Tucked away in the Eastern Sierra is the outdoor paradise of Mammoth Lakes, CA. It has a great reputation with Southern Californians as a close getaway offering a variety of outdoor activities. Part of its popularity was due to the abundance of cheap Mammoth vacation options and good value as a holiday destination. Although, investments and influences by large corporations changed the culture of Mammoth and it reputation as a value vacation location.

Mammoth Lakes used to offer an abundance of cheap motels and budget accommodations. Inexpensive lodging was always available and this vacation value was a huge draw for visitors.

Ski resort giant, Intrawest, purchased an interest in Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in 1996. By doing so, they changed the landscape of Mammoth Lakes. Intrawest’s presence in the community drove real estate speculation and new development. Many of the budget accommodations were removed to make way for more luxurious condominiums and high end hotels. Intrawest made it a goal to transform Mammoth Lakes from a weekend getaway spot to an international resort destination. A new faux skier’s village was even developed to house pricey lodging, dining and other amenities.

Starwood Capital purchased an interest in Mammoth Mountain Ski area in 2005. This further fueled a belief that Mammoth was to become a playground of the rich and famous. Consequently, prices for lodging, dining and everything rose dramatically. Then the recession and real estate crash reversed the alarming trend. Suddenly budget pricing for accommodations and other Mammoth discounts have reappeared. Businesses have started to court the weekend visitors from nearby Southern California rather than relying on the lavish spending of people drawn to a destination resort.

Mammoth Lakes still draws the international crowd and still is thought of as a destination resort. However, families from nearby Southern California are starting to make their way back to Mammoth Lakes. They are hoping to take advantage of the new deals that are popping up as Mammoth reconnects with their forgotten customers.

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