Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain was first developed as a ski-resort by Dave McCoy, a Californian State Ski Champion, in the 1940s and 1950s. 'Old Mammoth' a collection of condos, lifts and cabins, is still managed by the McCoys, but the majority of the resort is now run by the Intrawest Corporation (famous for Whistler and Tremblant).

The ski resort, located just south of Yosemite National park, boasts the biggest snowfall of any ski area in North America, so can offer skiing from November through to June. And just to be greedy, it also enjoys an amazing 300 days plus days of sunshine a year. Not suprisingly, the resort is a very popular weekend destination for residents of Los Angeles (about 5 hrs drive away), who bring their laid-back party vibe with them.

The skiing's pretty immense. Only the lower wooded section has trails in the normal sense. The massive upper bowls and peaks offer all-access skiing. Beginners are made welcome at the well respected ski school. For intermediates, there's an absolutely huge choice, with some great runs on the backside of the mountain. Many good intermediates and experts make their way up to the very top of the mountain (wind conditions permitting). At the summit, the ridge which runs out from Panorama Lookout is the start point for a frightening array of steep chutes which open out into the huge bowl of snow below.

A large number of motels, hotels, condos are available for your stay. Pick between staying at in the Mammoth mountain area itself, for easy access to the gondola station, or in Mountain Lakes town, 4 miles away, which is connected to the ski area by a free shuttle. Many love Mammoth for the rockin' party atmosphere - a favorite is the Yodler bar, near the foot of the gondola. This livens up from about 4 in the afternoon, so you have to be early to hog a table.