The Mammoth Boys Weekend Playbook
Ready to hit the slopes hard and relax even harder? Whether it's your annual ski trip or a spontaneous guys' getaway, this playbook has everything you need for the ultimate Mammoth weekend. No kids, no stress—just epic terrain, legendary après, and memories that'll last till next season.
🎿 Top Runs for All-Day Action
Climax (For Bragging Rights)
Why it's legendary: Steep, open bowl directly under the Panorama Gondola • The challenge: Silky-smooth turns at the top, then wide-open bombing runs • Bragging factor: Everyone on the gondola watches you ski this beast • Access: Panorama Gondola to summit, then drop in
Chair 23 (For Adrenaline Junkies)
The steepest chair on the mountain: 1,121 feet vertical in under 6 minutes • Wind buff magic: When it's windy, the whole face gets coated with fresh snow • Epic runs: Dropout Chutes, Wipeout Chutes, Cornice Bowl, Paranoid Flats • Warning: Exposed summit - wind can be brutal, move fast off the top
Stump Alley Express (Perfect Warmup)
Start here: Wide, cruisy runs to get your legs under you • Strategic location: Access to Chair 23, McCoy Station, and Upper Gondola • Pro tip: Stay skier's left for the best untracked snow • Local secret: Avoid the "Times Square" crowds by hitting this early
Bonus Expert Territory
Paranoid Flats: Steep chutes without the rocky obstacles ("The 'Noids") • Avalanche Chutes: Technical terrain off Lincoln Mountain (Chair 22) • The Hemlocks: Backcountry-style glades (requires quarter-mile hike)
🍻 Après Ski & Nightlife
Clocktower Cellar (The Underground Legend)
• Location: Underneath Alpenhof Lodge, across from Village Gondola • The draw: 26 beers on tap + 180+ whiskeys • Atmosphere: Bottle caps pressed into the ceiling, pool tables, jukebox • Why guys love it: Been the local favorite for 35+ years, reasonable prices • Hours: 4 PM - 11 PM daily
Mammoth Brewing Company
• Location: Corner of Main Street and Minaret Road • Multiple spaces: Underground Beer Cellar, upstairs Brewers' Hall, outdoor Beer Garden • Perfect for: Groups with their varied seating options • The experience: Flagship ales, seasonal brews, mountain views upstairs
Shelter Distilling (For Whiskey Flights)
• Location: The Village at Mammoth • Craft spirits: House-distilled whiskey, gin, agave, vodka • Signature drinks: Barrel Aged Maple Old Fashioned, Daisy If You Do • Bonus: Small batch beers brewed in-house
Late Night Options
• Lakanuki: Tiki bar with DJs and dancing (closest thing to a nightclub) • T-Bar Social Club: Sports bar vibe for extended sessions • Antler Bar: Great mountain views, craft beer selection
🥩 Best Spots to Refuel
Breakfast: The Stove (Fuel Up Right)
• Location: 644 Old Mammoth Road • Hours: 7 AM - 2 PM • Why it works: 40+ years of hearty portions, homemade pies • Strategy: Arrive before 8:30 AM to beat the wait
Lunch on Mountain: McCoy Station
• Location: Mid-mountain at 9,630 feet (Panorama Gondola) • The burgers: Fresh, hot, and legendary among locals • Atmosphere: Panoramic views, rustic mountain lodge setting • Smart move: Better value than base lodge food
Dinner: Smokeyard BBQ
• Location: 1111 Forest Trail, The Village (4 PM - 9:30 PM) • Signature: St. Louis Ribs, Smokeyard Burger, BBQ Sampler • Group perks: Open kitchen, animated bar, 100" screen for games • Atmosphere: Modern and warm with outdoor fire pit patio
Quick Hits
• Burgers Restaurant: Fresh ground burgers, upstairs bar for groups up to 10 • Liberty Sports Bar: Kitchen until 10 PM, spacious dining and patio • Giovanni's Pizza: Reliable takeout when you want to stay in
💡 Local Tips
Beat the Parking Rush
• Arrive by 7:30 AM for prime spots at Main or Canyon Lodge • Eagle Lodge strategy: Less crowded, easier parking, still great terrain access • Secret weapon: Chair 4 and Chair 2 (The Mill) lots - free parking with shuttle • Weekday advantage: Can arrive as late as 9-10 AM and still find spots
Hot Tub Timing
• Peak hours to avoid: 3-6 PM (everyone getting off mountain) • Sweet spot: 7-9 PM after dinner, before late night bar crawl • Best locations: Westin Monache (if staying there), Mountainback Chalet community hot tub
Mountain Strategy
• First chair advantage: Lifts open 8:30 AM, beat the crowds • Follow the sun: Start east-facing (Eagle/Canyon), move to Main Lodge afternoon • Storm day gold: Chair 23 gets epic wind-loaded powder during storms • Après timing: Hit the bars right at 4 PM for happy hour deals
Transportation
• Free ESTA shuttles: Skip driving between bases entirely • Parking shuttle: Main Lodge offers shuttles from lots A-G every 10 minutes • Village Gondola: Free ride between town and Canyon Lodge
🏠 Where to Stay
Mountainback Chalet (The Boys Trip HQ)
Perfect setup: 3BR/3BA, sleeps 8, quarter-mile from Canyon Lodge • Game room ready: Big dining table perfect for poker nights • Relaxation zone: Fireplace for whiskey sessions, community hot tub • Transportation: Blue Line shuttle stops right at your door • Why it works: Space to spread out, full kitchen, underground parking
Bottom Line: Mammoth delivers the perfect combo of gnarly terrain and solid nightlife. Hit the mountain hard, eat well, drink better, and make the kind of memories that'll have you planning next year's trip before you even get home. The mountain's big enough for endless exploration, and the town's got enough spots to keep the après scene interesting all weekend long.