Activities

Updates – Week of April 19-25

Howdy! This year/spring has been a wild one! Record high temps, record low precipitation, but April has been quite a turn of events! A fresh storm dropped 6″ in town and up to 40″ at the top! Great news for skiing and views, less so for travel.

Looking ahead, there appears to be a storm cycle April 18th-20th, subsiding by Thursday but with a small chance of precipitation throughout. While the predicted snow amounts remain low, this could mean rain in town and on commutes and snow at the venue.

Note, most weather forcasts are taken in town at 7,800ft, where the gondola and rehearsal start at 9,000ft and the ceremony scheduled at 11,000ft. There can be substantial weather differences such as rain in town and snow + wind on the mountain. Top of Summit Forcast (Ceremony) 

Please plan accordinly and be safe!

Closures:

  • Eagle Lodge
  • Canyon Lodge
  • Tubing
Reno Travelers - Advisory

Many of our guests are making the drive down from Reno, which is one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the country. It’s about 3 hours and 160 miles straight south on US-395 — but late April means mountain driving, and this particular route has a few spots that demand respect.

Before you leave, always check current road conditions:

Chains and tires: California uses a three-tier system. R1 means snow tires required on drive wheels; R2 means chains required OR AWD/4WD with snow tires on all four wheels; R3 means chains on all vehicles, no exceptions. CHP enforces these at checkpoints and can turn you around if you’re not equipped. AWD or 4WD with proper snow tires is strongly recommended. All-season tires do not qualify as snow tires under R2 conditions.

The two spots that get real:

  • Conway Summit (8,138 ft) — about 1 hour from Mammoth, just south of Bridgeport. This is the highest point on all of US-395 and where chain controls are most commonly enforced. The climb from Bridgeport and descent toward Lee Vining and Mono Lake is steep and exposed. In any kind of storm, this section can be slow or temporarily closed.
  • Deadman Summit (8,036 ft) — just north of Mammoth on the final approach. The second elevation pinch point, particularly between the summit and town.

The good news: US-395 is a maintained priority highway and Caltrans keeps it moving. Between storm events, the drive is typically clear and dry. Just check conditions before you leave — they update hourly.

Reno Travelers - Things to See!

The drive itself is half the experience. From Reno, you’ll pass through the Carson Valley, cross into California at Topaz Lake, follow the Sierra’s eastern flank through the Walker River Canyon, and emerge into the wide-open Bridgeport Valley before winding down to Mono Lake and into the mountain.

Topaz Lake (~1 hr from Reno) — California/Nevada border. Good spot to top off your gas tank before things get remote. Last Nevada services heading south.

Bridgeport (~2 hrs from Reno, ~1 hr from Mammoth) — A small, genuine Western ranching town with enough food options to make a solid lunch stop. Don’t expect much, but what’s here is good:

  • Rhino’s Bar & Grille — local favorite, hearty food, good vibe
  • Bridgeport Inn — historic 1877 Victorian inn on Main Street, open mid-March through October, reliable sit-down meals using Park Ranch beef
  • Burger Barn — no-frills burgers with outdoor seating; elk burger is worth it if you see it on the menu
  • High Sierra Bakery — fresh pastries and coffee if you just need a quick bite

While you’re stopped, the Travertine Hot Springs are right on the edge of town — a worthwhile 15-minute detour with views of the Sawtooth Range. No boardwalk, more rugged than Wild Willy’s, but beautiful and free.

Conway Summit Vista (~30 min from Mammoth) — Just after you crest the summit heading south, pull into the turnout on the right. You’ll get a sweeping view of Mono Lake and the Eastern Sierra that locals use as a sanity check on every drive. Worth 5 minutes and a photo.

Mono Lake (~20 min from Mammoth) — An ancient salt lake with otherworldly limestone tufa towers, formed over 760,000 years. You can pull into the South Tufa Area for a short walk, or just take in the view from the highway. Either way, it’s hard to believe it’s real.

Lee Vining (~20 min from Mammoth) — The last real town before Mammoth. Good place for gas. Note: the famous Whoa Nellie Deli (inside the Tioga Gas Mart) is seasonal and typically opens at the end of April — it may or may not be open during our week. Call ahead if you’re hoping to stop: (760) 647-1088.

Skiing

If you’ve been keeping track of the snow, it’s been a warm year but April has been full of surprises! Mammoth received up to 39″ of snow in places from 4/12-14 and might get another light storm the 19th.

Operations will be out of Main Lodge, which is right next to Mammoth Mountain Inn and The Mill (halfway up to Main from Town – and much easier parking). Eagle Lodge has closed and Canyon Lodge has a 4/19 scheduled closing. 

Carter and Lindsay would love to see you on the mountain in the days leading up to the wedding. 

You may reserve discounted multiple day lift tickets and rentals by calling 1-800-626-6684 and referring to the group ID 36924, or Mammoth accepts the Ikon pass.

You can find additional information at the Mammoth Mountain Resort website. 

Tips and Tricks

  • Main Lodge parking is paid only, with parking along the side of the street. There is a shuttle that will run up and down the road from various pickup points along the street-side parking.
  • If you’re staying at Mammoth Mountain Inn, just walk out your door! (and there’s ski valet in the main lobby)
  • PARKING TIP: The Mill. The Mill has parking and a small building w/ food, drinks, and bathrooms. Apres should also be consolidated there, weather permitting. We typically don’t encounter issues if we park by 730a but Saturdays can be competitive!
  • If you’re in town, there’s a free shuttle as well! Check out times and locations close to where you’re staying.

FOOD

  • Like all ski places, food is available in several locations but at mountain prices. The Mill (bottom, but separate from Main Lodge), Main Lodge (bottom), and McCoy (MidMountain) have cafeterias.
  • Paralax out of McCoy’s is slightly fancier.
  • There’s a Snack Bar at the top!
  • OUR FAVORITE FOOD – but potentially closed depending on conditions is The Outpost on the backside. This takes a bit more navigating. From the top, it can be more technical! Even the cat-track can be narrow. Aim for Chair 12 for easiest access (and confirm they’re open).

RENTALs

  • For those staying at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, there should be a small access to rentals in the Lobby or walk across the parking lot to Main Lodge!
  • We have not rented in a while, but have heard good things about Footloose in town. Kitridge might have an edge on performance products but research before you go!

RUNs

  • It’s hard to recommend runs because it is so dependant on conditions and your desires! Try chatting w/ our AI Wooly chatbot for catered recs!
  • WARNING – There was a lot of melt before this storm! Be on the lookout for obstacles when venturing to the top or going off the groomed path.
  • Stump Alley, Facelift and High Five should be your go-to blues with several different ways to go down!
  • Note, Broadway, Stump and GoldRush can build lines on the weekend as they’re at the bottom.
  • Mammoth is notorious for its winds!
    • If a wind cycle or storm is rolling in, often upper lifts could close!
    • Wind also brings secret snow stashes throughout! (Be sure to let the groom know if you find one).
  • All Runs from the Top can be difficult! But for those up for the challenge, super rewarding! Again, snow conditions will control where and if!
    • Dave’s is Carter’s favorite but can require a small traverse and skate over and a traverse back. (Basically U-Turn when you exit the gondolla building at the top)
    • Cornice and Scotty’s are the two groomed runs off the top. The first 5-10 feet off the top can be firm because of wind but after dropping in, often excellent runs!
    • Climax, Paranoids, Dropouts and Wipeouts are some of the techy runs off the top for those looking to scatch an itch. Note, rocks are strarting to protrude this time of year. Make sure you know before you go and have a buddy!

Aprés

Mammoth Mountain has a Honky Tonk themed aprés planned for Friday, April 24th from 12:00 to 3:30 pm at The Mill. Come get your country on ahead of our Welcome Dinner. Lindsay and Carter plan to stop by around noon.

Even if you’re not a skier, there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the aprés ski scene. There is often an aprés available at the ski resort, but some of our favorites in town include Liberty Bar (sports bar with an occassional DJ depending on day/time) or Lakanuki (Tiki bar that plays sports with late-night Karaoke)

In Town

The village of Mammoth Mountain is the main walkable downtown area with shops and restaurants. 

  • The Village at Mammoth is the main walkable area with shops, restaurants, an outdoor fire pit, and easy trolley access to the mountain. The free town trolley connects the Village to Main Lodge. There should also be a free shuttle service for those staying at Mammoth Mountain Inn
  • Rock & Bowl – Family-friendly bowling alley & arcade with a nice, premium restaurant on top the “Mammoth Brasserie”

In Town

The village of Mammoth Mountain is the main walkable downtown area with shops and restaurants. 

  • The Village at Mammoth is the main walkable area with shops, restaurants, an outdoor fire pit, and easy trolley access to the mountain. The free town trolley connects the Village to Main Lodge. There should also be a free shuttle service for those staying at Mammoth Mountain Inn
  • Rock & Bowl – Family-friendly bowling alley & arcade with a nice, premium restaurant on top the “Mammoth Brasserie”

Views/Sights

  • Hot Creek Geological Site – Steaming creek that feeds the local hot spring off shoots, incredible views from here, Lindsay & Carter frequently camp in this area! 

  • Convict Lake – This is the area Lindsay & Carter took their engagement photos, there’s a walking trail around the lake and the views are beautiful. The Convict Lake Restaurant is a nice, upscale restaurant if you’re looking for a fancier night out. 

  • Earthquake Fault– Fissure cuts through hard volcanic rock for several hundred feet and reaches a depth of up to 60 feet.
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  • Panorama Gondola — There’s a dedicated scenic rider ticket that provides access. Ride up to the 11,053-ft summit for 360° views of the Sierra (where the ceremony is scheduled). Great for non-skiers who still want to experience the mountain.
  • Snowshoeing & trails — Trails around the Lakes Basin and Convict Lake area are great for snowshoeing. Rentals available in town. Note: Highway 203 to Minaret Vista is currently closed, so that route is not accessible this trip. Also the status of the snow, or lack thereof is worth asking around!

Hot Springs

There are numerous natural Hot Springs in the Mammoth Lakes area. Please be aware that you may occasionally find someone enjoying the springs sans swimsuit. 😉 These also can become crowded on the weekends! Also note, these are accessed on dirt roads.

  • Wet Willie’s – The biggest and most well-known springs in the area. There is a boardwalk out to the area and numerous pools with different depths.
  • Crab Cooker – Carter and Lindsay often camp along the road to Crab Cooker when they ski bum a trip. The natural spring will occasionally be filled in and then dug out again by locals. So be up to the adventure of seeing whether it’s open or not. The drive for this can be a bit much for low clearance vehicles.
  • Hill Top – Nearby Crab Cooker!

 

 

NOTE: Activities available in the area are very season and weather dependent. If it’s a warmer year, hiking trails, lake activities, biking and more may be available. We’ll try to update here as we see where the season takes us!

Have any wedding/mammoth questions?