Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl, long time local and mediocre (but hopeful) board game player
When you visit Mammoth Lakes with family or friends, you’re probably looking for ways to maximize your quality time together. And, board games are such a great option to lower your screentime and create memories…and maybe even lasting rivalries!
In this article, the competition is heating up as we share 5 of our condos that are perfect for game night!
Our criteria for the ideal game night set up
Wondering how we chose this selection of Mammoth Mountain Reservation condos for your family’s next board game night? Here are a few non-negotiables that we included in our search:
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Wrap-around sofa seating. There’s no better way to convince the family to gather ‘round than with comfy seating. The condos on our list feature either a wrap-around sofa or plenty of recliners and couches so that no one has to fight over the best spot.
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A spacious coffee table. Y’all are going to need room for beverages, bowls of snacks, and of course, your game board of choice.
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Family-style dining table. For the families who want to protect their posture while playing, a nice big dining table is the way to go!
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Cozy heating. Can you imagine a dreamier game night than one in front of a fireplace or wood-burning stove?
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Good lighting. No need to strain your eyes while building your empire or taking out the competition. The condos on this list feature both natural light and light fixtures that are easy on the eyes.
Clearly, we take game night seriously. Let’s take a look at the condos that fit the bill!
Mammoth condos for board game lovers!
Discovery 4, Unit 157
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
A reclining, wrap-around sofa, wood-burning stove, and plenty of natural light make this unit at Discovery 4 a great setting for game night! There’s also a Rec Room on-site with a pool table and ping pong table!
Mountainback at Mammoth, Unit 115
3 BR - 1 Loft | 3 BA | 10 Guests
Unit 115 at Mountainback at Mammoth is a charming corner unit, fully decked out for large families or multiple families vacationing together. With plenty of seating around the wood-burning stove and an oversized dining table, you’ll have the space to set up your board game and play for hours!
Mountainback at Mammoth, Unit 116
2 Br - 1 Loft | 3 BA | 8 Guests
Right next door to our previous listing is another contender for best board game-friendly condo: unit 116! This corner unit has a modern, chic vibe with all the comfort of a cabin in the woods. It features an L-shaped cozy couch around the fireplace and a huge 8-seater dining room table with soothing overhead lighting.
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club, Unit 13
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
The ski lodge vibes of unit 13 at Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club make it the ideal place to put your phone away and enjoy quality time with family! The living room is perfectly designed for game night around the coffee table or dining room table, and there’s even a shuffleboard table and gaming area in the second bedroom! Make sure to fire up the propane fireplace for next-level coziness.
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club has a Rec Room on-site with a pool table!
Sierra Park Villas, Unit 82
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
Recently remodeled unit 82 at Sierra Park Villas is warm, welcoming, and ideally designed for game-loving guests! The downstairs area has multiple options to comfortably set up a board game or card game. And, a wood burning stove and vintage Mammoth Lakes decor complete the cabin-in-the-woods feel.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I plan on playing board games on vacation?
Mammoth has plenty of activities to keep you busy while on vacation, so is it really necessary to play board games? Well, of course it’s not necessary. But there are a few benefits that might inspire you to break out the board:
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Less screen time. More and more people are looking for vacation options that get them off their phone. And while a long day of hiking or skiing is a sure way to accomplish that goal, you don’t want everyone to fall right back into the scroll vortex as soon as they get back to the condo. Family game nights keep the screentime down by inviting focus and interaction.
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Stress reduction. Maybe you’re planning a trip to the mountains as a way to unwind and recharge. And although they take some brain power, board games are relaxing and fun! They also encourage mindfulness and focus.
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Family collaboration. Board games are a great way for families to learn how to work together and collaborate as a team (even if you’re pitted against each other within the actual game!) These little moments of practicing communication can translate to other moments of your trip like when you’re learning how to navigate a two-person kayak or deciding on where to go for dinner.
Should I bring my own board games to Mammoth?
If your car is already packed with hiking gear and luggage (and there’s always at least one family member who overpacks), you might wonder whether you should pack your own games, too.
We would say yes. Some of our condos have a board game closet, and you can call ahead to ask about any particular condo, but in general, it’s best to bring your own.
Or, you can always purchase a game here in town, which can serve as a great souvenir!
Where can I buy board games in Mammoth Lakes?
Here in Mammoth, we love board games ourselves! And we have a few great local options for buying new games:
Mammoth Fun Shop
Located on Main Street, this chalet-style local shop is packed with games and activities for families to enjoy on vacation! This is truly the go-to place in town for board games, and if you have something particular in mind, you’re likely to find it here.
Be warned, it’s hard to go into this place without trying the ice cream.
Booky Joint
Booky Joint, located within the Vons shopping area, is our oldest local bookstore, and it also offers a wide range of board games, puzzles, and Lego!
Second Chance Thrift Shop
To be sure, new board games can be pretty pricey these days, so buying second-hand can be a good affordable option! Second Chance Thrift Shop has a corner of the store with books and board games where you might find a gem. And, proceeds go towards Access Mammoth, a non-profit dedicated to providing outdoor recreation for folks with disabilities.
Book your next family vacation with us!
Here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations, we want your family vacation in the mountains to be fun and unforgettable! And playing board games while you’re here is a great way to boost the quality time with a little friendly competition. Take a look at the condos we have available for your next trip and give us a call with your questions about booking a family-friendly trip to Mammoth Lakes!