Also Consider: Eagle Run (Slopeside)

$229–$999; 800-266-6966; mammothmountain.com

Also Consider: Mammoth Creek (Boutique)

$165–$690; 866-466-7000; mammothcreekinn.com

Also Consider: The Lodges at Snowcreek (Family)

$190–$1,326; 800-544-6007; snowcreekresort.com

Luxury: Tallus

Single-family homes are rare in Mammoth’s rental market—and these are no ordinary ski shacks. The Tallus homes, each more than 5,000 square feet, feature home theaters outfitted with plush couches, vaulted great rooms, two-story decks and more. A private clubhouse offers a fitness center, indoor pool and game room—and a staff dedicated to helping guests with everything from shuttling around town to stocking the fridge. $1,225–$3,000; 800-266-6966; mammothmountain.com

Old West Ambience: Tamarack Lodge & Resort

Tamarack’s main log lodge, located 10 minutes from town, began welcoming guests in 1924. Its 11 lodge rooms and 35 outlying cabins—some tiny, intimate and ideal for romantic getaways; others spacious, new and great for families—offer the serenity of simpler times. Ceilings are cased in wood, quilts are handmade, beds have down pillowtops and no two rooms are alike. Internet is available only in the main lodge. And 19 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails give a whole new meaning to the notion of ski-in/ski-out.

Family: Westin Monache Resort

Room service—particularly with choices like mac and cheese made with tallegio and truffles—is a new concept in Mammoth. And while 32-inch flatscreen TVs, fireplaces and plush robes make in-room dining at this 230-suite condo hotel particularly appealing, guests find it easy to venture out. The Village at Mammoth and a gondola to the slopes stand some 75 steps downhill from the Westin’s ski valet. Even so, the hotel’s free shuttle ferries guests on the 60-second drive.

Stay Awhile

Northstar's new upscale condos, like this unit at One Village Place, are steps from the lifts.
Originally published in the November 2008 issue of SKI Magazine. Read the full story here.

Nightlife

At day's end, parents gather around firepits to sip warm drinks and watch kids skate on the resort's free rink.
Originally published in the November 2008 issue of SKI Magazine. Read the full story here.

Perma-Press

Northstar isn't known for lake views. But with cord this smooth, you'll be skiing too fast to sightsee.
Originally published in the November 2008 issue of SKI Magazine. Read the full story here.