Mammoth Mountain, Always a Fan Favorite

With the rising cost of lift tickets, the Ikon Pass makes a lot of sense for any ski family.  The pass gets you access to Big Bear as well as the slopes of the best skiing in California….Mammoth.  Lift tickets for Mammoth were upwards of $240 on MLK weekend which is a tough pill to swallow for a family of 4 – hence the Ikon Pass.  We headed up for a quick weekend trip which is just about all our tired legs could handle.  There are 2 routes from LA – via the 15 as well as the 5.   Heading up the 5 through Palmdale is definitely a safer route since the 395 before the 14 is a 2 lane highway where crazy drivers are always trying to pass.  The only downside to the 5 to 14 is missing out on the roller coaster humps on the 395.  About 90 minutes into the drive you will come across the most empty Costco you will ever find in Lancaster which is a great spot to fuel up and even get a car wash.  If you want to consider the Palmdale Costco, keep driving since there is no gas station there! If you decide to power through, you’ll find yourself paying upwards of $5.50 – $5.75 for premium gas anywhere along the 395 until you get to Bishop.  As you pass the small towns you MUST pay attention to the speed limits which drop to 25 mph and there are plenty of speed traps ready to nail you, don’t let this ruin your vacation.

We stayed at a condo on Lakeview Blvd which was very convenient.  The shuttle runs right up and down the street but for the covid fearful that may not be a great option.  The drive to the mountain is only about 5 minutes from this cluster of condos but parking is a pain near Canyon Lodge and pretty much all of Mammoth.  If you want any shot at parking your car, you best be there 30 minutes before opening and be prepared to pay $30 for premium parking – which also sells out real quick.   If all else fails, Lakeview is about 15-20 minute walk to the village gondola. 

Canyon Lodge was very crowded especially in the morning hours.  Canyon Express is a lift that you want to avoid unless you enjoying standing around.  Chair 8 and 7 are much better options to get around the mountain but you will need to take on some blue runs to make your way around.  Chair 7 has a great green run with a terrain park that the kids absolutely loved!   We spent a good 3 hours there each day before heading up to higher grounds.  From 7 you have direct access to Roller Coaster Express which takes you near the top and at that point its a free-for-all for mountain access.  

Best chairs with no lines:
High -Five Express – the only way down is a blue/black and blue runs
Chair 20 and 21 – long well groomed speed runs here
Chair 7 and 8 – in the late morning and afternoon there are no more than about 4-5 people in line
Canyon Express – only in the afternoon would I even consider it

Chairs to avoid:
Gold Rush and Stump Ally – crowded all day long and from 21 you can see the lines before heading there
Chair 22- no easy way down

When the day is done and the adults are out of gas but the kids are still bouncing off the walls, it becomes the perfect time to sled.  At the bottom of chair 7 is a pool like bowl great for sledding.  The parking lot gives your direct access to it near the base of the lift.   Another great option is about 3 miles away at Shady Rest Park where you will find some really nice hills.  When we went the snow was pretty hard packed so a helmet is a good idea unless you are looking to leave with a concussion. 

Considering the drive is only about 5.5 hrs from LA, Mammoth is definitely worth the drive.  Although the snow doesn’t compare to Utah, it is half the distance!  Make sure to keep a close eye on the weather since the 395 can be brutal during a storm.  Have fun!!!