Family Hotels Mammoth Mountain: Travel Savvy Mom

Mammoth Mountain Inn: Mammoth Lakes, California

Property
Mammoth Mountain Inn is a year-round resort property that includes the original main lodge, separate east and west wings, multiple restaurants and pubs. Also included in the complex is the Mammoth Adventure Center, from which visitors can embark on journeys to the top of the mountain, top of a rock wall, or top of a national monument. Guests stay just steps from ski lifts, the Panorama Gondola, Mammoth Bike Park (in summer), hiking trails, dining, and shuttle services. Lodging options include standard rooms, suites, and condos, many with stunning views of the mountain.

Location
The inn is located at 9,000 feet in the Eastern Sierras, smack dab in the center of the official Mammoth Ski Area. Take a short stroll to the Panorama Gondola, kids’ zip lines, rock climbing wall, and restaurants. Or pop on your daypack or Camelback and step onto hiking and biking trails just outside the door. In winter, you can finish your ski run right at the front steps of the inn.

Sleeps
From 2 to 4+ in standard rooms, and up to 8 + in suites and condos, with cribs and rollaway beds available on request for an extra fee.

Highlights
As part of a “summer vacation,” building a snowman at the top of Mammoth was a definite (and unexpected) highlight. The Panorama Gondola ride in itself was a lot of fun, and it was lovely to sip hot chocolate in the café while taking in the views from the top. We also enjoyed lounging in the outdoor Jacuzzi with a great view of the mountain, and as a parent who usually doesn’t do outdoor pools in temps below 95 F, even I was happy to swim with our kids in the outdoor pool that’s kept at a pleasing 80 to 85 degrees F. Staying in “The Pinnacle,” an aptly named luxury condo with 3 stories, 3 bedrooms + loft with bed, 4.5 bathrooms, gourmet kitchen, private deck, and prime views, was also a peak experience. Much to my children’s delight, even the bathtubs are mammoth!

Good to Know
Mammoth Lakes is a very family-friendly town, and you’ll find numerous good restaurant options. If you’re in town with picky eaters, stop by the Base Camp Café on Main Street where they won’t frown if you ask for a “hot dog, plain, dog on the side,” and order dill pickle spears a la carte. There is also a great playground with restrooms in town on Old Mammoth Rd. Check Mammoth Mountain Inn’s site for their current special offers, including lodging deals, stay and play packages, and special event deals. Winter guests can also take advantage of Mammoth’s Small World day care while they ski.

Contact
http://www.mammothmountain.com/