If you’ve ever visited Mammoth Lakes in winter, you’ve probably heard names like Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Eagle Lodge — but what exactly do they all mean? Each of these base areas plays a unique role in the Mammoth Mountain experience, offering different types of terrain, atmosphere, and access to the slopes. Whether you’re planning your first ski trip or just want to understand how Mammoth is laid out, here’s a complete guide to all of the mountain’s main base areas.
Main Lodge
10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Perched high at the end of Minaret Road, Main Lodge is the original and most iconic base area of Mammoth Mountain. It serves as the main access point to the upper mountain and offers some of the resort’s most consistent snow conditions. From here, you can hop on the Broadway Express (Chair 1) or ride the Panorama Gondola all the way to the 11,053-foot summit for sweeping views of the Eastern Sierra.
The lodge area includes rentals, ticketing, dining, and the historic Mammoth Mountain Inn, making it a classic favorite for longtime visitors and serious skiers alike.
Canyon Lodge
1000 Canyon Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Just above The Village at Mammoth, Canyon Lodge is one of the most popular and easily accessible base areas. It’s connected directly to The Village via the Village Gondola, so guests can move between the slopes, restaurants, and shops without driving.
Canyon Lodge features Chair 8 (Schoolyard Express) and Chair 16 (Canyon Express), serving a variety of intermediate terrain. With large indoor facilities, bars, and an outdoor deck perfect for après-ski, this lodge is a lively hub for families and groups looking for convenience and atmosphere.
Eagle Lodge
4000 Majestic Pines Dr Ste 1110, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Located near Juniper Springs Resort off Meridian Boulevard, Eagle Lodge offers a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It’s home to Chair 15 (Eagle Express) and provides direct access to wide-open, beginner-friendly runs.
This is also where you’ll find Mammoth’s best ski-in, ski-out condo complexes, such as Sunstone and Eagle Run. Parking is easy, lift lines are short, and the surrounding area connects seamlessly to the Sierra Star Golf Course and summer trail network.
The Village at Mammoth
Though not technically a ski base, The Village at Mammoth is the resort’s social center and the lower terminal of the Village Gondola, which transports skiers up to Canyon Lodge. The Village is home to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutique stores, plus regular live music and events throughout the season.
It’s the perfect spot for those who want the full Mammoth atmosphere — close to both the mountain and the après-ski scene.
Mammoth’s Layout at a Glance
- Main Lodge: Best snow, high elevation, advanced terrain
- Canyon Lodge: Central location, family-friendly, vibrant après-ski
- Eagle Lodge: Quiet, ski-in/ski-out, perfect for beginners
- The Village: Dining, nightlife, and direct gondola access
Whether you start your day at Eagle, Canyon, or Main, all of Mammoth’s base areas connect seamlessly across the mountain — giving you access to over 3,500 acres of terrain and some of the best skiing and riding in California.
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