Snow Much Fun: Family Ski Weekend at Mammoth!
Mammoth Mountain, an IKON Pass® resort, is the perfect place to take your littles for an introduction to skiing or snowboarding. With dedicated kids’ lessons, top-notch childcare, and fun family events, Mammoth is a one-stop destination for an exciting winter experience. Whether you are looking to be a weekend warrior or visit once, here’s everything you need to know for a successful ski or snowboard adventure with your little ones at Mammoth.
Lessons and Ski Schools
Mammoth Mountain offers various lesson options for children to learn skiing and snowboarding safely and with confidence. Lessons are grouped by age and skill level, providing targeted attention in small groups. Children ages 3-4 can join specialized small group lessons of no more than four kids, ensuring a comfortable learning environment. Older kids (ages 5-14) are grouped based on their skill level, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Children 3-4 years old have the option of a 2 hour lesson starting at 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM; and full day sessions including lunch and childcare. Ages 5-14 have the option of a 2 hour or lesson at 1:00 PM or a 5 hour lesson at 10:00 AM.
Mammoth’s instructors are trained to make learning fun while emphasizing safety and building confidence on the slopes. They teach them the basics, like stopping and standing up safely after a fall.
For morning sessions save time and consider picking up rental equipment at the lodge ski school the day before to avoid morning crowds. If you rent equipment the day of the lesson, arriving at 8:45 will help you avoid the madness of the check-in lines.
Mammoth has three main lodges—Main, Canyon, and Eagle—each offering unique features. Parking at each lodge can fill up very early, so consider taking Mammoth’s free shuttle service, which offers easy transport between popular locations. The Canyon area also has a scenic gondola ride to the slopes, which kids love. When selecting lessons, you’ll first choose which lodge to ski out of based on your lodging location or preferred amenities.
Ages 3-4
- 2 Hour: 10:00 AM
- 2 Hour: 1:00 PM
- Full-Day w/childcare 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Ski 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch, Rest, Activity 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (offered only at Canyon Lodge – pick-up in the village)
- Kids 4 years old and under receive a free lift ticket.
- If skiing more than one day it is best to get a free season pass. You can pick up the season pass the day of at the ticket window.
Ages 5+
- 2 Hour: 1:00 PM
- The 2 hour lesson is for first time skiers
- Ages 5+ You will need to buy a lift ticket or have an IKON Pass®
- 5 Hour: 10:00 AM
- The 5 hour lesson includes lunch
- Ages 5+ You will need to buy a lift ticket or have an IKON Pass®
At the beginning of the season we like to have the little ones do a one hour private lesson as a refresher. This class is from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Lesson & Childcare
Mountain Rangers
The season-long Mountain Rangers program, at Main Lodge, for kids ages 5-10 offers an opportunity to build both skiing or snowboarding and social skills over 10 weekend Sunday sessions between January and late March. Choose a half-day session 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM or full day 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Lunch is only provided for the full-day session, but don’t forget snacks for the half-day session. Note: Lift access and rental equipment are not included. If you plan to participate in the program it may be worth it to invest in personal equipment.
- Half-Day: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Full-Day: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
This program requires lift ticket or an IKON Pass®
Mountain Rangers
Locker Rentals
Skiing multiple days from one lodge? Unless you plan to become a weekend warrior I would recommend day-use or single-use lockers.
- Day-Use Lockers:
- Boot Lockers: $20/day (Canyon, Eagle, Village), $15/day (Main). Sign up at the locker kiosk
- Ski Lockers*: $30/day (Canyon), $15/day (Main). Sign up at Guest Services
- Single-Use Lockers:
- Available at Main and Canyon Lodges for $5 per token
- Token dispensers are available in locker rooms. You need cash $5, $10, $20
Essential Gear
The right gear for kids is essential for a comfortable day on the mountain. Dress your kids in warm base layers, waterproof gloves, and snow boots, and always bring a helmet for safety. Goggles or sunglasses are important to protect their eyes from glare, and sunscreen is a must—even on cloudy days, as UV rays reflect off of the snow. GORE-TEX® labeled gloves and outerwear usually offers the best in terms of wetness protection (dry kids are happy kids).
Mammoth provides rentals for skis, boots, and helmets…but bringing your own goggles, waterproof gloves, and thin neck gaiter is helpful when it is really cold or windy. If you’re using all of your own equipment, make sure everything is properly fitted for comfort and control. It’s hard to get the best out of your lesson when your clothes are overly bulky. With each lesson, children receive a complimentary lift ticket for the day, making it easier to explore the slopes with you later in the day when their lessons are done.
Childcare Options
For families with toddlers or young children not ready for the slopes, Mammoth offers childcare packages at Canyon Lodge. Childcare caters to newborns up to 23 months and children up to age 6, providing a comfortable environment with age-appropriate activities. The childcare center, conveniently located near the Village Plaza, offers half-day (8:00 AM -12:00 PM) and full-day (8:00 PM-4:00 PM) programs.
Older toddlers can combine childcare with beginner ski lessons, allowing parents to enjoy the slopes worry-free. If you’re planning a parents’ night out, Mammoth offers nighttime childcare for children ages 2-10 in the Village, available from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with flexible drop-off and pick-up times.
Childcare
Driving There
The drive from Pasadena+ and most of the Los Angeles areas is about a 5 hour drive depending on what time of the day you head out. The traffic portion of the trip is definitely just trying to get out of the Los Angeles area. After leaving Pasadena+, we often stop at In-N-Out in Palmdale, gas and bathroom break in Mojave if necessary. If we are driving during the day on what we call the “LIBB Stretch” (the towns of Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, Bishop) we prefer to stop at the playground in Independence called Dehy Park, although there is another playground in Lone Pine at Zoey’s Dog Park. On our way out of town, we like to stop at Mahogany Smoked Meats for delicious sandwiches. When you are on the “LIBB Stretch” it is important to note the speed limits, they are strictly enforced. During extreme weather conditions you may need chains north of Bishop.
Electric car drivers have plenty of charging stations on route and in Mammoth proper.
Preparing at Home
To prepare your child for the slopes, start at home with simple balance exercises, watching skiing videos, and practicing putting on ski boots. This helps ease the first-day nerves and gives them an idea of what to expect. Explain to your little one that they will be dropped off like preschool with a fun group of kids also learning so they are not shocked when you leave. If kids are crying too much or do not want to participate in the lessons, the staff will call the parents or they will hang out inside until pickup time. Talking positively about the experience and practicing getting in and out of ski gear can go a long way in reducing anxiety.
Look for Fun Kid Events
In addition to skiing, Mammoth Mountain offers family-friendly activities that keep the excitement going off the slopes. Woolly’s Adventure Summit features a snow play area and a mountain coaster, perfect for kids who want to experience some winter fun.
Woolly’s Dance Party, held in the Village Plaza every Saturday from January 4th to March 29th at 3:45pm, is another kid-favorite free event with music, dancing, and the chance to meet Woolly, Mammoth’s mascot as well as all the other lodge’s mascots including Bucky from June Mountain.
The LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes offers an indoor, Olympic-sized rink perfect for public skating. The rink operates from October to April, providing rentals for skates, helmets, and nice skate aids. This facility is a great option for families, and kids 4 and under skate for just $5. The rink is easily accessible via Free Mammoth Shuttle. The ice rink is Stop 106 – Community Recreation Center.
Dining Out
During the busy winter season, making dining reservations in advance is wise, as popular spots fill up quickly. If you’re interested in a parents-only evening, the Village’s nighttime childcare (referenced above) is a convenient way to enjoy dinner out. Mammoth also offers family-friendly dining options with varied menus to please everyone in the family.
Getting Around
Each lodge has parking available, but taking advantage of Mammoth’s free shuttle service is a convenient alternative to driving. The shuttle and bus systems connect the entire town, making it easy for families to explore the area without worrying about parking.
With so many options for lessons, childcare, and family fun, Mammoth Mountain is the ideal location to introduce your child to skiing or snowboarding. With careful preparation, the right gear, and a sense of adventure, you can make your family’s first ski experience memorable, fun, and safe at Mammoth Mountain.
Free Mammoth Shuttle
JUNE MOUNTAIN
For a more relaxed atmosphere check out June Mountain, an easy 30 minute drive north of Mammoth.
June Mountain is the ultimate family-friendly ski destination, offering free lift tickets for kids 12 and under! This unique perk makes it easy and affordable to introduce young ones to skiing or snowboarding in a beautiful, low-stress environment. However, you have to get the kids pass at the ticketing center located in the parking lot, and passes will need to be scanned to go up the first chairlift. You can also register for this free kids pass in advance. June Mountain is known for its gentle slopes and fewer crowds, making it ideal for families with kids learning the ropes. The ski school provides group lessons tailored for children of all ages and skill levels, with patient, knowledgeable instructors who prioritize safety and fun.
First-timers can get comfortable with the basics in a relaxed, supportive setting, and more advanced young skiers can explore beginner-friendly runs at their own pace. With breathtaking views from the top of the lift, families can enjoy the scenery together, or even relax at the family-friendly Chalet for a break between runs. Also check the event calendar for Bucky’s bonfire – this is a fun time where Bucky (June’s mascot) is out among the guests and enjoying free hot cocoa with the kids. Good photo ops!
The most important thing to note for June Mountain is that the base of activities requires families to ride up in a small two person chair lift. This can be intimidating for those who have not skied or families with one adult and multiple children, so be prepared to have to buddy up with someone else on the lift, unless you fully trust your child with a stranger or two younger kids alone. It is a steep ride up and it is an older chair lift.
June’s laid-back vibe, free access for kids, and dedicated children’s learning zones make it an outstanding choice for family trips. The resort’s spacious areas and helpful amenities, combined with a friendly mountain atmosphere, ensure a memorable experience for both parents and kids, building confidence on the slopes and creating unforgettable memories.
June Mountain Kids Group Ski Lessons
If you live in the Pasadena+ area and are interested in a Snow Equipment/Gear Exchange click here and we will start a list.