Easily accessible backcountry is largely available to advanced skiers and snowboarders around the Mammoth Lakes area.
Ski Touring:
Mammoth Lakes offers countless acres of freedom in the form of untracked powder. Discover the world beyond lift lines and groomed slopes.
Mountain Climbing:
Rock climbers move into winter terrain on snow or mixed climbing on ice faces, ridges, rocks crags, rock faces, alpine meadows and lakes, icefalls and glaciers. Winter mountaineering requires the ability to read topography maps and compasses, how to rope up, how to traverse crags, crevices and crevasses. You also need many skills and equipment to cope with the varying conditions.
Be prepared for any weather:
Weather in mountainous terrain is very unpredictable, no matter the season. Storms are frequent and whiteouts are common year round. Mountaintops or summits because they attract clouds can be stormy, while the rest of the area is warm and sunny. Always be prepared.
Avalanche Training:
Avalanches can occur on slopes anytime of the year. All skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers should learn to recognize signs of possible avalanche activity. All parties attempting a winter backcountry outing should be experienced in winter mountaineering, avalanche forecasting and rescue.
There are things to consider before venturing out:
Obtain a current weather forecast before your trip.
