MAMMOTH LODGING SPECIALS

Mammoth Mountain Inn (800-626-6684; 934-2581; $$–$$$$; right) at the main base is the most convenient to the mountain. A million-dollar renovation took place in summer 2003. The inn is owned by the ski resort, and includes a restaurant, two small sundries stores, and the resort's child-care facility. Lodging is deluxe to moderate and includes hotel rooms and condos.

The slopeside Juniper Springs Lodge and Sunstone (800-626-6684; 924-1102; $$$–$$$$) both feature deluxe condominium-style rooms with full kitchen, gas fireplaces and balconies, plus two heated outdoor pools, two hot tubs, a fitness center and underground parking. There's a coffee shop in the lobby, and next door in Little Eagle Lodge you'll find Talons Restaurant.

Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth (888-627-8154) This is Mammoth’s first and only luxury, full-service branded hotel. The Westin is located at the head of The Village at Mammoth and is adjacent to the gondola which transports skiers to the slopes of Mammoth Mountain. The stunning mountain and village views from the deluxe, one and two-bedroom suites are magical. Guests are pampered with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed® (right), plush bathrobes, 32-inch flat screen TVs, 24 hour in-room dining and gas fireplaces. For those who can’t leave work behind, there is a business center with free Wi-Fi and wired internet. Families can enjoy the Westin Kids Club® for children aged 4 to 12, where evening activities include arts, crafts, games and snacks. Click here for reservations.

Lincoln House, White Mountain Lodge and Grand Sierra Lodge (800-626-6684; 934-1982; $$$–$$$$) make up the Village at Mammoth. Choose from studio to three-bedroom luxury lodge condos. Amenities include gas fireplace, DVD player, daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service, fully equipped kitchens, slate floors and dining area. There are several restaurants on site and gondola access to Canyon Lodge.

We list just a few of the places to stay in town. As a starting point, call Mammoth Lakes Visitors Bureau (888-466-2666) for a reservation referral. Generally, condos start at about $100 per night, while hotel accommodations—we use the term loosely, as Mammoth currently has more motels than true hotels—can be found for less than $80 per night. Sunday through Thursday stays are quite a bit cheaper than Friday and Saturday.

MAMMOTH LODGING SPECIALS

Mammoth Lakes has been called Condo City of the Sierras. Just beyond midtown, Snowcreek (800-544-6007; 934-3333; $$–$$$$) is its own wooded neighborhood. Units are spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom loft style condos.

Closer to the slopes, next to The Canyon Lodge, are many large condominium complexes with a range of units. Try Mountainback (934-5000) or 1849 Condominiums (800-421-1849; 934-7525; $$$–$$$$).

In the middle of town, only a walk to restaurants and a shuttle to the lifts, Sierra Nevada Rodeway Inn (800-824-5132; 934-2515;$–$$$) has hotel rooms and chalet units. Check out Alpenhof Lodge (934-6330; $–$$$) or the Snow Goose Inn (800-874-7368; 934-2660; $–$$$; above left), one of a few bed-and-breakfast inns in town, decorated with antiques, with breakfast served communally in a friendly atmosphere.

Mammoth has several inexpensive motels, including Econo Lodge/Wildwood Inn (800-845-8764; 934-6855; $–$$), Motel 6 (800-466-8356; 934-6660; $–$$) and Swiss Chalet (800-937-9477; 934-2403; $–$$).

MAMMOTH LODGING SPECIALS

Lodging at June Mountain
Double Eagle Resort & Spa (877-648-7004; 648-7004; $$$) in town has several two-bedroom cabins (all No Smoking), plus a restaurant called Eagle's Landing that serves delicious meals and has a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks.

June has two large condominium complexes, with prices starting at less than $100 midweek and $135–$150 weekends. Interlaken has studios to three-bedroom units. Edgewater only has units suitable for six to nine people. All other lodgings at June are small and quaint, even funky. Call June Lake Properties Reservation at at (800) 648-5863 or 648-7705. The Haven (648-7524) has studios for about $70.

Also try Fern Creek Lodge (800-621-9146; $–$$$), Whispering Pines (800-648-7762; $–$$), or Boulder Lodge (648-7533; $–$$).

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.