As we set out on our first family ski vacation to Mammoth Mountain, the excitement is palpable. Eric and his new fiance Laura joined us for the adventure, and with a fully loaded truck, we began our 6-hour journey from Oceanside to the mountain. Kevin, Ericka, and their children Harper and Austin, drove separately and were meeting us at our ski-in, ski-out condo.
Driving through the southern Sierra Nevada region, we couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning snow-covered landscape around us. The recent record snowfalls had left towering snow banks 10 to 15 feet high, and we couldn’t wait to hit the slopes.
As we arrived at our ski-in, ski-out condo, we were greeted by the warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for our family vacation. After settling in, we enjoyed a homemade dinner, laughing and sharing stories, and preparing ourselves for our first day on the slopes.
Mammoth Mountain is a world-renowned ski resort located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. The history of Mammoth Mountain dates back to the early 1900s when the first ski runs were developed by the Eastern Sierra Winter Sports Club.
Today, Mammoth Mountain is one of the most popular ski destinations in North America, with over 3,500 skiable acres, 28 lifts, and a vertical drop of 3,100 feet. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a wide range of activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
The following morning, we were up early, eager to hit the fresh powder. Harper and Austin enrolled in ski school, while the rest of us ventured up the mountain. Despite the crowds at the lifts, we were awe-struck by the breathtaking scenery and the incredible snow conditions.
At the end of our exhilarating day on the slopes, we returned to our cozy condo, where we enjoyed playing games, working on a large puzzle, and creating unforgettable memories as a family. Click on thumbnail to view image
Despite the heavy snowfall and sometimes challenging weather conditions, our intrepid skiers (Patty, Kevin, Ericka, Laura and Eric) were determined to explore as much of Mammoth Mountain as possible. With fresh snow falling throughout the week, the upper slopes off the gondola, including Cornice Bowl, Scotty’s Bowl, and Dave’s Run, beckoned us to come and play.
As we braved the wind and snow, we were rewarded with stunning views and incredible skiing conditions. The powder was deep and soft, allowing us to carve our way down the mountain with ease. And as we made our way back to the condo at the end of each day, we were amazed by how much progress Harper and Austin had made in their ski school lessons. Their confidence on the slopes had grown by leaps and bounds, and they were both eager to show off their newfound skills.
As our amazing week at Mammoth Mountain drew to a close, we all felt a sense of sadness at leaving this beautiful winter wonderland behind. But as we packed our bags and prepared for the long drive home, we also felt a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. Our family ski vacation had been an incredible success, filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
As we said our goodbyes to the mountain we all agreed that we were already looking forward to next year’s trip. As we pulled out of the parking lot and started our journey back to San Diego, we knew that this was just the beginning of a new family tradition, one that would bring us together, year after year, in some of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world. Click on thumbnail to view image