Mammoth Mountain: Beyond the Slopes
- Jennifer Chung
- Jul 10, 2023
- 5 min read
While Mammoth is renowned for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding, this is a guide is for your time spent off the slopes. From hotel stays to places to eat, here is all you need to know when you aren't playing in the snow on Mammoth Mountain.
The Village at Mammoth
Even if you're not participating in snow activities at all, the Village at Mammoth has a lot to offer for any member of the family. From live concerts to unique restaurants, the Village at Mammoth is a great place to grab a bite to eat and experience the local events. In the winter time, they have several large metal bonfire pits you can keep warm by as well. I have experienced several concerts at The Village, as well as chihuahua races and a fireworks show during the July 4th weekend.
Note: If planning to dine at The Village, I would beware of Yama Ramen. Their service and quality of food are deplorable, and I would not recommend this location to my worst enemies. You have been warned.
(Pro Tip: If you were looking to get some of the winter experience, they offer scenic gondola rides from Main Lodge up to McCoy's or even the top of the mountain. You can head up there for lunch if you still wanted the mountain views.)
Mammoth Brewing Company
Mammoth Brewing Co. is a perfect destination for beer lovers and those seeking a lively atmosphere. The brewery's selection of handcrafted beers is impressive, although I feel like they offered more quality IPAs than any other beer we tried. We really enjoyed trying their different flights: one with classic brews and the other with their seasonal brews. This allowed for us to try every beer on the menu and then select which one we liked the most to bring home. I also wanted to note that their food selection was surprisingly good for being a brewery. I would say their food was better than 90% of the meals I have tried within The Village itself.
The brewery's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by its location in the heart of Mammoth, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Eastern Sierras. Whether you're grabbing a drink after a day on the slopes or looking for a place to socialize with friends, the lively energy of Mammoth Brewing Co. makes it a popular gathering spot. They even have a small stage setup outside where they have concerts in the summer, and cornhole if you are feeling like playing a quick game. It's worth mentioning that the brewery can get busy during peak hours, so a bit of patience might be needed. Overall, this is a must-stop spot for any beer lover in the group.
Alpenhof Lodge
The Alpenhof Lodge, located directly across from the Village at Mammoth, is a charming retreat that offers a delightful blend of rustic charm and modern comforts for a reasonable price. Mammoth is expensive, especially during peak season, so being able to find an affordable stay that is still close to the mountain is a huge bonus. The lodge's central location in Mammoth is another advantage, as it provides easy access to the town's attractions, shops, and outdoor activities. The staff was friendly and attentive, and they even offer complimentary snacks, candy, and stickers in the lobby for guests to enjoy. The rooms at Alpenhof Lodge are comfortable and clean, and I was shocked to have actual housekeepers come by in a post-covid era (without me having to ask) to bring fresh linens and tidy things up. The room we stayed in had a mini fridge, and they had an ice machine and microwave downstairs for guests to use. It is worth to note that some rooms may be on the smaller side, and the decor may be a little bit dated compared to many other hotels in the area. However, the genuine hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and prime location more than make up for any minor drawbacks. Although we did not dine at either, the hotel also has an attached restaurant and bar. We did go down to look at the bar, and it looked like a wonderful place to check out for our next visit. They had some game tables to play and the walls were covered with neon signs, giving it an overall vintage feel. The lodge also offers amenities such as a relaxing outdoor hot tub and a sauna, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration whether it be winter or summer.
Overall, the Alpenhof Lodge is a delightful retreat that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere during your stay in Mammoth. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a cozy and memorable mountain getaway close to the heart of Mammoth Mountain.
The Westin
(Pictured: Photos from a stay at the Westin.)
The Westin at Mammoth Village is a premier hotel offering a luxurious and comfortable experience for visitors. Please note that of the many stays in Mammoth, this is going to be on the more expensive end. Obviously, one of the standout features of The Westin is its convenient proximity to the slopes. Ski-in/ski-out access (depending on the time of year) allows guests to hit the slopes with ease, maximizing their time on the mountain. After a day of outdoor adventure, it is only a short trek back to the comfort of the hotel.
The guest rooms at The Westin are spacious and each was decorated with a rustic mountain charm. Our room included a balcony with a view overlooking the courtyard below, which was a nice treat. I also enjoyed the large bathtub that was included in our room for a soak in the evenings. The hotel also includes an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, for a soothing respite after a day on the slopes or simply exploring the outdoors. Also, the Westin is located inside of the Mammoth Village, meaning that guests have access to an array of dining options just steps away from the hotel. Overall, The Westin at Mammoth Village combines luxury, comfort, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for a memorable stay during your trip to Mammoth Mountain.
AirBnb/ Vacation Rentals
(Pictured: Vacation rental found on Booking.com.)
In addition to the many different hotels in the area, there are also many options for AirBnb and vacation rentals. We stayed in a 2 bedroom condo with some friends that my boyfriend found on Booking.com and it was a wonderful and affordable experience. Plus, if you are planning on spending time in the mountains with a larger group, this will most likely be a better option.
(Pro Tip: I would NOT recommend using Booking.com to actually book. Use it to find stays, and then look at what they charge separately. Most of the time it is cheaper to not use Booking, and their customer service is terrible. You have been warned!)
Holiday Haus Hotel: I have to share this experience, as it is now a standing joke between my boyfriend and I. We came to stay here during a particularly busy season, so this could have also been a contributing factor. Upon checking into our room here, we found that the room had an extremely unpleasant odor. We called the front desk and had them check it out, which they noticed as well. They were pretty booked, but were able to move us to another room down the way. This room did not have a smell, however the heater was broken and we were extremely cold that evening. This hotel is a bit dated, and it is more affordable, so these are the risks that you take when choosing a location such as this. I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt, however, I do not see myself staying here again. Every time we pass this place, it is now referred to as the "stinky hotel".
Want more things to do? There is a lot more to do outside of Mammoth Mountain. Here is my guide to exploring the nearby Eastern Sierras:
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