Where to Find the Best Views While Skiing and Snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain
When the snow and slopes are as deep and steep as they are at Mammoth Mountain, it’s hard to stop yourself from riding down as soon as you get off a lift.
That’s how you miss some of the best views in all the Eastern Sierra Mountains though.
The ASO Mammoth team knows better than anyone how much fun the world-class slopes at Mammoth Mountain are, but we also know that if you don’t stop and look around while you’re riding them then you’re seriously missing out. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best views to enjoy while skiing or snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain below.
Check it out, then stop by the ASO Mammoth shop to pick up the best ski and snowboard gear and rentals in Mammoth Lakes before you hit the snow!
The Summit
The view from the summit of Mammoth Mountain is on the top of our list because it tops all other views, literally.
At 11,053 ft., Mammoth Mountain’s summit is not only the highest lift-serviced peak in California, but it’s also one of the most accessible views in the area thanks to the comfortable Panorama Gondola that takes skiers, snowboarders, and regular passengers up thousands of feet in a matter of minutes. The Panorama Gondola is also open in the summer, so if you can’t make it this winter then plan a summer visit!
Top of Chair 23
Want to avoid the lines for the gondola and access some of the most challenging terrain at Mammoth all while enjoying a spectacular view?
Chair 23 is for you.
Chair 23 accesses some of Mammoth Mountain’s most extreme terrain since it tops out on the summit ridge near steep bowls, narrow chutes, and other expert only terrain. However, the view from the top of the lift gives you a perfect shot of the Minarets as well as the surrounding area that the summit does not.
Even if you’re not ready to ride expert terrain, you can enjoy the view from the top and then take Road Runner down to the backside.
The Backside of Mammoth Mountain
When you’re surrounded by mountains at a ski resort with a base elevation of 9,000 ft, any view of the horizon is going to be beautiful.
However, we’ve chosen the backside of Mammoth Mountain specifically since there are fewer skiers and snowboarders there, allowing more places for you to stop and enjoy the surrounding mountains in peace. Whether that means riding down Santiago or hiking to the top of the Hemlocks for a picture before dropping into some of the best terrain at Mammoth Mountain, you won’t be disappointed.
McCoy Station
Want a smooth ride to a beautiful view where you’ll find food, drinks, and plenty of comfortable chairs to enjoy it all from? Head to McCoy Station.
McCoy Station is the halfway stop on the Panorama Gondola ride to the Summit, but that doesn’t mean you get half the view. Instead, you’ll find a spectacular view of Mammoth Lakes and the mountains beyond. Plus, it’s a great place to stop and watch people ski down from the summit, so if members of your party are up top then you can watch their entire ride down!