Winter Family Getaway to Mammoth, CA
Mammoth, California, Travel

Winter Family Getaway to Mammoth, CA

Looking for a family friendly road trip in California to snow and winter activities?  From Los Angeles, CA to Mammoth, it’s roughly a 5 hour drive, a popular mountain ski and snowboard destination for Southern California residents.  The best thing about the drive?  No twists and turns on the drive up to the mountain.  Hooray for those that get car sick like me and my daughter, Whitney.  

When booking your family vacation, find a convenient location to the Village gondola. Read more on our favorite place to stay in the Mammoth ski area.

The lower level part of the lobby of the Village Lodge is so rustic and warm—our favorite place to stay in Mammoth!
The lower level part of the lobby of the Village Lodge is so rustic and warm—our favorite place to stay in Mammoth!

Think about what family activities you want to check out.  If you want to learn how to ski or snowboard or just brush up on your skills, be sure to book your group or private lessons ahead of time.  Since they do run out of time slots for lessons, especially during the peak weekends, I would suggest calling them ahead of time to book the lessons, lift tickets and the rentals.  I called (800) MAMMOTH and they were able to help me book all of this easily over the phone and answer any questions that I had. 

Tip: If you know you’re going to spend some time skiing or snowboarding during the winter season, it would be best to buy lift tickets or season passes as early as possible. Since they are sold in tiers, the earlier the tier (before the peak season), the better the deal.

Mammoth Ski & Snowboard School offers first-timer, beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons.  We were hoping to put our two-year old into a lesson but lessons are only for those age 3 and up.

Keep in mind that ski and snowboard lessons are offered at each base lodge, Main, Canyon and Eagle, so make sure you clarify which base lodge it will be at.  We booked ours for Canyon Lodge since that is the closest one taking the Village Gondola. 

Note: Canyon Lodge is closest from the Village, Main Lodge is four miles up from the Village and Eagle Lodge is best for those who are located closer to the town. Canyon Lodge also offers a Lesson and Child Care Package for kids ages 3–4 if you want to spend more time on the slopes without them.

Check out all the other Mammoth Family Winter Activities available here.

Be sure to cover up and dress warmly for the mountain snow conditions.
Be sure to cover up and dress warmly for the mountain snow conditions.

Make sure you prepare for the cold weather.  Being underprepared and cold can be miserable, especially if you are skiing or snowboarding.  I typically hate the cold and am cold even in 60 degree weather.  I make sure to pack myself and the kids these snow/cold weather essentials.  

Look into the dining options in the Village and in town and book ahead for the restaurants you know you want to check out.  We opted to stay in and cook more since we had a full kitchen and that made meal and snack times very convenient for the kids. 

Even though we cooked most of our meals in the condo, we did go out to Side Door Wine Bar & Café for some hot cocoa! Side Door Wine Bar & Café was the only place that sold hot chocolate in the evening in the Village at Mammoth.
Even though we cooked most of our meals in the condo, we did go out to Side Door Wine Bar & Café for some hot cocoa! Side Door Wine Bar & Café was the only place that sold hot chocolate in the evening in the Village at Mammoth.
Santaville at the Mammoth Sports shop at the Village Christmas week featured free photos with Woolly and Santa.
Santaville at the Mammoth Sports shop at the Village Christmas week featured free photos with Woolly and Santa.

Mammoth is a very family friendly destination and relatively easy road trip from Los Angeles, CA.  There’s so much to do in Mammoth for the whole family and everything is conveniently located near the ski resort.  If you are itching to get out of the house and get out to the snow, try to visit Mammoth for at least a few days.  Enjoy the crisp mountain air, outdoor mountain activities and explore all that Mammoth has to offer.  

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Skiing or Snowboarding Lessons with the Kids