Mammoth Lakes is by far one of the most popular winter destinations for Southern California residents. The suggestions on this list will help weekend warriors to maximize time on the mountain while minimizing logistics as well as provide a luxe escape for those craving the five-star treatment.
I personally experienced everything on this list while in Mammoth Lakes recently courtesy of Visit Mammoth and Travel Mindset. I’m totally convinced that you’ll love each suggestion as much as I did.
1. Fly Like a True Jetsetter
I’d say that the best way to get to Mammoth Lakes is via JetSuiteX, which flies nonstop from Burbank to Mammoth-Yosemite airport. Why? It’s really not your average flying experience because this airline provides the perks of flying private without nearly the same price tag.
The absence of TSA screening, long check-in lines, and lengthy boarding processes eliminate the need to arrive much earlier than departure time. Trust me, I rushed through the hangar doors about 10 minutes prior to take-off and had plenty of time to decompress before boarding.
The onboard experience is also drastically elevated from the traditional commercial plane of similar size. It feels like you’re flying on a friend’s jet as the service is casual and friendly, and the cocktails are on-point.
Trust me, this is THE way to fly. Our views upon landing in Mammoth Lakes near sunset were nothing short of epic. Click to read about my JetSuiteX flight in more detail.
2. Stay at the Top Spot
This is the first time I’ve visited Mammoth Lakes and actually stayed in a hotel. Previous trips with groups of friends warranted a condo but now that I’ve checked in to The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth, it would be tough to reverse course (plus, I’m a hotel person anyway).
Perched on a bluff steps (literally) from the Canyon Lodge Gondola and The Village, the location could not be more convenient. My suite had a kitchenette but the larger suites (it is an all-suite hotel) actually have full kitchens which is incredibly convenient for families especially after a long day on the slopes.
This Marriott property has all of the hallmarks of a big hotel with a nice pool deck, in-room dining, an onsite kids’ club, and in-room fireplaces. Overall, it’s a comfortable place to stay.
3. Get Your Skis, Snowboards and Ski Gear Delivered
I can’t tell you what a convenience this would be especially when traveling with kids. Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery does in-room ski fittings and delivery so that you can gear up in the comfort of your own hotel room.
Before my arrival, I provided some information about my skiing ability, height, and weight. The gear they brought was perfect.
If you don’t have ski clothes or if important gear didn’t make it into your suitcase, they can deliver this, too. And, at the end of it all, they’ll pick up the gear from the hotel bellman. Easy.
4. Have Gourmet Food and Wine Delivered (!!!)
The kitchenette and kitchens at The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth open up a world of possibilities. One is a delivered basket from Bleu Market & Wine Bar that can be placed in-room. Mine came with a nice bottle of Spanish wine, salumi, nuts, crackers, and chocolate that I could snack on throughout my stay.
Unboxed, it pretty much means a scenario like this (picture all the snacks in my hands).
5. Fine-Tune Your Ski or Snowboard Skills Quickly
I would highly recommend that you kick-off your next Mammoth Lakes ski or snowboard adventure with a little fine-tuning so that you can enjoy the rest of your holiday gliding down the slopes.
I recently gave up snowboarding (perhaps temporarily), as the getting up and down was a bit too much for my back. So, it was time to re-hone my skiing skills after nearly a two-decade break.
It was unbelievable to me how much a half-day private ski lesson transformed my first slightly-awkward bunny slope run into skills that could have me navigating down black diamonds again, if need be.
6. Try Something New
This is the best part. Make it a goal to do something in Mammoth Lakes that you haven’t done before. You won’t regret it.
For me, this was cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Driving a snowmobile is not nearly as hard as you’d imagine. The trails were beautifully-groomed and pretty empty during my tour which meant we could actually put the pedal to the metal for almost 90 minutes. This included free-riding through a big flat area with spectacular scenery all around.
The other new-to-me thing I did was a cross-country skiing lesson at Tamarack Lodge that proved to be a trip highlight.
I was surprised by how much I liked moving at a slower pace and on flatter terrain. It is easier to learn than downhill skiing and a fantastic workout. In fact, there were a ton of school kids out on the groomed trails having an absolute blast.
I can’t wait to do both of these fun winter activities again.
7. At the End of the Day, Book an In-Room Massage
A Mammoth vacation is an active one so why not end the day with an in-room massage designed to rehab muscles after a day on the mountain. The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth can coordinate treatments through local mobile therapists and bill the charge to your room for extra convenience.
After a half-day private ski lesson and a morning of snowmobiling, I was certainly in need of a massage. I’m convinced that I was not nearly as sore as I should have been the following day because of it.
Even an adventure-filled holiday should be relaxing, too, right?
How do you elevate your Mammoth Lakes vacation?
Katie Dillon
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