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Mammoth Lakes is a winter wonderland full of thrilling activities to keep you and your family coming back year after year. Even if you do not ski or snowboard, Mammoth Lakes has a plethora of exciting winter outings that you won’t soon forget. In addition to skiing, you can choose from adventures like ice climbing or a simple walk around the Lakes Basin where you can take a breath of fresh cool mountain air.
Where is Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Lakes is in the California Eastern Sierra in Mono County.
How do I get to Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Lakes is a five-hour drive from Los Angeles or six hours from San Francisco. But you can fly to Mammoth Lakes too! There are also commercial flights to Eastern Sierra Airport (BIH) in Bishop (+45-minute drive) and private and semi-private flights to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) in Mammoth (+11-minute drive).
- Pro Tip
If you drive to Mammoth, keep chains in your car. After turning off the 395, chains are often required after a big snow storm.
Where Should I Stay in Mammoth Lakes?
The best hotels in Mammoth Lakes for winter activities are The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth and The Village Lodge at Mammoth.
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth
The Westin is across the street from The Village and offers easy access to skiing, snowboarding, shops, and restaurants. At The Westin, guests can enjoy all the services you would expect from a Westin such as housekeeping, laundry service, room service, concierge, etc., all in a terrific location. The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth is what you would typically expect from Westin properties and is one of the nicer hotels in Mammoth Lakes.
The Village Lodge at Mammoth
Staying in The Village is super convenient. The rooms have a homey lodge feel and are more akin to renting an apartment with a kitchen than staying in a hotel room. The one downside to staying at The Village is the lack of services. For example, don’t expect 24-hour room service, extra towels, or daily housekeeping.
After staying at both The Village and the Westin, I prefer The Village because of its convenient location and larger rooms.
Vacation Rentals
Mammoth Mountain is a terrific place to rent a house or a condo. I’ve done it several times, and each place has been terrific. Whether I’m looking for a luxury home or a condo where all I need to do is sleep before hitting the slopes again, there are endless vacation rental options in Mammoth.
The Best Things to Do in Mammoth in the Winter
1. Snowmobiling
Riding a snowmobile in the winter is a fun way to explore the backcountry in Mammoth Lakes. A whole new world opens when you take a snowmobile out for a spin. You can feel the wind in your hair as you cruise through snow-covered meadows and take in the serenity of your surroundings.
For those who have not been snowmobiling, it is kind of like riding a bigger, more powerful ATV that glides over the snow. Snowmobiling is good for those who like to take it slow and adrenaline junkies because you control your speed.
I tried snowmobiling for the first time, and admittedly I was intimated by the large machine. However, after a few minutes of testing the limits on the snowmobile, I was ready for our tour with DJ Snowmobile Adventures.
We went snowmobiling early in the winter season in Mammoth Lakes, so even though we had a fun afternoon, the snow conditions were not the best. Our tour was half over snow and half over dirt (not our tour operator’s fault mother nature wasn’t cooperating). So, next time I go snowmobiling, I will wait for better snow conditions.
- Pro Tip
Check the snow conditions before going snowmobiling. I would recommend waiting until there is a good base.
2. Skiing and Snowboarding in Mammoth Lakes in the Winter
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is an incredible place to ski. The skiable terrain is massive, with a vertical rise of 3,100 feet and 163 named trails over 3,500+ acres of skiable terrain. The highest summit tops out at 11,053 feet.
Whether you are a beginner or prefer shoots and cornices, Mammoth Mountain is the place for you. Gary and I have been skiing Mammoth Mountain together for years. But our skiing ability is very different. My favorite trails are the blue/black diamond runs. On the other hand, Gary was a ski instructor and could out ski me any day of the week. However, because of the varied terrain at Mammoth Mountain, there are more than enough runs to keep us both smiling all day long.
Unbound – Mammoth Mountain
For those who want to get their heart racing, Mammoth Mountain has you covered with Unbound, its terrain park. Unbound has ten unique parks, two halfpipes, 100+ jibs, and up to 50 jumps on any given day. Unbound is not for me, but it might be your next happy place!
Skiing June Mountain
Just outside Mammoth Lakes is June Mountain. Skiing June Mountain is a delight. It is a smaller, local mountain with wide trails and stellar views. While the terrain is not as varied or as vast as Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain holds its own with 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, a vertical rise of 2,590 feet, a summit of 10,090 feet, and 41 named trails.
One of the things I like most about June Mountain is the local feel. It’s not as crowded as Mammoth Mountain and has a significant amount of intermediate trails. You can quickly master the trail map and find the best section for your ability. I had a great day at June Mountain and look forward to skiing there again in the future.
- Pro Tip
At the time of writing, June Mountain offers free lift tickets for kids 12 years and younger. By purchasing adult lift tickets in advance, you might get a discount too.
3. Snowshoeing in Mammoth
Snowshoes are an incredible invention. You strap them on your feet and head out on a snowy hike. The snowshoes grip the snow and ice and keep you from slipping and falling through the snow.
There are countless places to snowshoe in the winter in Mammoth Lakes. However, my favorite place for snowshoeing is Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, located at Tamarack Lodge near the Lakes Basin. The video above gives you a sense of why I enjoy snowshoeing there so much.
Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center has 19+ miles of groomed paths you can follow past Lake Mary or head off an adventure of your own. However, if you veer off the trail, be sure to go with a buddy and stay safe. In my experience, the snow can be very deep and challenging to navigate.
4. Cross-Country Skiing in Mammoth Lakes in the Winter
If snowshoeing is not for you, you might like cross-country skiing. There are two types of cross-country skiing: free skate or Nordic skiing, where your skis are set in a snow track.
I have yet to try either one, but next time I am in Mammoth I hope to strap on a pair of cross-country skis and skate my way around town. A popular place for cross-country skiing is also the Lakes Basin discussed above.
5. Enjoy a Gondola Ride at Mammoth Mountain in the Winter
Mammoth Mountain offers a gondola ride to the summit at 11,053 feet. So, even if you are not a skier, you can still take a ride up to the top of Mammoth Mountain and see the unobstructed views of the Sierra. While at the summit, stop for a picture at the famous totem sign, enjoy lunch at Eleven53 Café with panoramic views, or visit the interpretive center to learn more about the region’s geology, natural history, and wildlife.
- Pro Tip
Up to 2 kids (ages 12 and under) ride FREE with each paying adult. You can get your free tickets at any ticket window.
6. Backcountry Skiing
For those who love tree skiing and fresh tracks, you might also enjoy backcountry skiing. While backcountry skiing is not for me, Gary has not stopped talking about heading out on an adventure this winter. For the advanced skiers, backcountry might just be the next epic winter adventure for you.
You might even be able to ski the famous “hole in the wall,” a natural lava tube tunnel in the rocks above Lower Twin Lake. As a result of natural erosion, a chute has formed on the backside of Mammoth Mountain. The chute is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced skier.
If you decide to go out on a backcountry skiing adventure, I highly suggest you head out with a guide, like Sierra Mountain Guides, or a buddy who knows the area and carries avalanche safety gear.
7. Go for a Walk in the Eastern Sierra
If you are looking for what to do in Mammoth Lakes in the winter, than look no further than just out your front door. Walking in the snowy mountains is one of my favorite things to do in Mammoth. I love seeing the snowcapped mountains and the lakes starting to freeze over.
One of the best places to walk is at the Lakes Basin, where there are several groomed trails. These trails are the same as those mentioned above for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and offer spectacular views.
The Lakes Basin trails are terrific, but they are not outdone by the fantastic views on the Panorama Dome hike. Although the Panorama Dome trail is a little challenging, there is a worthy reward for your effort.
A couple of other popular trails nearby include Convict Lake, the Town Loop, and the June Lake Loop.
8. Sledding in Mammoth
The snow in Mammoth Lakes is perfect for sledding and tubing. Whether you stop on a snowy hill or check out Woolly’s Tube Park, you are in for a fun afternoon. I went tubing with Gary, my parents, and my sister a few years ago, and everyone had a blast. We were able to catch a fair amount of speed at Woolly’s Tube Park.
If you prefer to go sledding in the wilderness, you might try finding your perfect spot off the Mammoth Scenic Loop along Highway 203. Visitors can park in one of the marked pull-out parking areas along the east side of the road. Remember to start your sledding adventure a safe distance from the road.
9. Try Ice Climbing
Have you ever been ice climbing before? It’s a different experience than rock climbing. When ice climbing, you use ice axes and crampons to pull yourself up the side of a frozen waterfall, mountain, or even a glacier. It’s an exhilarating experience. I’ve done it once in Alaska and hope to try in Mammoth with Sierra Mountain Guides. Let us know about your ice climbing experiences in the comments below.
Grab a drink and participate in the time-honored tradition of après-ski. Whether you ski or not, you can enjoy a drink as you wind down a day of activities. Meet your ski buddies at the end of an exhilarating day of fun at places like Canyon Lodge, Gomez’s Restaurant, or Tequileria, where you can enjoy a Cadillac margarita, or opt for the party at The Village Saturday afternoons.
We usually enjoy this tradition at the base of the gondola. I love a cold beer or cocktail after a day of skiing.
- Pro Tip
The party at The Village Gondola can be a bit intense. Party goers take over tables at lunch, waiting for the party to start. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the bar on the second floor, grab a drink, and then head out to the rooftop that overlooks the party.
11. Play in the Snow
Mammoth Lakes gets a considerable amount of snow every winter. Be a kid again and build a snowman or even have a good old fashion snowball fight. I need a little more practice defending myself from incoming snowballs. As you can tell, I didn’t do so well.
Shady Rest or Mammoth Scenic Loop are terrific places for playing in the snow. Whatever you do, remember to have fun and enjoy the wonderful winter wonderland around you.
12. Try Fat Tire Bike Riding
In winter mountain towns like Mammoth Lakes, the biking trails are covered in snow for a good portion of the year. However, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo bike riding. With the invention of fat tires for mountain bikes, you can go for a bike ride in the snow! Winter fat tire biking is permitted in Mammoth Lakes on groomed, over-snow vehicle trails and non-motorized winter trails at Obsidian Dome and Shady Rest.
- Pro Tip
Firm snow offers the best conditions.
13. Visit Mono Lake in the Winter
Mono Lake draws thousands of visitors each year to see the saline lake that is home to shrimp, birds, and of course, the famous tufa towers. These unusual rock formations start underneath the water. The calcium-rich freshwater from the lake’s bottom seeps up and mixes with the rich carbohydrate water forming limestone. Over time (decades to centuries), these tufa towers form and grow to over 30 feet underwater. The tufas have become visible because of the low water level at Mono Lake.
In the winter (December-March), the crowds subside, and the unique view of the snow on the tufa towers also draws visitors. The road to South Tufa is usually plowed in the winter except immediately following large storms.
- Pro Tip
On groomed trails, I suggest wearing hiking shoes with good tread and bring a pair of micro-spikes like Yak Traks along with you. Micro-spikes go over your shoes and work like chains for your feet. They help you avoid slipping and sliding. I am a huge fan of Yak Tracks for winter hiking.
14. Visit a Hot Spring in the Winter in Mammoth Lakes
After a couple of days of activities, your muscles might be aching. To help soothe your pain, make your way to one of the many natural hot springs. One of the best hot springs near Mammoth is Wild Willey’s.
You should know before you go that the hot springs are a bit of an adventure. As the day turns to night, the crowd visiting can be less family-friendly, and clothing is sometimes optional. However, I have you covered with tips and tricks for visiting the hot springs in my Mammoth Lakes summer post.
If you prefer to see the hot springs but not go in, you can also visit the Hot Creek Geological Site. At Hot Creek, steam rises from several natural turquoise pools. Visitors can walk along the path and see the incredible springs for themselves. However, it is illegal to go in because it is not safe. The temperatures can fluctuate 200 degrees in just a few seconds.
15. Winter Hiking in Mammoth Lakes
Getting out into the mountains doesn’t require tons of gear. There are several places for winter hiking while in Mammoth.
Some of the best winter hiking destinations near Mammoth are Inyo Craters, Panorama Dome, and Sherwin Creek Area.
There is also a three-mile loop near Convict Lake that turns into an out-and-back trail in the winter.
- Pro Tip
When hiking in the winter, be prepared with Yak Traks, an extra layer, and a cell phone. It is also a good idea to let someone know that you went out on a hike.
Mammoth Lakes is a year-round destination with awesome activities in both the winter and the summer. You might also enjoy my post about the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer. What is your favorite time to visit Mammoth Lakes? Are you heading out on a road trip soon? Don’t forget these road trip essentials!
For more winter fun, check out my blog post about
The Complete Guide to Banff/Lake Louise in the Winter
Your Complete Guide to Park City, Utah
The Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in the Winter
The Best Things to Do in Sedona in the Winter
Four-Day Lake Louise Itinerary
Three-Day Sedona Hiking Itinerary
A Complete Guide to Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ
Two-Day Yosemite Valley Itinerary
Know Before You Go to Yosemite National Park
Your Complete Guide to Hiking Half Dome
Half Dome Packing List and Gear Guide
The Best Things to Do in Yosemite At Night
The Best Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes in the Summer
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ooooh that gondola ride looks like the views would be spectacular. What a great winter getaway!
This looks so much fun! I just moved to California last year and can’t wait to explore this area more over the winter.
Oh, if you are new to California, Mammoth is a must visit!
Now I’m curious about just how rowdy the hot springs get at night! I’m not much of a winter sports person but I’m (almost!) always up for a hot soak…
This looks just incredible and sooo many activities to experience up the mountain as well, love all of the helpful tips! What a perfect destinations for the snow bunnies!
I’m not big on winter activities but I’m always down for the après-ski fun, haha. Those hot springs look amazing too! Xx Sara
Après-ski is always fun!
This looks like the perfect place to visit in the winter time, especially if you’re a lover of snow sports. Thanks for the great tips!
You’re welcome!
Wow that Mono lake looks amazing! I do not particularly enjoy spending time on the snow, but I would love to spend some time inside, maybe near a fireplace and with a hot chocolate in my hands.
I enjoy cozying up near a fireplace too.
This is a great post and I love all the photos from Mammoth Lakes! My kids were just asking if there’s snow play in California, I’ll have to show them this post.
Thank you! I hope you and your kids get a chance to head to Mammoth Lakes this winter.
What a fun place to visit! To be honest, you had me convinced with the skiing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing… but then you also threw in Mono Lake and hot springs!! This sounds like SUCH a fabulous area in the winter!!
I love that you are as excited about Mammoth as I am!
Wow this looked like amazing fun filled trip! Will keep these in mind for a future trip!
Mammoth Lakes looks like an incredible spot for a winter getaway! I would love to go skiing, check out the hot springs and also take a gondola ride! How fun!
These all sound incredible! I don’t ski or snowboard (though I’d love to try skiing, am just awful at snowboarding, ha) so the snowmobiling and apres-ski both spoke to me! And it looks just, stunning. Wow.
I agree, I am a fan of apres-ski! I love that there are activities that resonate with you in Mammoth!