Mammoth Mountain

Mountain Volcanic mountain in California, famous ski resort

An eastern Sierra volcano and ski area near Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Mountain draws winter skiers, snowboarders and summer mountain bikers; chairlifts reach high ridges with wide views over the Sierra Nevada.

Main image

Mammoth Mountain is a large lava dome complex and ski area on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in California, United States, with a summit elevation of 11,053 feet. It is one of the primary alpine recreation areas in the region.

The site supports a major alpine ski area on its slopes and a year-round outdoor recreation program that includes hiking, mountain biking and scenic lift access to high-elevation viewpoints. The developed resort base sits adjacent to the town of Mammoth Lakes, which provides visitor services and accommodation.

Trails and lift-served routes lead to panoramic views across the eastern Sierra Nevada and high alpine terrain. The mountain is also a volcanic feature with noticeable lava domes and rock formations at higher elevations.

The mountain is a product of relatively recent volcanic activity within the Long Valley region and has been developed over the 20th century into a major ski resort and recreation area. Its slopes and facilities expanded as winter sports and mountain tourism grew in the region.

Mammoth Mountain rises immediately above the town of Mammoth Lakes in eastern California and sits within Inyo National Forest on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada.

  • Elevation: The summit sits at 11,053 feet elevation; weather and snow conditions vary rapidly at high altitude.

What to See #

  • Summit elevation: The summit reaches 11,053 feet above sea level and is the highest point on the Mammoth Mountain volcanic complex.
  • Ski area and town access: The developed ski area and lift network sit on the mountain's slopes adjacent to the town of Mammoth Lakes, providing direct access to alpine recreation.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA 93546, United States
37.6308, -119.0326
Seasonal; winter lift operations typically start around 8:30am and summer gondola hours vary-see skimalmoth.com
Lift tickets vary seasonally; see https://skimalmoth.com for current pricing

How to Get to Mammoth Mountain #

From Mammoth Lakes town centre, follow Minaret Road/CA‑203 to the Main Lodge and parking areas; the resort is a short drive (or shuttle ride) from the town. The nearest major highway is U.S. 395; the closest large airports are in Reno and Fresno with shuttle services in high season.

Tips for Visiting Mammoth Mountain #

  • Acclimatize in Mammoth Lakes (altitude ~7,800 ft / 2,380 m) before pushing for the summit-shortness of breath is common.
  • Buy lift tickets or season passes in advance during peak winter weekends; summer gondola and bike tickets also sell out.
  • Check avalanche and weather reports in winter-conditions change rapidly, and some runs close without notice.

Best Time to Visit Mammoth Mountain #

Winter for skiing, summer for alpine recreation; check conditions before travel.

Winter (ski season)
Dec-Mar · -10-5°C (summit)
Powder and big-resort weekends; best lift-served skiing and snowboarding.
Late spring-summer (mountain activities)
Jun-Aug · 5-25°C
Trail running, hiking and mountain biking as the snow melts; the gondola runs for sightseeing.
Shoulder seasons
Apr-May, Sep-Nov · -5-15°C
Variable conditions: late-season skiing or early-season storms-check local reports.

Weather & Climate near Mammoth Mountain #

Climate

Mammoth Mountain's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -12°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (677 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-11°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 13°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 12°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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