Winter in Mammoth Lakes
Winter in Mammoth is about more than skiing. From powder days and Nordic trails to snow play, scenic rides and family adventures, there’s plenty to do on and off the mountain.
Ski & Ride
With Canyon Lodge just a short walk from Chamonix, you can start your ski day without driving or dealing with mountain parking. Canyon often opens for the Thanksgiving holiday period, then moves into regular operations around mid-December and typically stays open into mid-to-late April, snow and weather permitting.
From Canyon, the lift system connects you into the rest of Mammoth Mountain, so you can start close to home and spend the day exploring terrain across the mountain.
Lift Tickets & Hours · Ski & Snowboard Lessons
When booking lessons, choose Canyon Lodge to start near Chamonix. Mammoth also offers lessons from Main Lodge and Eagle Lodge.
Rental Options
Canyon Lodge Rentals — easiest from Chamonix.
Kittredge Sports — full-service rentals, demos and fitting.
Footloose Sports — local rentals and demos.
Wave Rave — snowboard-focused rentals and gear.
Black Tie Ski Rentals — delivery and in-condo fitting.
Nordic & Cross-Country
Escape the bustle of the lifts and explore Mammoth at a slower pace. Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center offers groomed Nordic trails and snowshoe routes through the Lakes Basin, with equipment rentals and trail access available on site.
Trail Info & Hours · Trail Passes · Rentals
Snowshoeing
Explore Mammoth’s quieter side on snowshoes, with scenic routes through the Lakes Basin and surrounding forest. Tamarack offers snowshoe trail access and rentals, making it easy to head out for a peaceful winter outing.
Sledding & Snow Play
For a full tubing experience, Woolly’s Adventure Summit offers groomed tubing lanes and family-friendly winter fun. If you’d rather find a casual sledding hill, the Mammoth Scenic Loop is a local favorite, with snowy open areas just off Hwy 203 on the way to Main Lodge. The Lakes Basin also has beautiful spots for snow play near Panorama Dome and Horseshoe Lake.
Please park fully off the roadway and choose a safe hill away from traffic and groomed ski trails when sledding outside the tubing park.
Woolly’s Adventure Summit · Mammoth Scenic Loop · Lakes Basin Access
Snowmobiling
Explore Mammoth’s winter backcountry on a guided snowmobile tour, with routes winding through snowy forest and wide-open mountain terrain. Mammoth Mountain offers tours for a range of experience levels, with equipment and instruction included.
Snowmobile Tours · Tour Info & Reservations
Scenic Gondola
Ride the Panorama Gondola to the summit of Mammoth Mountain for sweeping views across the Eastern Sierra. It’s an easy way to experience the mountain even if you’re not skiing, with incredible scenery along the way and from the top.
Scenic Gondola · Tickets & Hours
Ice Skating
More Winter Adventures
Dog Sledding
Experience the snowy backcountry behind a team of sled dogs on a guided winter tour.
Winter Fishing
Try year-round fishing in the Eastern Sierra, with several nearby lakes and streams open during winter.
Snowcat Tours
Ride into the mountains by snowcat for a scenic winter experience without skis.
Sno-Go Bikes
A different way to explore the snow, combining elements of skiing and biking.
Ice Climbing
Guided ice-climbing experiences are available in the Eastern Sierra for adventurous visitors.
Hot Springs
Natural hot springs south of Mammoth make for a memorable winter outing, especially on a cold day.
Winter Events & Après
Night of Lights at Canyon Lodge
One of Mammoth’s signature winter celebrations, with a spectacular slope-side show, music, lights and fireworks at Canyon Lodge.
Meet Woolly at The Village
A fun family stop where kids can meet Mammoth’s favorite mascot during select winter dates.
New Year’s Eve in The Village
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live entertainment, music and a festive mountain-town atmosphere.
DJ & Après Events at Canyon
Canyon Lodge hosts DJs, après gatherings and special winter events throughout the season.
Childcare
Mammoth offers childcare options for younger children, including licensed care in The Village and a Lesson + Child Care option for ages 3–4. If you’re booking the lesson-and-care option, choose Canyon Lodge so the ski lesson starts close to Chamonix.
Childcare Options · Lesson + Child Care
Know Before You Go
Mountain weather and road conditions can change quickly in winter. Check current conditions before heading out, especially during or after a storm.
Mountain Conditions · Caltrans District 9 Road Updates · Live Road Conditions and Chain Controls