Picture this: towering pine trees dusted with snow, poconip (frozen fog) rolling in over alpine lakes, and mountain peaks glistening in the winter sun. If you think this scene is from a distant landscape or straight out of a Hallmark movie, think again.

Mammoth Lakes is a real-life winter wonderland tucked on the eastern slope of California’s Sierra Nevada range. With an average of 400 inches of snowfall annually and 300 days of sunshine, this little mountain town seamlessly blends winter magic with sunny Golden State vibes.

Of course, you can — and should — enjoy the town’s downhill skiing at Mammoth Mountain. But there’s so much more to winter than lift access can offer. Grab your snow pants and get ready to explore all the skiing, ice-skating, sledding, and snowman-building that comes with a true winter wonderland experience. Here’s how.

Wander Through Snowy Woods

Have you noticed the world seems quieter when snow is falling? It’s not your imagination. Light and airy snowflakes act as natural sound absorbers, contributing to the serenity you probably envision when you think of a winter wonderland. To fully appreciate the stillness, head out to explore more than 3 million acres of wilderness on 140 miles of groomed Nordic and cross-country ski trails in Mammoth Lakes. 

If you’ve never tried sliding on skinny skis, Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center is your best bet. Stop by the yurt in the Mammoth Lakes Basin to chat with a local expert who can set you up with a day pass for the groomed trails, cross-country or skate ski rentals, and even lessons.

Once you get your bearings, you’ll be cruising through the trees, over snow-covered bridges, and past frozen lakes in no time. Cross-country skiers with some experience can set out on their own to explore the free public trails that loop through the woods in town. 

Not comfortable on skis? Snowshoes offer a more stable method for traveling over the snow to access winter landscapes.

Venture Farther Into the Wilderness

When you crave adventure farther afield, Mammoth Lakes offers plenty of options for off-trail exploration. Blaze your own path through vast stretches of untouched snow and witness awe-inspiring winter landscapes. Depending on your preferred speed and skillset, a local guide can introduce you to safe backcountry travel in the Eastern Sierra on a snowmobile or touring skis.

Adrenaline junkies can enjoy the natural high of high speeds on a snowmobile tour. These 90-minute guided adventure excursions cater to everyone from first-timers to seasoned riders. Zoom along tree-lined trails and through sparkling glades of snow en route to stunning panoramic vistas of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. Experienced snowmobilers with their own ride can set out independently to explore 80 miles of public groomed trails and endless acres of wilderness.

Or opt for human-powered travel on a guided backcountry ski tour geared toward advanced resort skiers with some touring experience. Get more comfortable with your backcountry setup, refine your technique, and learn about safe backcountry travel on skis with the help and guidance of a local expert.

Then, embark on a guided ski tour to access secret stashes of fresh snow and untouched lines. If you’re still working your way up to backcountry travel, get the earn-your-turns experience while staying inbounds at the resort with an uphill access pass at Mammoth Mountain.

Embrace Childlike Joy

The magic of winter can make even the most serious adults feel like a kid again. Lean into the good vibes with classic, kid-approved snow activities like tubing, sledding, ice skating, and good, old-fashioned snowplay. 

At Woolly’s Adventure Summit, kids and kids at heart can experience all things snowplay. Fly down groomed tubing lanes that offer a smooth, fast ride downhill and a convenient tow back up to the top for another ride. When you need a break, revel in winter fun — make snow angels, build a snowman, or take a hot cocoa break and bask in the snowy mountain scenery. 

Need a break from the winter elements? Spend an afternoon at the LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes. Newly opened in the 2023/24 winter season, this 40,000-square-foot facility houses an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink for hockey, figure skating, and more.

Rent skates and put your skills to the test at a public skate session, held daily throughout the winter with multiple sessions for holidays and weekends. Or dial your technique with a private lesson. If sliding on ice isn’t your style, try your hand at curling. The rink offers regular drop-in sessions and Learn-to-Curl clinics.

See the Snowy Sierra From 11,053 Feet

Even if you’re not a downhill skier, a trip to the top of Mammoth Mountain is worth it for the views alone. Ride the scenic gondola from Main Lodge to the 11,053-foot summit — the highest chairlift-accessible mountaintop in California.

From this vantage point, enjoy 360-degree views of Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding Sierra Nevada range, including Ritter and Banner peaks and the Minarets that, together with Mammoth Mountain, make up Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline.

Don’t miss a chance to take a selfie in front of the Mammoth Mountain sign, which was built from a local pine tree felled in an avalanche. This 24-foot icon serves as an unofficial yardstick to measure snowfall throughout the season. On above-average snow years, it’s not uncommon for snowdrifts to obscure the top of the sign.

This post is sponsored by Visit Mammoth.