405 Freeway shutdown: Head for Mammoth Mountain and stay 3 nights for $405

If you haven’t yet planned the weekend, grab three friends or family members and head north. Avoid the predicted “Carmageddon”-size gridlock when the 405 Freeway closes Saturday and Sunday by heading to Mammoth Mountain, where you can stay three nights for -- of course -- $405.

The deal: The Escape Carmageddon package for $405 plus tax for three nights lets you chose among various hotels at the ski area, including Mammoth Mountain Inn at 9,000 feet on the mountain to lakeside Tamarack Lodge. You can’t ski -- that ended July 4 -- but you can indulge in other outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. A three-night stay is required, and most rooms included in this deal sleep four.

When: The offer is good for stays Wednesday through Sunday.

Tested: I checked online for availability for three nights starting Friday and found the following deals that cost $405 plus tax:

--a one-bedroom condo at Juniper Springs Resort and Village Lodge that sleeps four;

--a loft at Mammoth Mountain Inn that sleeps four; and

--a cabin with fireplace at Tamarack Lodge for two.

Tip: If you really want to ditch your car, fly from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes. I found a fare of $252 round trip including tax, outbound on Friday and returning Monday.

Contact: Mammoth Mountain ski area, (800) 626-6684

405 shutdown: Check out these hotel packages and details of the planned freeway construction closure this weekend.