Boxing Day Ski Deals: VRBO, Airbnb, or Mammoth Hotels?

🏔️ Hotel vs. Home Rental: The Ski Bum's Lodging Showdown (VRBO, Airbnb, & Visit Mammoth)

Happy Boxing Day! 🥊🎿 If you're planning a last-minute trip to hit the slopes for New Year's, the big question looms: Do you book a hotel through Visit Mammoth or opt for a VRBO/Airbnb? With Mammoth Mountain and its rivals heating up (figuratively—it's freezing up there), here's the lowdown on lodging, weather, and events to make your decision as smooth as freshly groomed snow.

Hotels vs. Rentals: What’s Best for Your Ski Weekend?

Hotels through Visit Mammoth

• All-in-One Convenience: Hotels often come with ski storage, cozy après-ski lounges, and shuttles to the lifts. Less time driving, more time shredding.

• Fourth Night Free! Mammoth's "Fourth Night Free" deal is still live with no blackout dates—yes, even over New Year's. While it’s pricey, it might just be worth it during peak madness.

• Flexibility: If a snowstorm hits or plans change, hotel cancellation policies tend to be easier to manage than those for VRBO or Airbnb.

Airbnb/VRBO Rentals

• Stretch Out in Style: Rentals are perfect for groups or families, offering full kitchens to cook up hearty meals, fireplaces for cozy nights, and plenty of space to sprawl.

• Variable Pricing: Depending on demand, some rentals are a steal, while others might break the bank. Always double-check those fees!

• Location, Location, Location: Proximity to the lifts varies wildly. Check distances carefully to avoid long, icy drives or uphill hikes with gear in tow.

Boxing Day Booking Hacks

🎯 If you’re booking just days before New Year's Eve, be strategic:

1. Call Hotels Directly: Visit Mammoth’s site is great, but speaking to staff can unlock last-minute cancellations or perks.

2. Scour VRBO & Airbnb Discounts: Sometimes hosts offer discounts for last-minute stays, especially if their property is sitting empty.

3. Compare Longer Stays: If splitting costs with friends, the Fourth Night Free deal might make Mammoth hotels surprisingly competitive.

Snow and Weather: Your New Year's Forecast

Mammoth Mountain

• 12/31: Clear skies, a max of 23°F during the day, dropping to 14°F at night.

• 1/1: A frigid start to 2024, with highs around 18°F and morning lows near 7°F.

• Chair 20 Closed: Plan your runs accordingly to maximize those open trails.

Snow Summit

• 12/31: Max temps at 49°F and partly cloudy skies. A mellow vibe for daytime skiing.

• 1/1: Bluebird skies with highs of 52°F, perfect for cruising into the new year.

Mountain High

• 12/31: Clear all day with max temps of 43°F, dropping to a bone-chilling 27°F at night with a wind chill of 12°F.

• 1/1: Crisp and clear, with highs of 32°F and a brisk wind. It’s sunny but cold, so bundle up before heading out.

NYE Mountain Events: Worth the Splurge?

• Mammoth Mountain: Fireworks, live music, and après-ski parties galore! The energy is electric, making it the ultimate way to ring in 2024.

• Snow Summit: A magical Torchlight Parade and concert run from 6 PM to 10 PM. Bring the whole family for this iconic event!

• Mountain High: Perfect for those who prefer a low-key celebration. End your day with quiet stargazing or a festive lodge gathering.

Takeaway: Your Lodging, Your Call

Booking last-minute during peak season is all about finding the sweet spot between convenience, cost, and vibe. Hotels through Visit Mammoth offer ease and reliability—especially with that Fourth Night Free deal, perfect for longer stays. On the flip side, a VRBO or Airbnb might give you extra room to stretch out and a cozy home base for your squad—if you move quickly.

🔥A great place to start? Our private link to Expedia- CLICK HERE to start your search!

🎉 Proverb Time: “The best trips start with a great plan—pack smart, stay warm, ski often.”

Which is your go-to lodging option? Share your tips below, save this post, or forward it to your ski crew! 🏔️✨

Happy Boxing Day!

Sasha Everett & the Ski SoCal Insiders

P.S. We are growing our community in order to bring you exclusive discounts. Help us by sharing this newsletter with your fellow skiers (or even snowboarders) and have them subscribe at - https://skisocalinsider.com/