Mammoth Mountain is one of the biggest ski resorts in California, with one of the longest seasons in North America. It often opens in mid-November and, in big snow years, keeps lifts spinning into June. The 2026-27 season is scheduled to open on November 13, 2026. Here is how to plan a smooth Mammoth ski trip, from the family that owns two condos in the heart of town.
When to go
- Early season (November to mid-December): fewer crowds and lower lodging rates, though not all terrain is open yet.
- Holidays (Christmas, New Year's, MLK and Presidents' Day weekends): the busiest and most expensive weeks. Book lodging months ahead.
- January to March: the heart of winter, with the deepest snow and the most terrain open.
- Spring skiing (April onward): sunny days, softer snow and some of the best value of the year.
Getting to Mammoth Lakes
- Driving: most visitors drive up Highway 395. From Los Angeles it usually takes about five to six hours; from Reno, about three. In winter, Tioga Pass through Yosemite is closed, so drivers from the Bay Area go around through Lake Tahoe or Reno.
- Flying: United flies to Bishop Airport (about 45 minutes south) from San Francisco year-round and from Denver in winter. Advanced Air runs public charter flights to Mammoth Yosemite Airport from Hawthorne (Los Angeles) and Carlsbad in winter. Eastern Sierra Transit's Airport Flyer connects both airports with town.
- Chains and four-wheel drive: storms can bring heavy snow and chain controls. Carry chains or drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle with snow tires, and check Caltrans road conditions before you leave.
Where to stay: near the free shuttle
Parking at the ski lodges fills up on busy days, so staying on a free town shuttle route makes ski mornings much easier. Our two condos are at Sierra Manor on Old Mammoth Road, in the middle of town. The Red Line shuttle stops right out front and runs to the Village, where the gondola takes you up the mountain, and the Green Line to Eagle Lodge is half a block away.
Both sleep up to four guests, with full kitchens so you can save on meals after a long ski day.
Lift tickets and passes
Mammoth Mountain and nearby June Mountain are both on the Ikon Pass. If you are not a pass holder, buy lift tickets online in advance; prices are usually lower than at the ticket window, especially on peak days.
Tips for a better ski day
- Take the first shuttle and be in line before the lifts open.
- The town sits at about 7,900 feet. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first afternoon.
- Soak in the hot tub after skiing to ease sore legs.
- On a storm day, June Mountain, about 30 minutes north, can be a quieter alternative.
Off the slopes
Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Tamarack in the Lakes Basin, snow tubing, or a night out in the Village. For more ideas, read our
Mammoth Lakes guide.
Stay with the Flynn family
Our two Mammoth condos are on the free shuttle line and book up quickly for holidays and powder weekends.
See availability and book direct for our best rates, or
contact us with any questions.
