This lava dome, 3,371 meters high, formed in eruptions about 110-57 thousand years ago, is the sole reason the town below exists. Its alpine skiing area is the highest in California, and said to be among the finest in the world, criss-crossed trails for beginners and experts alike. This is thanks to the heavy snowfall it receives - about 400 inches annually.

The entire mountain has accordingly been turned into a state of the art skiing resort. There are multiple lodging options on the mountain. You can schedule skiing lessons. With a phone call, have a complete skiers kit ready for you and leave your own at home.

A quick breakdown of the other highlights of the mountain:

• Woolly’s Tube Park: Six high-speed snow tube lanes aimed at kids and families
• Eleven53 Interpretive Center and Summit: Take the Panorama Gondola up to this summit cafe, drinking in 360 degree views as you do. At the center you’ll also be able learn the history of the Sierra
• Other activities to indulge in include snowmobiling, snowboarding, guided tours of the mountain on Snowcats
• The Mammoth Rock and Bowl
• Indoor Golf
• Mammoth Mountain Bike Park: Cycling on the mountain slopes when there is no slow

• Check the Mammoth Mountain website for upcoming events, deals, maps, lodging, weather status, trail status and road conditions.
• It is best to book lift tickets online and in advance.

• Most of the official operations on Mammoth function between 8am and 4pm. The restaurants may stay open until later.
• Some of these facilities are only open during certain seasons.

• Take the lift up from Mountain Center at Mammoth.
• Take the lift up from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge.
• Take the lift up from Eagle Lodge.

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Mammoth Lakes before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Mammoth Lakes and book an accommodation of your choice.