Mammoth Mountain,
USA
Ask about Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth... and mammoth it is!!
In fact, by acreage it's the third largest Ski Resort in the continent.
Richard Branson spent a month here with his family a few years ago and declared it his favourite place to ski in the world.
The base of the mountain is actually higher than it's some of its neighbouring resorts peaks, and even with a more southern latitude the snow is dryer and finer than the most famous of its Canadian counterparts.
Mammoth is renowned for its wide, fat, deliciously undulating runs, the mountain has invested some serious dollars in grooming Cats, so almost every run is groomed daily, meaning that even if the snow hasn't been constant, it's fantastic riding all the way through Spring, even into June!!
Mammoth is the closest ski Resort to L.A. and for that reason its BIG on the weekends, (remember our fellow Americans only get on average a week's annual leave each year...)
So Big on the weekends, means fabulously quiet during the Midweek. So if you like peace on the Mountain but don't mind partying with some new friends on the weekend, it will suit you down to the ground!
Mammoth Locals came originally for the winter, but stay for the Summer in their outdoor playground, they all seem noticeably cheerful, why wouldn't you be??
They hide out on June Mountain about 30 miles from Mammoth, a well kept secret it's skiable on the same ticket and worth a day or two when you're around.
There are some truly friendly, family run, accommodations and gorgeous restaurants and pubs to try out some of those Californian wines. The Austrian Influence is evident in a lot of the architecture, and on the menus.
If you are into adrenaline sports Mammoth is for you, there is some seriously fierce terrain around, to test out even the best, BIG snowboard parks, BIG jumps, BIG ramps, a lot of experimental stuff, the Pro's live here. A local Physiotherapist commented that this year she'd seen more broken Femur's than the last five combined. If you're up to it, try out the Avalanche Chutes!!
Of course on the days when your legs just can't stand your boots any more, jump on the free village shuttle, there's some really great shopping downtown, amazing end of season bargains on gear (especially after Easter) and the Ralph Lauren and Coach factory shops wont' go unnoticed!!
No matter where you choose to stay, on Snow or in the Village, you'll love the feel of Mammoth, and you'll be back.