5 Unique Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes During Winter

Winter is one of the best times to enjoy a variety of memorable activities in Mammoth Lakes. The snow brings new things to do in Mammoth Lakes that are fun and unique to the season. Snowcats offer incredible views of the mountains, and daring adventurers climb ice walls. Stay closer to nature with 1849 Mountain Rentals and access these winter activities just a short distance away from your slopeside condo.

Helicopter Tours

Skytime Helicopter Tours offers year-round sightseeing tours as well as tailored tours for groups, weddings, aerial photography, anniversaries, education, or real estate tours. See the Eastern Sierras like never before as you take in views of mountains, waterfalls, sparkling lakes, glacier-carved valleys, and forests. See the beauty of Mammoth Lakes from the clouds with this unique tour!

Things to do in Mammoth Lakes

Ice Climbing Tours

Are you looking to ramp up your adventure and try something new? Then consider learning how to ice climb with the Sierra Mountain Center. Ice climbing is similar to rock climbing except (as the name suggests) on ice! The ice climbing school offers a variety of courses and programs to suit all skill levels. The programs start with a thorough introduction to the skills and equipment needed for this winter activity.

The ice climbing season starts in December and runs through March, depending on the weather.

Snowcat Tours

Snowcat Tours, operated by Mammoth Mountain, give you the chance to explore the backcountry from the comfort of a heated snowcat for the perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Take in the views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, and Ritter Range on this scenic two-hour tour. Once you have arrived at Minaret Vista, you can enjoy the stunning scenery while enjoying a spread of tasty treats such as fresh fruit, cheese, a charcuterie board, and wine. The snowcat tours are one of our favorite unique things to do in Mammoth Lakes during the winter season.

Snow Cat tours on Mammoth Mountain: things to do in Mammoth Lakes

Backcountry Skiing and Riding

Nothing adds the cherry-on-top of a ski and snowboarding trip than riding fresh lines in the backcountry. Mammoth Lakes has two outfitters offering backcountry experiences.

High Sierra Snowcat & Yurt

High Sierra Snowcat & Yurt provides professionally guided backcountry skiing with snowcat access to 9,000 acres of terrain and over 4,000 feet of vertical. This experience includes a guide, transportation, and food. Your guide will check all your gear and discuss safety procedures on your way up the mountain. Guides will determine the best skiing spots based on current weather conditions. This unique experience is for advanced to expert skiers who want to experience the mountains in an unfiltered setting.

Photo of backcountry tours: things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Photo credit: Josh Wray

June Mountain Backcountry Tours

Sierra Mountain Guides offers guided backcountry ski and snowboard tours from the summit of June Mountain. From the summit, your group will take a short hike to access the terrain in this area.

If not everyone in the party has the advance to expert skill level or desire to participate, they can enjoy a great day at June Mountain. This resort offers a smaller mountain with gorgeous alp-like views known as “California’s Family Mountain.” The beginner-friendly terrain is perfect for young kids or people learning to ski for the first time. There are also naturalist tours available for free on the weekends. This tour will take you around the mountain as you learn about the region’s geologic history and weather patterns.

Winter Fishing

Fishing isn’t limited to just the summer and fall months in the Mammoth Lakes. Several areas are open during the winter. Winter is one of the best times for trout fishing in the Eastern Sierras. Sierra Drifters offers guided fly fishing tours. These tours are excellent for families since they are set up to help every age and skill level learn how to fish.

Fish Mammoth is another service that provides guided fly fishing in town. The trips are available for three, five, and eight-hour trips, including equipment and lunch.

Photo of ice fishing one of the top things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Photo credit: Josh Wray

Book Your Trip

These are just a few of the unique things to do in Mammoth Lakes during your getaway this winter. After your tour, return to 1849 Mountain Rentals and relax in your slopeside condo next to a roaring fire. Start planning your Mammoth Lakes vacation today, and we’ll see you here!

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