Mammoth Mountain
3,500 acres, 945m vertical, 400 inches annual snow. California's highest resort with terrain parks and Ikon Pass access.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
21 Nov 2026
Closes
30 May 2027
Days open
190
Annual snow
33ft
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mammoth Mountain spans 3,500 acres across California's Eastern Sierra with a summit at 3,369 metres and a base at 2,424 metres, delivering 945 metres of vertical drop. The resort operates 180 named runs distributed across 15% beginner, 48% intermediate, 24% advanced and 13% expert terrain. Annual snowfall averages 10.16 metres at the base, rising above 400 inches at upper elevations where the summit reaches 11,053 feet. The 2022-23 season recorded over 700 inches at Main Lodge, marking the snowiest winter on record.
The mountain's 65% north-facing aspect ensures reliable snow preservation from November into June, with terrain spreading horizontally across four distinct base areas. Chair 23 accesses steep chutes and exposed upper bowls above treeline, whilst Chair 22 serves wind-sheltered expert runs including the Avalanche Chutes on Lincoln Mountain. The Panorama Gondola reaches the summit in seven minutes, connecting to Cornice Bowl and advanced alpine terrain. Unbound Main Park anchors a terrain park system comprising 10 parks, two halfpipes, over 100 jibs and 50 jumps across 100 acres.
Main Lodge sits at 2,743 metres and serves as the historic hub, whilst Canyon Lodge and Eagle Lodge provide family-oriented beginner zones with dedicated learning areas. The Village at Mammoth connects to Canyon Lodge via a 15-passenger gondola, creating pedestrian access between lodging and slopes. Weekends draw crowds from Los Angeles and Southern California, though the resort's sprawling layout disperses skiers efficiently. Wind frequently closes upper lifts during storms, sending advanced riders to the protected Chair 22 zone.
Mammoth is included on both the Ikon Pass with unlimited access and the Mountain Collective with two days. The 2025-26 season opened 14 November and runs through 25 May, with extensions possible into June or July during heavy snow years. The resort attracts Olympic athletes training in its world-class terrain parks and suits intermediates seeking long groomed runs, experts chasing steep lines, and families requiring varied terrain. Altitude, massive acreage and exceptional park infrastructure define the Mammoth experience.
3,100ft
Vertical
180
Runs
3,500 acres
Skiable
33ft
Annual snow
Ikon / Mountain Collective
Pass
The Terrain
180 runs across 3,500 acres skiable
Mammoth Mountain spreads 180 runs across 3,500 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 48%, with 27 beginner runs to find your feet and 66 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
180
runs
180 runs across 4 grades
Beginner27 runs · 15%
Intermediate86 runs · 48%
Advanced43 runs · 24%
Expert23 runs · 13%
Time it right
When to visit Mammoth Mountain
The 2025-26 season opened 20 November following snowmaking preparation and runs through 25 May 2026, with daily lift operations from 7:30am to 2:00pm during spring hours beginning in May. Mammoth typically operates from early November into June, with exceptional years extending into July or August. The 1994-95 season opened 8 October and closed 13 August, whilst 2017 closed 6 August and 2022-23 ran until 6 August following record snowfall. Season length averages over 200 days.
Annual snowfall averages 400 inches at base elevations, exceeding 10 metres total accumulation and rising past 500 inches at the 11,053-foot summit. The 2022-23 winter delivered over 700 inches at Main Lodge and nearly 900 inches at the summit. February and March historically produce the heaviest snowfall, with the first week of March averaging 43 centimetres. November typically receives 32 inches, whilst December through February each deliver 67 to 71 inches. Snowmaking covers 33% of terrain, establishing a reliable early-season base.
January and February offer peak powder conditions, whilst March balances fresh snow with increasing sunshine. April and May deliver spring corn snow under bluebird skies, with temperatures rising but coverage holding at altitude. The resort benefits from 300 days of annual sunshine. The 2025-26 season received 87 inches in February alone, securing a Memorial Day closing despite a slower early winter. Mammoth's east-side Sierra location captures Pacific storms whilst the 2,424-metre base elevation prevents rain.
Night of Lights returns 14 December annually at Canyon Lodge with fireworks and family activities. Elevation Mammoth gay ski week runs 12-16 March 2025. Ikon Pass holders receive Early Ups exclusive morning access on select dates with complimentary breakfast at McCoy Station. The resort does not offer night skiing but extends spring hours to maximise morning corn snow. Chair 1 banner breakthrough and opening day ceremonies feature Woolly the mascot and complimentary beverages.
Season 2026 - 2027
21 Nov 2026
Opens
30 May 2027
Closes
190
Days open
33 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Mammoth Mountain, and where to stay
Mammoth Mountain rises from the eastern slope of California's Sierra Nevada range in Mono County, 58 kilometres southwest of the Nevada state line. The resort sits above the town of Mammoth Lakes at 2,424 metres base elevation, surrounded by the Inyo National Forest and Long Valley Caldera volcanic landscape. The summit reaches 11,053 feet, making Mammoth California's highest lift-served ski area. Volcanic geology defines the terrain, with the mountain itself a lava dome complex.
Mammoth Lakes town lies 6.4 kilometres from Main Lodge along Highway 203, offering lodging, dining and services for a resort community. The Village at Mammoth provides slopeside accommodation, restaurants and pedestrian access via gondola to Canyon Lodge. Los Angeles sits 307 miles south via US 395, Reno 168 miles north, and San Francisco 360 miles west during winter when Tioga Pass through Yosemite closes seasonally. Highway 395 runs north-south through the Eastern Sierra, providing primary access.
The drive from Los Angeles takes five hours via Interstate 14 north to Highway 395, passing through the Owens Valley with views of the White Mountains and Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. From Reno the journey requires three hours south on US 395, passing Mono Lake and the ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park. San Francisco requires six to seven hours in winter via Highway 99 or Interstate 5 east, then Highway 395 south, as Tioga Pass closes from approximately October through May.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport sits 10 minutes east on Highway 395 with seasonal United Airlines service from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver, plus Advanced Air from Carlsbad and Hawthorne. Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop operates 45 minutes south with year-round United flights from San Francisco and seasonal Denver service beginning December. Mammoth All Weather Shuttle, Mammoth Taxi and rental cars serve both airports. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority operates free shuttles between Reno Airport and Mammoth. Winter driving requires chains during storms.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Mammoth Mountain, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Aspen Snowmass Marks 80th Anniversary With $3.75 Throwback Lift Tickets
Aspen Snowmass turns 80 this December, and it's marking the milestone with $3.75 lift tickets on the anniversary itself - the original 1946 price. A discounted long weekend, $19.46 dining specials, lodging deals up to 46 percent off, and a season of anniversary programming round out the celebration across all four mountains.
17 Sept 2026
Doppelmayr Group Posts 9.1% Revenue Growth in 2025/26, Passing 1.3 Billion Euros
Doppelmayr closed its 2025/26 business year with revenue up 9.1 percent to 1.3 billion euros, driven by projects including the Big Sky Explorer Gondola, Deer Valley's Mayflower East Village Gondola, and the first TRI-Line installation at Hoch-Ybrig. Headcount grew too, with the ropeway manufacturer now employing almost 4,000 people worldwide.
16 Sept 2026
Hintertux Glacier Replaces 40-Year-Old Gondola to Tuxer Fernerhaus
Hintertux Glacier is retiring its 40-year-old gondola to the Tuxer Fernerhaus. The replacement carries 10 people per cabin instead of four, with seat heating and nearly 40 percent more hourly capacity. Doppelmayr's new line opens at the end of October 2026, right as the glacier's high-altitude terrain becomes accessible again for the new season.
16 Sept 2026
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Mammoth Mountain Lift Tickets
Mammoth Mountain lift tickets & passes
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Nov 21, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Mammoth Mountain typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Our lift ticket pricing was last updated on Aug 30, 2026.
Day passes start from US$39, with peak rates up to US$399.
Ikon / Mountain Collective15 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 23–64
Adult Full Day
US$89up to US$269 peak
Mammoth Mountain lift tickets for adults provide full day access to 3,500 acres in the Eastern Sierra. For 2026/27, dynamic pricing starts at $89 for advance-purchase days and rises to a $149-$269 walk-up window range on the busiest holiday dates. Compare Mammoth Mountain lift ticket prices to find the best value at California's highest ski resort with 25 lifts and 180 trails.
Buy passAdult 23–64
Adult 3 Day Mammoth Mountain Costco Lift Ticket
US$399
Mammoth Mountain lift tickets from Costco for adults provide full day access to 3,500 acres in the Eastern Sierra. Save up to 50% on the price of normal Mammoth Mountain lift tickets. Compare Mammoth Mountain lift ticket prices to find the best value at California's highest ski resort with 25 lifts and 180 trails. Only available at Costco. Fully transferable with blackout dates + no Saturdays. Around $399 for a 3-day ticket; exact 2026/27 Costco price and blackout dates are set by Costco and may vary.
Buy passYouth 13–22
Young Adult Full Day
US$79up to US$239 peak
Young adult (13-22) lift tickets at Mammoth Mountain with full ski area access. Mid-season walk-up rates run about $180 per day for 2026/27, with advance online purchase dropping the price and holiday dates raising it. Buy Mammoth Mountain lift tickets online to save while enjoying 3,500 acres with 11,053 ft summit elevation.
Buy passChild 5–12
Child Full Day
US$59up to US$149 peak
Child (5-12) lift tickets for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area with access to all lifts and terrain. Mid-season 2026/27 walk-up rates are around $95 weekday and $105 weekend, with lower advance-purchase pricing and higher holiday rates. Perfect for families exploring Mammoth's extensive beginner and intermediate trails.
Buy passChild 0–4
Child (4 & Under)
Free
Free skiing for children 4 and under at Mammoth Mountain. Access to California's highest ski resort with excellent learning terrain and beginner-friendly zones at Canyon and Eagle lodges.
Buy passSenior 65–79
Senior Full Day
US$99up to US$219 peak
Senior (65-79) lift tickets for Mammoth Mountain with full mountain access. Mid-season 2026/27 walk-up rates run around $163 weekday and $180 weekend, with cheaper advance-purchase pricing and higher holiday rates. Experience the Eastern Sierra's premier ski area with California's longest season from November through June.
Buy passSenior 80–99
Senior (80+)
Free
Free skiing for seniors 80+ at Mammoth Mountain. Complimentary access to California's highest ski resort with 3,500 acres of terrain and spectacular Eastern Sierra views.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Military Discount
US$67up to US$202 peak
25% discount for active military personnel at Mammoth Mountain. Present valid military ID at the ticket window for discounted access to California's premier ski resort, roughly $67-$202 for 2026/27 depending on the date's underlying window rate.
Buy passAdult 23–64
Beginner Ticket
US$70up to US$99 peak
Mammoth Mountain beginner lift ticket provides access to beginner chairlifts only (Chairs 7, 11, 15 & 17). Affordable option for first-time skiers and riders learning at California's premier mountain resort, around $70-$99 for the 2026/27 season. Note: beginner tickets are not valid at June Mountain.
Buy passAdult 23–64
Scenic Gondola
US$39up to US$49 peak
Panorama Gondola ride to Mammoth Mountain's 11,053 ft summit. Spectacular views of the Eastern Sierra and access to the interpretive center and Eleven53 Cafe (no skiing included), around $39-$49 for 2026/27.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 23–64
Half Day
US$69up to US$189 peak
Mammoth Mountain half day lift ticket starting at 12:30 PM. Affordable afternoon skiing at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area at a discount off full-day window rates, with 2026/27 advance pricing from around $69 rising toward $189 on peak holiday dates. Perfect for late arrivals or morning travelers.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 23–64
Multi-Day (3-Day)
US$345up to US$540 peak
Three consecutive days skiing at Mammoth Mountain with significant savings over daily rates. Advance multi-day pricing works out around $115 per day (about $345 for three days) for 2026/27, rising on peak holiday dates. Experience California's highest ski resort with access to 3,500 acres and 180 trails.
Buy passAdult 23–64
Flex 4-Pack
US$460
Four flexible days of skiing at Mammoth Mountain with no blackout dates, now sold as the Quad Pack+. For 2026/27 it is $115 per day ($460 for four days) for adults and $58 per day for kids, plus 30% savings on any extra days added later.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 23–64
Ikon Base Pass
US$869
Ikon Base Pass with limited access to Mammoth Mountain and select blackout dates. Includes days at 40+ destinations plus unlimited days at a set of other mountains. The 2026/27 Ikon Base Pass price was not confirmed at time of writing; figure carried forward and likely higher.
Buy passAdult 23–64
Ikon Pass
US$1,678
Full Ikon Pass with unlimited access to Mammoth Mountain and no blackout dates, plus 70+ destinations worldwide. The 2026/27 adult Ikon Pass is $1,678 (junior 13-22 $1,198, child 5-12 $478). California's highest ski resort with 3,500 acres, 25 lifts and a season typically running November through June.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Mammoth Mountain day pass cost?
Mammoth Mountain day passes range from US$39 to US$399 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Mammoth Mountain lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Mammoth Mountain lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Mammoth Mountain, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Mammoth Mountain lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Mammoth Mountain - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Mammoth Mountain lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Mammoth Mountain offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Mammoth Mountain directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Mammoth Mountain.
More Mammoth Mountain intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.