Nestled in the heart of California’s Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Ski Resort stands as a premier destination for snow enthusiasts.
Known for its extensive terrain, consistent snowfall, and vibrant mountain community, Mammoth Ski Resort promises an unforgettable ski vacation experience.
We have been snowboarding Mammoth Ski Resort for 20 years and have the scoop on all things related to lodging in Mammoth.
The experiences we have had staying at an extensive array of different accommodations has enabled us to narrow down the best choices for all budgets.
Our travel style is unique, we splurge on special occasions, but won’t hesitate to book a low budget property to chase a last minute storm. This is how we have been able to gather so much personal information on properties near Mammoth Ski Resort over the years.
This article will guide you through the best accommodations to suit your needs.
Where To Stay Near Mammoth Ski Resort
When choosing lodging options near Mammoth Ski Resort, always plan for snow.
In fact, most of our Mammoth Ski Resort missions involve chasing the multi-foot storms Mammoth is known for.
Here is our best advice: Book lodging with garage parking
Car monsters are a real thing in Mammoth, garage parking will save you from the struggle of shoveling your car out each day.
If you have ever had the pleasure of digging your car out after a 3-10 foot storm in Mammoth, you’re well aquatinted with the struggle.
Premium Lodging
Our favorite place to stay near Mammoth Ski Resort is The Westin Monache.
The Westin is the most luxurious hotel accommodation in the Mammoth area, and it fittingly comes with a premium price tag.
Enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne upon check in, and the convenience of valet at this delightful hotel.
The comfortable rooms include mountain views, mini kitchenettes, access to outdoor hot pools and a gym facility.
If you have the cash to spend, this is our #1 recommendation. The location cannot be beat, it’s just across the street from the Mammoth Ski Resort village and village gondola entrance.
Forget about driving through snow storms or icy road conditions, simply take the village gondola to Canyon Lodge base area for convenient access to skiing and snowboarding.
Take a stroll through the village and enjoying shopping, dining options and nightlife all while staying at the Westin Monache.
Prefer to stay in? The onsite restaurant and bar “white bark” offers delicious food and sophisticated cocktails. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice dinner after a long day on the mountain.
If condos or vacation homes are more your style, there are lots of AirBnB options available around the town of Mammoth Lakes.
The price of a vacation rentals is usually a more expensive option but can be great for families and groups.
Here are the AirBnB standouts we love:
2 Bedroom Ski To/From Property~Gorgeous Kitchen~Killer View!
This awesome 2 bedroom condo located just above Canyon Lodge offers all the luxuries of home. A large living area, comfortable beds, garage parking, indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub facility, and ski in/out capabilities make this a top pick!
Powderhaus – Modern two Bedroom Condo at Canyon
This wonderful 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo with a bonus loft is just a short 5-10 minute walk from the Canyon Lodge base area. It offers comfortable, newly remodeled amenities for an amazing stay. The 2 car garage and EV charger is an added bonus for those EV owners, and the attached garage eliminates the need for shoveling. A community sauna and hot tub are available for soaking after a chilly day, and the washer and dryer facility keeps your gear fresh all trip!
If these two properties don’t suit your needs, there are plenty more awesome vacation rentals in the Mammoth Lakes vicinity. Public transportation is a key element to making your ski trip convenient and easy to navigate.
Public Transportation
Free public transportation makes it easy to get around town without the need for a car. The bus system is convenient for those staying away from the mountain in an AirBnB. Check out the current bus schedule and map of bus stop locations.
Beware, when the storms hit, tourists flock to Mammoth Ski Resort in droves.
The public buses can get full in the mornings and afternoons, this makes it difficult to get first chair freshies.
Crowded buses is only a problem on weekends or powder days when the crowds are maxed out.
We have waited at bus stops and had 2 busses pass us by before catching the third go-around, wasting an hour or more of precious shred time.
On weekends or powder days, we always opt to arrive early and drive to the base of Mammoth Ski Resort ourselves.
Expert Booking Tips
When booking lodging (other than AirBnB) near Mammoth Ski Resort we recommend using the booking.com mobile app.
The mobile app offers discounted “Mobile Only” rates that cannot be found on the regular website.
We love using booking.com because we receive loyalty points, discounts and the convenience of having all our reservations in one place.
We recommend booking properties with no upfront payment and “Free Cancellation” to ensure maximum flexibility for chasing winter storms.
Most properties on booking.com will allow you to pay at the property, ensuring no up front, out of pocket fees prior to arrival. This is an important strategy when booking multiple reservations for winter ski trips. Aim to book properties that offer a 24-72 hr free cancellation prior to check in.
If you want to maximize shred days this season, fill your calendar with “free cancelation” bookings and sit back and wait for the snow. No snow, no problem, simply cancel your reservation before the “free cancelation” deadline date.
Having all your reservations in one place (Booking.com mobile app) makes it easy to stay on top of all your reservations with a quick glance.
Budget Lodging
All budget lodging near Mammoth Ski Resort are pretty similar when it comes to offering basic, no frills accommodations. What sets them apart is their location and ability to offer free breakfast, an onsite hot tub and covered garage parking.
The recommendations below are based on affordability, comfort, location and garage parking.
When we are traveling on a budget, the Quality Inn is our preferred motel, located on Main St. near Mammoth Ski Resort.
The Quality Inn offers basic comfortable rooms, garage parking, free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. They offer an indoor pool, which they call a hot tub, but it’s honestly been closed or not very hot when we have used it in the past.
It is located just half a mile from the Mammoth Ski Resort village, with access to a local bus stop just across the street.
Bonus, it’s a short 10 minute walk to the village if the buses are full or running late. This allows for a stress free morning when attempting to get those first chair freshies.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the vicinity without the need for a car. The Quality Inn offers the basics at an affordable price and as a bonus, no shoveling!
Catering to the budget traveler, The Austria Hoff offers great bang for the buck.
We have had the opportunity to stay at the Austria Hof many times over the years when visiting Mammoth Ski Resort.
While this property does not offer garage parking, it includes continental breakfast, ski storage, and a rooftop hot tub for soaking after a long day, however the tub is pretty small and tends to get crowded.
The convenient location is situated next to Canyon Lodge base area. There is no need to worry about driving snowy roads or digging your car out in the morning, you can simply walk straight to the chairlift.
It’s an old school ski motel with rustic European charm, free parking and discounts on airport shuttles are available at the property.
The onsite restaurant makes for an easy dinner option and it’s a popular spot to grab a beer for après-ski.
Ultra Budget Lodging
If you are trying to stay near Mammoth Ski Resort on a super tight budget, the Moderne Hostel offers affordable shared bunks and private rooms with access to a full community kitchen.
The hostel is a great option for solo travelers or those looking for a simple and economical place to crash.
The hostel does seem to book out quickly during peak season. The property does not offer anything other than a basic bunk and shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
We have stayed in so many different motel, hotel, and vacation rental options in the Mammoth Ski Resort area. If these options are not of interest, staying anywhere on main street is a good call, it gives you access to all the amenities you need.
Alternative Lodging Options
Bishop
If staying near Mammoth Ski Resort is out of your budget, staying in the neighboring town of Bishop might be the right call. Bishop is located 45 miles south of Mammoth Ski Resort via Hwy 395.
Motels in Bishop are typically 40-60% less than motels near Mammoth Ski Resort. The 45-minute drive can be inconvenient, but the savings can be worth it.
When choosing to stay in Bishop, make sure to factor in winter weather conditions and potential road closures during big storms.
We stay in Bishop on occasion when snowboarding in Mammoth on a budget. Leaving Bishop extra early in the morning during snow storms, allows us to beat road closures and worsening road conditions on the route to Mammoth Ski Resort.
Ski Clubs
Local ski clubs offer lodging for their members at extremely low rates.
Check into your local ski clubs for memberships and member perks for lodging deals in Mammoth.
If you are interested in ski or snowboard racing, clubs are always looking for members to represent them in races. Participating in racing could be your golden ticket to acceptance into your local ski club.
If you live in San Diego County, check out the San Diego Ski Club. Membership includes access to a private chalet “hostel style accommodation” in Mammoth for $20 a night.
Member fees and participation requirements apply, you also need a sponsor from a current member to join the club.
This may be something to investigate if you are a die-hard skier, looking for the cheapest lodging in Mammoth.
Hot Tubs & Hot Springs
Does the property you booked not have a hot tub? Do not fret, there a few solid options for getting your soak on near Mammoth Ski Resort.
The Snowcreek Athletic Club offers $30 day use passes to use the facilities. They offer a fantastic pool and large indoor hot tub.
Double Eagle Spa is located inside Snowcreek, where you can relax after an exhausting day of skiing with a full body massage. Booking a massage gives you free access to the hot tub and pool area. Only a short drive from the village, its a great option for a hot tub near Mammoth Ski Resort.
Local hot springs offer free natural hot pools in multiple locations within about a 30 minute drive from Mammoth Ski Resort.
Check out Wild Willy’s Hot Springs if you are up for an adventure out in nature. This place gets busy with tourists at times and if you have children, beware, it’s not uncommon to see nudity.
Make sure you bring a towel and board shorts, the hot springs are rock bottom and can be uncomfortable to sit in without shorts.
Conclusion
Mammoth Ski Resort is such a great place! We have been snowboarding in Mammoth for years and love sharing our expert tips and advice.
There are so many options for lodging near Mammoth Ski Resort, your budget and style will determine the right property for you.
Luxury travelers will find comfort at the Westin Monache in the heart of the bustling center village. If you’re looking for a non hotel property, AirBnB’s offer all the comforts of home, they are great options for families or groups.
Budget travelers will find lots of options for rustic, old school ski motels that won’t break the bank. Look for properties that offer garage parking, it will alleviate the stress of shoveling and scraping your car in the mornings.
Main Street offers the best location for discount lodging with access to public transportation and walkability to bars and restaurants. Booking properties through the booking.com mobile app allows you to save money with discounts, earn rewards and keep all your reservations organized.
Alternative lodging can be found through local ski clubs or social groups, Facebook and Meetup are great places to connect with fellow ski enthusiasts.
If you are in search of a hot tub or hot springs near Mammoth Ski Resort, check out the Snowcreek Athletic Club or Wild Willy’s Hot Springs to relax your muscles after a hard day on the mountain.
Mammoth Ski Resort is a top winter destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Due to its increasing popularity, pricing for lodging skyrockets during peak season.
Don’t let lodging costs stop you from enjoying the slopes, accommodations in the neighboring town of Bishop can cut down your motel cost by 40-60%.
Wherever you choose to stay, Mammoth Ski Resort is sure to deliver a fun filled winter adventure! Start booking your accommodations early for the best selection and pricing, see you on the slopes!
Happy Shredding 😉
