Beginning Skier With Questions About Mammoth

Mammoth is awesome and you should go especially if you live in LA. Looks like lots of terrain for beginners and a good place to progress no matter what your level. I have only been once for 3 days mid-week and it was not crowded but I heard stories about it being super crowded on weekends. Locals also told me June mountain is fun (actually one guy got so excited talking about it he stood up from the couch and hopped around the room) based on that recommendation I will definitely try to go to June if I make it down there on a pow day. The Davisson st hostel is pretty chill for a cheap place to stay.

OregonDeadMammoth is awesome and you should go especially if you live in LA. Looks like lots of terrain for beginners and a good place to progress no matter what your level. I have only been once for 3 days mid-week and it was not crowded but I heard stories about it being super crowded on weekends. Locals also told me June mountain is fun (actually one guy got so excited talking about it he stood up from the couch and hopped around the room) based on that recommendation I will definitely try to go to June if I make it down there on a pow day. The Davisson st hostel is pretty chill for a cheap place to stay.

That sounds awesome! I'll have to do some research on June Mountain to see if I can handle it LOL Glad to hear there are some beginners spots there though. Not sure if we're doing the hostel thing this time or not but I saved the Davisson St Hostel into my notes. Appreciate the tips, man!

don't overlook Big Bear as is it much closer and more accessible. great for beginners and park people.

I ski Mammoth about 3 weekends a month. I did the same in college, then went to Tahoe for 6 years, now I am back to being a Mammoth weekender. I absolutely love it, one of the best mountains in North America. It can get crowded on weekends, but as long as the whole mountain is open it spreads things out pretty well. I grew up in the east and the crowds were much worse there. The one thing I will say is to drive to the hill early, or use the shuttle bus because parking can be an issue. I usually park at Little Eagle if I can. The Little Eagle area has lots of beginner terrain, and from there you can easily get to Canyon which has all types of terrain for when you progress. Have fun, you will be skiing one of the great mountains on the continent. As far as LA mountains I actually like Baldy the best, it has by far the best terrain when it has snow. If I'm not going to ski Baldy and I want a day down south I usually go to Mt. High, it is closer and less crowded than Big Bear, which gets packed.

I live in Mammoth - I would 100% recommend June Mountain for beginners. It has the most beginner terrain and is waaaay more affordable than Mammoth! Must hit up June Lake Brewing and Ohana's food truck :) Mammoth has plenty of all level terrain and tons of it, but June is hands down better for your situation. Or do both! They are about 15-20 minutes apart. Lodging in Mammoth for sure, June doesn't have many options.

Maybe I'll start with Big Bear then until I'm fully comfortable. Thanks for the recommendations!

BradCoreyMaybe I'll start with Big Bear then until I'm fully comfortable. Thanks for the recommendations!

I would actually do Mt. High over Big Bear. Closer, less expensive and at your stage you won't really notice the difference. It is also less crowded. My Mammoth pass gets me Big Bear, so I could ski it on the weekends I go to Mammoth, but I never do. I would actually rather pay for a 4 hour ticket at Mt. High over skiing Big Bear.

dan4060I would actually do Mt. High over Big Bear. Closer, less expensive and at your stage you won't really notice the difference. It is also less crowded. My Mammoth pass gets me Big Bear, so I could ski it on the weekends I go to Mammoth, but I never do. I would actually rather pay for a 4 hour ticket at Mt. High over skiing Big Bear.

OP I know nothing about Mt. High but they are in the same powder alliance thing as Timberline and Skibowl. If that place is close to home get a pass there and you'll have 6 days on Hood which is pretty good deal if you are thinking about a ski trip.

Excellent! Planning my trip over the weekend. Thanks again for your help!