Skiing
In winter, call the Snow Report (760/934–7669 or 888/766–9778) for information about Mammoth weather conditions.
June Mountain Ski Area. Snowboarders especially dig June Mountain, a compact, low-key resort north of Mammoth Mountain. Several beginner-to-intermediate terrain areas—including the Surprise Fun Zone and Buckey's Playground—are for both skiers and boarders. There's rarely a line for the lifts here: if you must ski on a weekend and want to avoid the crowds, this is the place to come, and in a storm it's better protected from wind and blowing snow than Mammoth is. (If it starts to storm, you can use your Mammoth ticket at June.) The services include a rental-and-repair shop, a ski school, and a sports shop. There's food, but the options are better at Mammoth. Kids 12 and under ski and ride free. 3819 Hwy. 158/June Lake Loop, off U.S. 395, 22 miles northwest of Mammoth, June Lake, California, 93529. 760/648–7733; 888/586–3686; www.junemountain.com. From $120.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. One of the West's largest and best ski areas, Mammoth has more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and a 3,100-foot vertical drop. The views from the 11,053-foot summit are some of the most stunning in the Sierra. Below, you'll find a 6½-mile-wide swath of groomed boulevards and canyons, as well as pockets of tree-skiing and a dozen vast bowls. Snowboarders are everywhere on the slopes; there are seven outstanding freestyle terrain parks of varying difficulty, with jumps, rails, tabletops, and giant super pipes—this is the location of several international snowboarding competitions, and, in summer, mountain-bike meets. Mammoth's season begins in November and often lingers into July. Lessons and equipment are available, and there's a children's ski and snowboard school. Mammoth runs free shuttle-bus routes around town and to the ski area, and the Village Gondola runs from the Village complex to Canyon Lodge. However, only overnight guests are allowed to park at the Village for more than a few hours. Facilities: 155 trails; 3,500 acres; 3,100-foot vertical drop; 25 lifts. Minaret Rd., west of Mammoth Lakes, Rte. 203, off U.S. 395, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546. 760/934–2571; 800/626–6684; 760/934–0687; www.mammothmountain.com. From $109.
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center. Trails at the center, adjacent to Tamarack Lodge, meander around several lakes. Rentals are available. Lake Mary Rd., off Hwy. 203, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546. 760/934–5293; 760/934–2442; tamaracklodge.com. $68 all-inclusive day rate.
Ski Rentals and Resources
Black Tie Ski Rentals. Skiers and snowboarders love this rental outfit whose staffers will deliver and custom-fit equipment for free. They also offer slope-side assistance. 501 Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes, California, 93456. 760/934–7009; mammoth.blacktieskis.com.
Footloose. When the U.S. Ski Team visits Mammoth and needs boot adjustments, everyone heads to Footloose, the best place in town—and possibly all California—for ski-boot rentals and sales, as well as custom insoles. 3043 Main St., at Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546. 760/934–2400; www.footloosesports.com.
Kittredge Sports. Advanced skiers should consider this outfit, which has been around since the 1960s. 3218 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546. 760/934–7566; kittredgesports.com.
