If you're feeling those post-winter blues, don’t pack away your skis just yet—Mammoth Mountain is still going strong. The resort recently announced it’s staying open for spring skiing and snowboarding through early June. While most ski resorts call it quits in March or April, our home ski area often keeps lifts spinning through June, and in some years through July or August.
Living up here in Mammoth Lakes at the top of the Eastern Sierra, we’re used to the seasons blending together. Sitting at just over 11,000 feet, Mammoth Mountain catches more than its fair share of snow. Even in average snow years like this one, spring riding is a given.
Some locals pack up their skis after the lower lodges close, but most people here know that spring at Mammoth (dubbed "second season" by the resort) is hard to beat. You get beautiful, sunny days and soft corn snow, and it's warm enough to cruise down runs in just a sun hoodie and a light pair of ski pants. Plus the après temperatures are delightful—you'll see people in tees, tanks and sometimes even swimsuits.
Spring skiing in Mammoth - photo by Christian Pondella for Visit Mammoth
But what makes "second season" and spring so incredible in Mammoth is that you can do so much more than just ski. This time of year, the entire landscape is coming back to life. The high alpine lakes are thawing, streams are full and wildflowers can be found on any trail you hike.
To really savor Mammoth spring, pick two (or three) sports for one day. Ski in the morning, then spend the afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking or golfing. If you're a backcountry skier, spring in the Eastern Sierra is a dream. Access really opens up as you can drive, bike or even e-bike up to some great lines.
If you want to do it all without leaving Mammoth Mountain, you can ski and mountain bike there this year over Memorial Day weekend—they're even selling a package to ski, bike and golf the same day.
E-biking to the start of a backcountry ski line wearing Ridge Solstice Sun Hoodies
We didn't even mention fishing yet—the season opens on "Fishmas" in late April. Anglers are already out at Crowley Lake, Convict Lake and the many year-round streams that run through the Eastern Sierra. Whether you're casting from shore or out on a boat, it's a great time to fish.
Spring fishing at Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra - photo by Dakota Snider for Visit Mammoth
Mammoth is also home to tons of summer events, the first of which is the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival—five days of showings of independent features and shorts, filmmaker panels and parties. There's a big motocross event in June, plus festivals almost every weekend during the summer. And you can't miss music nights at The Mobil Mart just up the road at the gateway to Yosemite National Park.
Once Mammoth Mountain fully closes skiing for the season in June, operations will fully shift to world class downhill mountain biking. You'll find miles of trails ranging from scenic beginner routes to expert-level descents. It's one of the best bike parks in the west.
Desert peach, one of the fragrant wildflowers found around Mammoth in the spring - photo by Samantha Lindberg for Visit Mammoth
As we wait for all the trails to melt out for long summer hikes and backpacking trips, and for the roads to trailheads to open (like Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park), we'll be skiing, climbing, hiking, running and paddleboarding, sometimes in the same day.
The long days and cool mountain nights make Mammoth the perfect place to be in the spring and summer. Whether you're looking for late-season turns, trying your hand at fishing or hopping on your mountain bike, you can do it all in Mammoth this time of year.
