Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth by name and mammoth by nature. This spectacular resort is very popular with skiers and it's easy to see why. Situated at an elevation of 8,000ft, Mammoth is a monster of a resort - one of the biggest in North America - and offers skiing for an incredibly long season which begins in November and runs through to June, offering the most consistent snowfall in California. This vast resort has everything you need to get the most out of the slopes including 28 lifts, 150 trails and an average snowfall of a mind blowing 400 inches.

Mammoth is really well set up for skiers and everything you need to make life easier has been thought of, including FREE transport around the resort. There is a range of hotels to suit everyone - I stayed at the warm and cosy Mammoth Mountain Inn. This lovely hotel probably has the best location any skier could wish for – it takes less than a minute to get from the hotel to the slopes! From the lovely bar area you can look out over the slopes and the best ‘après ski’ bar in the town is just across the road.

Just down the hill lies The Village at Mammoth and it was here that I enjoyed a guided tour. This is a beautifully decorated and well maintained hotel and it’s ideal if you like to be in the heart of the village with plenty of facilities on your door step. There are lots of shops and plenty of restaurants (I ate at the Mexican in the village called Gomez's which is highly recommended. Bring an appetite as the portions are huge!)

I can honestly say that you're going to love Mammoth. However, it isn't all about ski. Close at hand you have loads to see and do including the famous Yosemite National Park (not accessible in winter/spring from Mammoth) and the stunning Mono Lake which is 2 ½ times saltier than the sea! Plus there's scenery which will amaze you and if you aren't skiing in winter then you can tube, snow shoe, or take a snow mobile ride. Or visit in spring, summer or autumn and you will have a vast range of activities to choose from including mountain biking, hiking, golf and fishing.