Planning a Mammoth Ski Trip With Kids? Make It Easy With These Tips.

If you’re planning a family ski vacation, Mammoth Mountain is one of the most kid-friendly ski destinations in California. With gentle beginner runs, world-class ski schools, and plenty of snow year after year, it’s an amazing place to introduce your children to the joy of winter sports.

And let’s be honest, the “stress-free” part can feel like the hardest part. Rental lines, cold fingers, snack emergencies, and the classic “I’m tired” meltdown can happen fast. The good news is that with the right plan and the right support, you can turn your trip into a smooth, memorable family adventure.

Ski School & Lessons

Mammoth Mountain offers a range of ski and snowboard lessons for children starting as young as three. Group lessons help kids feel comfortable learning alongside others their age, while private lessons provide personalized instruction for quicker progression. Full-day and half-day lesson options help families choose what works best for their schedule, and daycare options are available for the youngest learners so parents can enjoy some time on the slopes without worry.

Pro tip: Morning lessons are often the easiest for kids, they’re warmer, more rested, and less likely to hit an afternoon slump.

Photo Source: Patrick Griley, Mammoth Lakes Tourism

Gear Up at Footloose Sports Before You Hit the Slopes

One of the biggest stressors for families can be getting the right equipment, especially for growing kids. Footloose Sports makes family ski prep easy with kids ski programs designed to save you money and hassle.

Our Kids Seasonal Ski Rental Program offers an affordable option for children 12 and under, so you don’t have to buy new gear every season. Footloose also offers a Junior Trade-In Program that lets families upgrade equipment as kids grow, and a Junior Superfeet Program that provides comfortable custom footbeds with free size exchanges as needed.

Parents can shop or rent everything from skis and snowboards to boots and helmets in one place at Footloose Sports, and our experienced team will make sure each child’s gear is properly fitted and comfortable. Knowing your kids are in the right equipment helps make your whole trip more enjoyable.

Quick gear check: If boots hurt, the day is over. Prioritize fit and comfort over everything.

Reserve Early If You Can

Planning ahead helps your ski days go smoothly. Book your kids’ lessons and ski gear reservations in advance to avoid lines and last-minute stress, especially during peak season.

If your family has mixed ski abilities, consider splitting your group for a few hours so advanced skiers can explore challenging terrain while beginners build confidence. After skiing, plan on hot cocoa breaks and downtime to keep everyone refreshed and ready for the next day.

Photo Source: Dakota Snider, Mammoth Lakes Tourism

Embrace the Fun and Flexibility

Finally, remember that kid-centered ski trips are all about flexibility and fun. There will be slower moments, and maybe even a day off the slopes to let everyone recharge. Mammoth Lakes itself has plenty of activities beyond skiing.

Here are a few family favorites:

Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center
Located at Main Lodge, the Adventure Center offers kid-friendly outdoor activities like mini golf, a pump track for little rippers, rope courses, a climbing wall, a mountain coaster, a zipline, a bungee trampoline, and more.

Snow tubing at Woolly’s Adventure Summit
Woolly’s Adventure Summit offers winter tubing and other family-friendly activities. It’s a great option for a fun afternoon when kids want thrills without the effort of skiing.

Ice skating at LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes
The Community Recreation Center hosts LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes, an indoor rink that operates in winter (typically October through April). This is perfect for a post-ski evening activity or a rest-day highlight.

Sledding and snow play
Popular snow play areas in Mammoth include Shady Rest Park, the Mammoth Scenic Loop, and the Mammoth Lakes Basin, with room for building snow forts and letting kids run around.

Snowshoeing for an easy winter adventure
Snowshoeing is a mellow way to explore the winter scenery as a family, and Footloose Sports even offers snowshoe rentals if you want to mix it up.

Photo Source: Jenna Andersen, Mammoth Lakes Tourism

How Footloose Sports Makes Family Trips Easy

Ready to make your Mammoth family ski trip easy from the start? Let Footloose Sports take the stress out of gearing up. Reserve your kids’ rentals ahead of time, ask about our Kids Seasonal Ski Rental Program, and get expert fitting so everyone stays warm, comfortable, and confident on the mountain.

Stop in before you head to the lifts or plan in advance online, and we’ll help your family spend less time worrying and more time making memories in Mammoth.