Four Can’t-Miss Spring Events in Mammoth Lakes

If you’re a longtime visitor to the Eastern Sierra, you know spring weather in Mammoth Lakes can be unpredictable. Are we bundling up to brave the cold or skiing without a coat? Will the Mammoth Lakes Basin be open for fishing or will we be snowshoeing until June? Mother Nature loves to keep us guessing, so your best bet is to pack for both winter and spring weather.

No matter what the season throws our way, however, we can count on some of our favorite spring events to happen, come snow or shine. Mark your calendars and book your stay, because these spring events are classics that you won’t want to miss.

Caldera Burn

April 16

Lung–burning fun for all at the Mammoth Caldera Burn – a ski mountaineering challenge. Starting from Canyon Lodge, participants will skin their way through five ascents on Mammoth Mountain to complete this battle against themselves and the terrain. Ski mountaineering (ski mo), a high-altitude up and down challenge imported from Europe, is rapidly becoming one of the hottest new winter sports in North America. The Recreational course is perfect for backcountry skiers of any skill level interested in learning new aspect of the sport. The Elite course is designed to showcase Mammoth’s steep, technical skiing.

Event registration includes race entry, uphill access and a post-event beer for racers 21+. Online registration ends April 14. In-person registration closes at 7 pm on Friday, April 15. There will not be onsite registration the morning of the race.

Pond Skim

April 17

Spring Break meets snow sports at the ultimate celebration of fun in the sun at Pond Skim. Participants and spectators alike don festive costumes (think neon attire, bathing suits, blow-up pool toys, etc.) and head to Canyon Lodge for a day of pure entertainment. Bold skiers and snowboarders can launch themselves down a ramp and skim—or face plant—across a 100+ foot pond.

If you’re determined to participate in the competition, bring your costume A-game and head to Canyon Lodge early. Only the first 50 people in line will snag a highly coveted spot in the line-up, and only costumed hopefuls will make the cut.

Not into hurling yourself into freezing water? No worries! Spectating at Pond Skim is just as much fun as participating. The first run starts at 2 pm, and a massive party at the Canyon Beach Bar follows the event. Festive attire is highly encouraged.

Opening Day of Fishing Season in Mono County

April 30

Be one of the first to land a legendary Mammoth Lakes trout at the opening day of fishing season in Mono County, held the last Saturday of April each year.

The fishing spots that are open for the first day of the season can vary each year, depending on snow and ice melt. But between the waters that are open year-round and the lower-elevation favorites, there’s always a spot to drop a line.

Come in town a few days early to get a feel for your rod again on some of the winter fishing spots, which are open year-round. Then join other Eastern Sierra anglers for the first day back out at your favorite seasonal spots. Visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for important information about fishing regulations in Mono County.

Mammoth Lakes Film Festival

May 25-29

Each Memorial Day Weekend, Mammoth Lakes hosts five days of independent narratives, documentaries and shorts produced by well-known and up-and-coming names in the film industry. Whether you’re a creative yourself or have an appreciation for the art of filmmaking, the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is the perfect excuse for a weekend of outdoor fun and top-notch productions.

Tickets for the event are sold for individual screenings, or you can purchase a movie pass and attend up to 15 screenings. In addition to a packed line-up of films, the weekend includes galas and filmmaker parties where you can meet some of the creatives behind your favorite films.