Mammoth with Kids: A Guide to the Perfect Family Ski Trip ⛷️
Planning a family ski trip? We've been taking our kids to Mammoth for years and have learned all the insider tips to make it fun, smooth, and memorable for everyone. This guide covers where to ski, eat, and play — plus how to avoid meltdowns (yours and theirs).
🎿 Best Family-Friendly Runs
Schoolyard at Canyon Lodge (Perfect for Beginners)
Why it's magic: Wide, gentle slopes with a supportive learning atmosphere
Secret weapon: Chair 17 moves slower, giving nervous kids extra time
Bonus: Huck's Drop adventure zone between runs adds excitement without difficulty
Pro tip: Use the hidden parking lot off Highway 203 for a 3-minute walk (avoiding crowds)
Roller Coaster Run (For Skill Progression)
The sweet spot: Perfect bridge from beginner to intermediate
What makes it work: Wide, flowing terrain with gentle "roller coaster" bumps
Access: Chair 4 (Roller Coaster Express) - high-speed but manageable
Local secret: Ski instructors use this run constantly for good reason
Discovery Chair (Ultimate Safety Zone)
The green bubble: Kids literally can't access advanced terrain by accident
Perfect for: Building confidence through repetition
Bonus features: Woolly's Woods introduces gentle tree skiing
Smart choice: Short 3-minute lift rides match small attention spans
🍴 Where to Eat with Kids
IMPORTANT: Base Camp Café is permanently closed - here are better options:
The Stove Restaurant (Best Family Breakfast)
Location: 644 Old Mammoth Road (7 AM - 2 PM)
Why we love it: 40+ years of family-friendly service, homemade pies
Insider tip: Arrive before 8:30 AM to avoid the wait
Toomey's (Perfect Family Dinners)
Location: 6085 Minaret Rd, The Village (11 AM - 9 PM)
Family perks: Staff excellent with kids, dog-friendly, no reservations needed
What works: Gourmet food in relaxed sports bar atmosphere
Giovanni's Pizza (Reliable Takeout)
Location: Von's shopping center - combine dinner with grocery run
Family win: 40+ years of consistent Italian comfort food
Practical: Gluten-free options, reasonable prices
☕ Warm-Up Break Spots
McCoy Station (The Mountain Experience)
The view: Panoramic mountain vistas at 9,630 feet
Famous for: Legendary hot chocolate and giant woolly mammoth display
Access: Panorama Gondola from Main Lodge
Local tip: Better food value than base lodges
Canyon Lodge (Most Comprehensive)
When: Opens mid-December
Why choose it: Multiple indoor areas, food courts, heated outdoor sundeck
Perfect for: Extended warming sessions with mountain views
🎢 Non-Ski Activities
Woolly's Adventure Summit
Must-book: 2-hour tubing sessions sell out (advance booking required)
Height requirement: 42 inches minimum for tubing
New addition: 5,455-foot Mountain Coaster (speeds up to 25 mph)
Season: November 24 - April 7
LA Kings Ice Rink
Location: 686 Old Mammoth Road
Public skating: Typically 12-4:30 PM
Family pricing: Adults $22, youth $18, kids 4 & under $5
Special events: Skate with Santa, Halloween Haunted Ice
Mammoth Rock 'n' Bowl (Stormy Day Backup)
Perfect when: Weather turns ugly
What's there: 12 bowling lanes, golf simulators, ping pong
Family-friendly: Kids can bowl while adults dine upstairs
🎒 Packing Tips for Kids
The Essentials
3 pairs of gloves per child (one wearing, one drying, one backup)
Hand warmers - crucial at high elevation
Extra socks and underwear - wet = miserable
High-energy snacks that won't freeze (nuts, granola bars, cheese sticks)
Layer Like a Pro
Base layer: Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool
Mid-layer: Insulating fleece or down
Outer shell: Waterproof jacket and pants
Avoid: Cotton anything (deadly when wet)
Don't Forget
Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm (high altitude = intense UV)
Quality goggles - essential for snow glare
Duct tape for emergency equipment fixes
🏠 Where to Stay
Mountainback Chalet (Our Top Pick, of course! )
Perfect setup: 3BR/3BA, sleeps 8, ¼ mile to Canyon Lodge
Family wins: Bunk beds kids love, full kitchen, underground parking
Transportation: Blue Line shuttle stops at your door
Why it works: Space to spread out, hot tub for après-ski