With 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, there are 3,500 things to know about skiing and snowboarding on all of the groomers, bowls, cliffs, and trees that cover Mammoth Mountain.
All that terrain means you’ll need to take time to know where to find the best snow and features, but time searching for the best place to ride is time spent not riding the best snow on the mountain. Fortunately for you, we’ve broken down the do’s and don’ts for your first visit to Mammoth Mountain below. Check them out and plan your trip today!
Don’t Ride Near Eagle Lodge Unless You’re a Beginner
If you’re getting your skis or board under you at Mammoth Mountain, then it makes sense to ride the green runs like those around Mammoth’s three base lodges. If you’re not a beginner though, then the green runs around Eagle Lodge are too flat and crowded with inexperienced riders and skiers to be worth passing through.
Do Ride Chair 22 on Powder Days
Chair 22 has enough great terrain underneath it to make it worth riding anytime. When a storm drops powder on Mammoth the blues and blacks become must do’s for skilled riders and skiers.
The trails off of 22 are blacks, double blacks, and advanced blues, so approach them with extreme caution even if you’re an expert and take your time as you pick your way through the trees and cliffs that make this area special. If you do, the only thing that will make you happier than the last run is the fact that the lift taking you back to the top to do it all over again is right in front of you.
Don’t Ride the Backside in Bad Weather
The backside of Mammoth Mountain is home to some of the best trails on the entire mountain, but due to its position on the mountain it also catches some of the worst weather on Mammoth Mountain.
There’s no predicting how weather is going to hit the mountain because each system is different, but high winds are common at Mammoth Mountain and they hit the backside most often. If it’s a windy day, avoid the backside of the mountain so you can make the most of your visit to Mammoth.
Do Keep Up your Speed on the Village Ski Back Trail
The Village Ski Back trail is a trail that runs all the way from the base of the mountain between Canyon Lodge and Chair 4 to the Village near the bottom of the ski Gondola. In other words, you can ski or snowboard from the summit all the way down into the heart of Mammoth’s ski village if you want. If you find yourself on the Village Ski Back trail, make sure you get plenty of speed heading into it. The trail becomes narrow and flat several times before reaching the Village, so keep up your speed so that you get to the bottom with enough time to do it all over again.