10 Things to Do in Mammoth This Winter
Typically, I’m in Mammoth or in the Eastern Sierra’s at least once per month. It’s really become home away from home and in my time at Mammoth, I really have gotten to enjoy almost everything this mountain town has to offer.
So whether you’re coming back to Mammoth to partake in winter activities or it’s your first time, here are 10 things to do in Mammoth this winter.
1. HIT THE SLOPES
Mammoth is usually the first (or one of the first) resorts open in the winter and one of the last ones to close in the spring/summer. If you plan your trip just right, you might also end up with a winter wonderland powder day on the runs! They have 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, park runs, and standard runs, and runs that are fit for everyone’s skill level. If you don’t have your own gear, there are plenty of places to rent around town including Mammoth Mountain, WaveRave, Kittredge Sports and Footloose Sports.
2. CROSS COUNTRY SKI
If you’re looking to kick your skiing up a notch and get your heart pumping, cross country skiing is a great workout! If you’re a beginner, Mammoth offers classes or if you’re already experienced, check out the trails around Mammoth.
3. SOAK IN THE HOT SPRINGS
Yes! That’s all I can say, yes! Go to the Mammoth hot springs. We’ve all heard of them, and almost nothing is better than soaking your tired body in a hot spring. Some off roading will be required. Here’s the list of the local Mammoth hot springs.
4. CHECK OUT THE HOT CREEK GEOLOGICAL SITE
There are only a handful of places on Earth like this active geologic setting. This offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains, a river, and steaming hot springs. But these hot springs are too hot to get in. They’ll burn you, don’t try. But they are pretty to look at! To get here: Take US 395 south, turn left towards Mammoth Yosemite Airport, take 2nd right and follow the signs 3 miles (4.8 km) on unpaved, maintained road. The parking lot will be on your left. Then you can walk down to the river.
5. VISIT CONVICT LAKE
You can drive up to this lake, and in the summer you can hike around it. In the winter, you can snowshoe around it. It really is beautiful. Convict Lake is about 15 minutes outside Mammoth towards Bishop.
6. SNOWSHOE
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing but you still want to get out and explore Mammoth’s winter wonderland, snowshoeing sounds like a good fit! If there’s enough snow, you can do this even on the side of the road on the way up to the slopes! Or check out Mammoths variety of snowshoe trails.
7. HAVE DRINKS AT MAMMOTH BREWERY
Mountain views and beer, what could be better? Right?!
8. STOP FOR LUNCH OR DINNER IN THE VILLAGE
There are so many options! My favorite is the Pita Pit. I get the Siracha Chicken Pita and it’s creamy but spicy and just a little bit of heaven in a pita. Also a good source of protein for recovery! But if you’re looking for Mexican food, Gomez’s is great! They also have a great (and affordable) happy hour. If you’re in the mood for sushi and a bowl of ramen, stop by Sushi REI. If you are looking for some tropical Hawaiian BBQ and fruity (but strong) drinks, hit up Lakanuki Tiki Bar, you’ll forget you’re in a winter wonderland. Their ahi over jasmine rice is amazing! For dessert, stop by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and get one of their caramel apples. They are so good!
9. RENT A SNOWMOBILE
There are a few options for guided tours around Mammoth including from Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures and DJ’s Snowmobile Adventures. If you have your own snowmobile, look through the Mammoth Lakes Trails for recommended routes.
10. SNOW PLAY
The Mammoth Scenic Loop is a popular spot for sledding and snow play. Mammoth doesn’t have a designated spot for this, but in the winter months, especially mid-January through March when there’s snow on the ground, you snow play pretty much anywhere! But to get to the Scenic Loop, you drive up highway 203 on the way up to the Main Lodge at the ski resort. During the winter, there might be traffic heading this way, especially during popular times on the slopes, so you can also get here by a bus from The Village.