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Daycations: 11,000 Feet and Three Reasons to Go
Picture this: You’re driving on a quiet road. On each side of you, towering pines fly past, lining the edges of the two-lane highway. In your car, you are toasty warm but the land outside is a still winter wonderland under a bed of snow, glistening in the sunshine. You can almost smell the freshness of the air, and feel the crisp winter sting on your face. Visions of hot toddys dance in your head and you, quite literally, feel on top of the world.
Suddenly, the view of a dramatic A-frame roof and a grand lodge appears in the landscape. The once peaceful, snowy scene is transformed into a flurry of action as skiers zip past and are whisked upward in a gondola. The feeling of ski boots lingers on your feet, and you know you’re in for a great weekend.
Why Mammoth
It may sound too good to be true, but this winter fairytale is less than a day’s drive from our beloved desert landscape, nestled in the heart of Mono County between hot springs and national parks, in the form of Mammoth Lakes, California. We went, we saw, we conquered and came back with three reasons why you should definitely give this place a try for your next weekend vacation.
#1 Skiing and Ski Culture
OK – we get a big, collective “duh” from local skiers and boarders for this one, but with the tallest peak in California (we weren’t kidding with 11,053 feet) and an average snowfall of 400 inches per year, Mammoth is one of the premier ski/snowboarding resorts in the United States. Translation: the skiing here rocks. Boasting wide open, well-groomed runs and perfect powder, the variety of ski terrain rivals other big dogs in Tahoe, Colorado and Utah…but closer to home. Throw in mostly sunny climate, a dash of moderate weather and a large helping of extra days to enjoy the snowy runs and you’ve just landed great t-shirt skiing through late May. At $99 per day during peak season (Jan 6. – Apr. 20) the lift ticket price is about as steep as the mountain’s 3,000 plus vertical drop, but the recreation and views of the Minarets are worth the trip.
During ski hours, the mountain offers a handful of lodges, restaurants and bars with yummy food and libation for those seeking liquid courage…or warmth. As darkness takes the mountain and you cease to feel your fingertips, be comforted knowing your après ski options are vast, spanning from on-mountain bars to gourmet eats, community fire pits and nightclubs at the relatively new Mammoth Village (www.mammothmountain.com), and beyond.
Our pick for a well-deserved brewski will find you among fellow skiers as well as locals at the Mammoth Mountain Brewing Company Tasting Room. Across the main drag from The Village a tiny, nondescript entry opens into a large warehouse space with an extended horseshoe bar and lots of beanie-covered heads tasting mainstays and rotating custom brews produced just a couple blocks away. Try the Real McCoy Amber for a smooth, balanced arrangement of local flavors and the 9.5 percent Lair of the Bear Russian Imperial Stout if you’ve had a rough day on the mountain. The tasting room is open from 10-6 p.m. Prices vary for pints and growlers, and kegs are also available (www.mammothbrewingco.com).
Finally, get your strength back by carb-loading on pizza and handmade pasta at the newest restaurant in The Village, Campo Mammoth (www.campomammoth.com). Self-proclaimed “rustic Italian” the laid back, group-friendly atmosphere fits nicely with the fresh organic ingredients used to create authentic, wood-fired treats like the V.P.N. Margherita Pizza (think big, gooey drops of mozzarella), pasta and other entrees. The mouthwatering Salumi Board features artisan meats, cured in-house, and the Roasted Cauliflower starter with garlic and a little kick of chili are to die for. Prices range from mid-teens for entrees and pizza to $29 for a Blackened Rib Eye.
Wherever you end up, you’re bound to find an eclectic mix of SoCal (this is a staple mountain for LA) and ski bums, all with a cool vibe and flavor for fun.
#2 Romance
Harken back to the scene as you pull up to the mountain. Now, picture your special someone in the passenger seat, bundled up and ready for a romantic snow holiday. Believe us, Mammoth will not disappoint.
There are quite a few options for romantic lodging in the area. For ski-in, ski-out, a fireplace and balcony with mountain views hit up Juniper Springs Resort condominiums. At about $249/night during the winter season, these condos are stocked with a full kitchen and the studio sleeps four in case it’s a double date (www.juniperspringsmammoth.com). Tamarack Lodge (www.tamaracklodge.com) provides rustic cabins just 10 minutes from the Main Lodge. Starting at $199, if you’re in the mood for cross-country you can start your trail from your door. Either way, once you’re tired of the cold you can snuggle up in front of the fireplace with a bottle of wine or some hot cocoa. Check out www.visitmammoth.com for a full list of accommodations.
During the day, take your better half up the Panorama Gondola for crystal clear views that seem almost too perfect (www.mammothmountain.com), or head over to the Mammoth Ice Rink (www.visitmammoth.com) for figure eights and handholding. A full day is $10.50 per person, or you can go the extra mile and rent the entire facility for an hour (swoon) for $200. Finally, be sure to check out one of the natural hot springs around the area. Ask locals about Hilltop Tub or Wild Willy’s to get directions.
Top the night off with a five-star dinner and hot mulled wine at the Lakefront Restaurant just minutes from town at Tamarack Lodge. The cozy, ten table arrangement offers a regularly changing menu, but expect the likes of local duck breast with white bean stew, or a local beef with Yukon potato puree and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant is priced on the upper end ($50+ per person), but if you get there before sunset to see the views of Twin Lakes, it’s totally worth it. Be sure to check hours and make a reservation at (760) 934-2442.
#3 Year-Round Adventure
One of the best surprises we found on our trip was that Mammoth is NOT just a ski town. During the summer season you’ll find world class mountain biking, hiking, golf and horseback riding close to the Main Lodge (www.mammothmountain.com). In addition, within an hour you could be trout fishing or kayaking at one of the many lakes or streams around the area, hiking to waterfalls and the one-of-a-kind rock formation called Devil’s Postpile, or you could find yourself at the mouth of Yosemite National Park. Many of the restaurants and shops in town are open year-round, but check before you go to ensure you don’t fall in the dreaded off season. You can call (888) 466-2666 or visit www.visitmammoth.com to find out more.
Whether it’s a peaceful and romantic retreat you desire, or you’re an action seeking powder hound, the quaint and beautiful setting at Mammoth Lakes should satisfy.
Words of Wisdom for Your Trip
If you go, here are some things you should know:
- The drive to Mammoth Lakes can take between 5 and 6 hours from the Las Vegas Strip.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is a MUST if you make this drive during the winter. - Runs at Mammoth Mountain range from bunnies to black diamonds, with plenty of options for beginners. The recent installation of RFID tags makes lines manageable everywhere. Lessons for the “newb” in your group can be purchased starting at $189 for an adult at the Mammoth Mountain Ski and Snowboard School (www.mammothmountain.com).
- One downfall to the high elevation of Mammoth is high winds. Be sure to wear layers and check the weather before you head up to the hill. You can even download the Mammoth Mountain App for iPhone or Android to get up-to-date weather conditions, deals and more!
