Mammoth Mountain

California has given us Hollywood, Daffy Duck and thankfully, Mammoth Mountain. Located in the Eastern Sierra region, Mammoth has welcomed snowboarders onto its slopes for many years, and with a good snow record (a record 15.4m in 2004/5 season), riding is often possible into May.

“The village” sits on the edge of town and is the main tourist hub. A high speed Gondola then transports all guests to Canyon Lodge – one of the 3 main base areas that access the slopes. Mammoth's slopes can often get busy at weekends when the place fills up with California's city dwellers. Don't let that put you off though as by normal American standards, Mammoth is a pretty big place. In fact, it's one of the biggest resorts in America, with over 150 trails set out on a long-since dead volcano; no matter what your style or ability, there’s plenty to do. 3,500 acres

Mammoth's terrain parks have achieved legendary status. “Mammoth Unbound” is the latest development of parks on offer – providing over a dozen areas for all levels and abilities to gain confidence and progress on freestyle terrain. Overall Mammoth is a great resort for boarders, there’s good variety in terrain from trees to open bowls, an efficient lift system; without any drag lifts. One gripe can be the lack of piste markings which aren’t always marked. That said, the mountain is relatively easy to navigate around, once you get your bearings.