At Mammoth Mountain, the views are absolutely stunning from every vantage point. It’s also a place where you can ride the gondola to get to various spots on or near this 11,000-foot mountain. As for whether or not the Mammoth gondola is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes. The friendly team from Mammoth Bound, where you can find everything from cozy gaiters to trendy Mammoth Mountain clothing, explain why riding the Mammoth gondola is such a great experience.
It’s Conveniently Located
One of the reasons we can confidently say the Mammoth gondola is worth it is because of the convenience factor. The 15-passenger Village gondola easily transports skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to nearby base lodges and popular spots for snow sports activities.
You Don’t Have to Be a Skier to Enjoy It
Even if you don’t ski, you can come to Mammoth just for the atmosphere and amenities and still enjoy the gondola. Scenic gondola rides are appealing to anyone with an appreciation for stunning panoramic views. Once you arrive at the summit of the mountain, there are other fun things you can do that make the gondola ride even more rewarding, including:
• Snapping selfies by the summit sign
• Grabbing a bite to eat at the Eleven53 Café at the top of the mountain
• Learning about the history of the area at the interpretive center that’s also at the summit
There Are Appealing Gondola Ticket Perks
If you need another incentive to enjoy the gondola, access to the Eleven53 Interpretive Center and Café is free with your gondola ticket. Plus, kids aged 12 and under get to ride the gondola for free with a paying adult. These free tickets can be picked up at any of the on-site ticket windows.
The Gondola Makes It Easier to Hike Down the Mountain
The Mammoth gondola runs year-round, so it serves many purposes. If you’re hiking in the summer, the gondola can be used to casually get to the summit. Since the ascent to the top of the mountain is more physically demanding, the gondola allows you to save up your energy and scope out the trails as you check out the view. You’re then welcome to descend the on-mountain hiking trails slowly and steadily after you get off the gondola. But don’t forget to pick up your free hiking guide first at the Adventure Center.
Basic Gondola Info
Mammoth’s gondola is easy to get to and use. The ride to the top takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The gondola runs daily, weather permitting, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The last “ride-around” tickets for the gondola are sold at 3:15 in the afternoon. On a side note, feel free to use the hashtag #gondola when you post gondola or summit pics on social media, and your photos might be featured on the Mammoth website.
Even in spring and summer, it can get pretty chilly at the top of the mountain in Mammoth. Beanies and gaiters offer perfect ways to stay warm while you ride the gondola, ski, snowboard, and enjoy all that Mammoth Mountain has to offer. Stop by Mammoth Bound to pick up what you need!