Winter Sports for Guests of Mammoth Lakes Vacation Rentals
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, one of America's largest ski areas, is located just five miles from the town of Mammoth Lakes. Vacationers staying in Mammoth Mountain lodging will find fantastic alpine skiing on 3,500 acres of skiable terrain along with an array of steep chutes, wide open bowls, tree skiing, bumps, gullies, and well-groomed trails.The Mammoth Mountain ski resort boasts a vertical drop of 3,100 feet with a base elevation of 7,953 feet and a summit elevation of 11,053 feet. The resort's summit receives an awesome 400 inches of annual snowfall. Mammoth Mountain skiing usually begins in November and can extend all the way through June when the spring snows are good.
Skiers staying in Mammoth Mountain condo rentals can choose from 150 named trails, rated as 15 percent Expert, 20 percent Advanced, 40 percent Intermediate, and 25 percent Beginner. The longest run is three miles. The Mammoth Mountain ski resort has 33 percent snowmaking coverage with snowmaking on 48 trails. The ski area has an uphill capacity of 50,000 riders per hour on 29 lifts, including nine express quads and gondolas.
Facilities for visitors staying in Mammoth Mountain vacation rentals include four day lodges, ten sport shops, nine equipment rental/repair shops, an on-hill snack bar, three food courts, five restaurants, seven bars, lockers, child care, and a game room. Mammoth Mountain's ski and snowboard school offers private, group, and family lessons in addition to special programs designed for children, seniors, women, and disabled skiers.
Spring skiing at Mammoth Mountain, California is a great value as crowds thin and rates go down. April and May are particularly noteworthy due to the warm temperatures and firm snow in the morning. Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit Mammoth Mountain to enjoy special events and take advantage of the huge sales on ski and snowboard gear.
Mammoth Mountain is known for its fabulous Unbound Terrain Parks, training ground for the U.S. Snowboard Team and home to pro skiers and riders. The Unbound Main Park features some of the most progressive jibs and includes the Super Pipe, the Super-Duper Pipe, a 16-foot by 36-foot wall ride, and jumps ranging from 60 to 80 feet in length.
The Unbound South Terrain Park is for intermediate to advanced riders and has hits and tables throughout the area. Mammoth Mountain's Family Fun Park, near Canyon Lodge, has a 10-foot half pipe and the Micro Jib-A-Luscious Zone, perfect for honing your skills on various obstacles.
For more information about Mammoth Mountain ski vacations, call 800-MAMMOTH (626-6684) or 760-934-2571.
More great Mammoth Lakes skiing can be found at June Mountain Ski Area, located about 20 miles from Mammoth Lakes. June Mountain is a smaller, quieter ski resort offering un-crowded conditions and spectacular scenery on 500 skiable acres. June Mountain's slower pace and great value make it an excellent choice for families.
At June Mountain Ski Area, guests of Mammoth Lakes condo rentals can ski on 35 named trails rated as 20 percent Advanced, 45 percent Intermediate, and 35 percent Beginner. The longest run is two miles, and the resort has an uphill capacity of 10,000 riders per hour.
In addition to a base elevation of 7,545 feet and a summit elevation of 10,090 feet, June Mountain also has a vertical drop of 2,590 feet. The resort receives about 250 inches of annual snowfall and is usually open from December through April. For information about June Mountain, call 888-586-3686.
While downhill skiing is always main attraction, vacationers who rent a Mammoth Mountain cabin can also enjoy fabulous Mammoth Lakes cross country skiing at the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center, located at Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Tamarack offers 28 miles of groomed track and skating lanes and provides lessons and rentals. For information, call 800-237-6879. Another great option is the Mammoth Lakes Nordic Trail System, featuring seven miles of groomed trails that are perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking.
Dog sledding is another popular winter activity for travelers staying in a Mammoth Lakes rental as they glide through a winter wonderland of pristine mountain terrain pulled by a team of well-trained sled dogs.
Mammoth Dog Teams offers half-hour, one-hour, moonlight, and dinner rides, as well as overnight backcountry trips, with prices starting at $55 for adults and $30 for children ages 4-12. Warm weather visitors staying in Mammoth Mountain vacation home rentals by owner can take kennel tours and learn about the history of dog sledding. Call Mammoth Dog Teams at 760-934-6270 for information.
Snowshoeing is permitted in most of the forest surrounding Mammoth Lakes and is a great way for visitors of all ages to experience the majestic beauty of the area. Vacationers staying in a Mammoth Lakes condo rental can pick up a free Winter Recreation Map at the Welcome Center/Ranger Station (760-924-5500) on Hwy. 203 at the entrance to Mammoth Lakes.
Snowmobiling is another popular winter sport for vacationers who rent lodging in Mammoth Mountain. The Mammoth Lakes area boasts 80 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails and 75,000 acres of open expanse in the surrounding Inyo National Forest. On a snowmobile, visitors can venture far into the pristine forests to experience incredible mountain scenery and see a range of wildlife. Several outfitters offer snowmobiling, including Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures (760-934-9645), DJ's Snowmobiles (760-935-4480), and Sierra Engine (760-934-0347.)
Guests of condominiums in Mammoth Lakes can enjoy sledding and tubing anywhere in the Inyo National Forest. Sledz (760-934-7533), located on Minaret Road on the way up to Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge, offers inner tubes and a tow to the top of the hill. Rock Creek Sno Park offers sledding and snow play areas for a nominal entrance fee. For more information, call the Welcome Center/Ranger Station at 760-924-5550.
