with Advanced Airlines’ semi-private charter service into the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) and newly expanded commercial flights into Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) near Bishop, which is 45 miles from the resort.
What’s new this season: Famed “Top Chefs” Michael and Bryan Voltaggio will open their latest restaurant concept in the Village at Mammoth in December. On the slopes, the resort added $5 million in new snowmaking equipment.
On the slopes, improvements at Mammoth include a $5-million investment in energy-efficient snowmaking equipment, renovation and expansion of tubing lanes at Woolly’s Tube park and the addition of Ski Butlers, an equipment rental delivery service.
There are also some new lodgings, including the just-renovated Sierra Nevada Resort. The 179-room hostelry, built in 1967 by L.A. Lakers owner Jerry Buss, will have 10 light-filled cabins with private fireplaces and modern alpine furniture. In its heyday, the resort was popular with Hollywood’s elite, hosting stars such as John Wayne, “Rat Pack” members and Jerry Lewis.
Lift ticket prices: $99 to $199. Ikon Pass accepted.
Pro-tip: Lincoln Mountain Chair 22 has some of the best tree skiing in the country.
More info: mammothmountain.com
