Getting to Mammoth Lakes
You have two main options to get to Mammoth: flying or driving. There is a small airport about 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes Airport (MMH). Advanced Airlines flies direct from Burbank (BUR), Hawthorne-LA (HHR) and Carlsbad (CLD). This is your fastest option.
If you are in Southern California, I recommend driving. It is only a 5-hour drive from Los Angeles if you time it properly to avoid traffic. AKA leave by 5 am, or between 10am-1pm to escape rush hour traffic. I’ve driven with friends each time I’ve gone up, and the drive flies by. You have the flexibility to leave Mammoth when you want, especially if you need to leave before an unexpected snowstorm. Plus, it is great bonding time in the car!
Where to Stay
You have a few different options when it comes to lodging at Mammoth:
Lodge: If you want to maximize your time on the slopes or have young kids, I would recommend staying at Main Lodge or Canyon Lodge. That way you will not have to look for parking at the mountain or worry about trekking your gear in a shuttle.
Hotel: If you want to splurge or are doing a romantic couples retreat, I recommend booking a hotel in the Village. This way you will still be super close to the mountain (just a quick gondola ride away) and can enjoy the cute village vibes.
Airbnb: If you have a larger group, or want to save money, I recommend booking an Airbnb. I personally have only stayed in Airbnbs. It is so fun to come back at the end of the day and get cozy with all my friends around the fire.Pro-tip: make sure to reserve one with a hot tub! There is nothing like relaxing your muscles in the jacuzzi after a full day on the slopes.
Transportation To The Mountain
To get to the Mountain, you can either drive yourself or take advantage of the free mountain shuttle. There is limited street and lot parking at each of the lodges. This is nice because you won’t have to carry all your snow gear as far, and can stop back at the car throughout the day. Pro-tip: leave by 8am to get a good parking spot and be at the mountain right when the lifts open at 8:30am.
When I went to Mammoth for the first time, there had been so much snow that the already limited parking was even more so limited. Since we got a later start, we took the shuttle, which was super convenient. It runs all day; check out the official shuttle website for their current route map and schedule.
Things To Do Besides Ski or Snowboard
If you’re not interested in skiing or snowboarding, or don’t plan to be on the slopes all day long, don’t fret! There is tons to do in Mammoth besides spending all day on the slopes. Here are my favorite alternatives:
Where to Eat
Bishop
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes
Where to Go Out
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram @mletraveldiary ! So excited for your trip to Mammoth Lakes, it is so much fun!
Getting to Mammoth Lakes
You have two main options to get to Mammoth: flying or driving. There is a small airport about 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes Airport (MMH). Advanced Airlines flies direct from Burbank (BUR), Hawthorne-LA (HHR) and Carlsbad (CLD). This is your fastest option.
If you are in Southern California, I recommend driving. It is only a 5-hour drive from Los Angeles if you time it properly to avoid traffic. AKA leave by 5 am, or between 10am-1pm to escape rush hour traffic. I’ve driven with friends each time I’ve gone up, and the drive flies by. You have the flexibility to leave Mammoth when you want, especially if you need to leave before an unexpected snowstorm. Plus, it is great bonding time in the car!
Where to Stay
You have a few different options when it comes to lodging at Mammoth:
Lodge: If you want to maximize your time on the slopes or have young kids, I would recommend staying at Main Lodge or Canyon Lodge. That way you will not have to look for parking at the mountain or worry about trekking your gear in a shuttle.
Hotel: If you want to splurge or are doing a romantic couples retreat, I recommend booking a hotel in the Village. This way you will still be super close to the mountain (just a quick gondola ride away) and can enjoy the cute village vibes.
Airbnb: If you have a larger group, or want to save money, I recommend booking an Airbnb. I personally have only stayed in Airbnbs. It is so fun to come back at the end of the day and get cozy with all my friends around the fire.Pro-tip: make sure to reserve one with a hot tub! There is nothing like relaxing your muscles in the jacuzzi after a full day on the slopes.
Transportation To The Mountain
To get to the Mountain, you can either drive yourself or take advantage of the free mountain shuttle. There is limited street and lot parking at each of the lodges. This is nice because you won’t have to carry all your snow gear as far, and can stop back at the car throughout the day. Pro-tip: leave by 8am to get a good parking spot and be at the mountain right when the lifts open at 8:30am.
When I went to Mammoth for the first time, there had been so much snow that the already limited parking was even more so limited. Since we got a later start, we took the shuttle, which was super convenient. It runs all day; check out the official shuttle website for their current route map and schedule.
Things To Do Besides Ski or Snowboard
If you’re not interested in skiing or snowboarding, or don’t plan to be on the slopes all day long, don’t fret! There is tons to do in Mammoth besides spending all day on the slopes. Here are my favorite alternatives:
Where to Eat
Bishop
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes
Where to Go Out
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram @mletraveldiary ! So excited for your trip to Mammoth Lakes, it is so much fun!