Winter may be Mammoth’s main draw, but the destination shines year-round. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and festivals; fall means treks flanked by golden aspens down quiet trails; spring offers sunny ski days and fewer crowds. Whether you’re here for pristine powder, hot springs, or fresh mountain air, Mammoth Lakes delivers. Here’s where to eat, stay, and play once you arrive.
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FAQ:
How do I get to Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Yosemite Airport offers limited commercial flights from select regional hubs, as well as service via Advanced Air, a semi-private carrier. Private aviation is also an option. Most visitors, however, arrive by car. In the winter, road conditions can change quickly. Check routes in advance, carry tire chains, and be prepared for temporary closures during storms. Flexibility is essential when traveling during peak snow season.
When is the best time to visit Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Lakes is a true year-round destination. Ski season typically begins in December, marked by the festive Night of Lights celebration, though snowfall can be variable early in the month. For consistently deep snow, plan a visit between late December and February. Spring, however, brings slightly warmer temperatures and excellent corn snow. Summer is ideal for hiking, lake activities, outdoor concerts—come during Labor Day weekend for the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. Fall offers fewer crowds, vibrant foliage, and prime hot spring conditions.
Where to eat
Despite its world-class ski resort, Mammoth Lakes still has the feel of a small mountain town—think beanie-clad locals, delicious craft beer, and lodge-inspired dining. The food scene is unfussy but continues to grow, with several restaurants worth planning your evenings around.
Dish at Skadi
Courtesy of Skadi
Pan Roasted Crispy Skin Salmon with Lemon, Brown Butter, and Pine Nuts and Skadi
Courtesy of Skadi
Skadi, founded in 1995 by Norwegian chef Ian Algerøen, remains the town’s most refined dining experience. Recently reopened in its new location inside the Empeiria High Sierra Hotel, the restaurant specializes in house-cured meats and house-smoked fish, with Nordic flavors such as lingonberries, and thoughtful details like hand-carved wooden butter knives made by the chef himself.
For Italian cuisine, Vulcania is the standout. Located in the Village just steps from the gondola, the restaurant is known for handmade pastas, excellent espresso martinis, and a playful comfort-food favorite: Voltaggi-O’s, an elevated take on SpaghettiOs. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly in winter when the outdoor igloos are in high demand.
Hidden above Mammoth’s Rock ’N’ Bowl bowling alley, Brasserie is an unexpected find delivering upscale French cuisine, complete with polished service, fair prices, and expansive mountain views. In warmer months, The Lakefront Restaurant is worth a stop for its serene setting alone—take in sweeping views of Twin Lakes over classic American fare.
