Things to Do at Mammoth Mountain Year-Round

Summer Activities

Winter Magic

Year-Round

Adventure comes alive at Mammoth Mountain, no matter the season.

In summer, the trails beckon with biking and hiking, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered playground for skiing and snowboarding. The most popular things to do at Mammoth Mountain include the Adventure Center, the Bike Park, the Via Ferrata and summer tubing in summer; skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and tubing in winter; and the Scenic Gondola and Mountain Coaster year-round. Explore this guide to discover the best things to do at this all-season wonderland.

Quick Facts

Summer highlights: Adventure Center, Bike Park, Via Ferrata, summer tubing, Sierra Star Golf Course
Winter highlights: skiing, Unbound terrain parks, snowmobile tours, tubing, snowplay
Year-round: Scenic Gondola to 11,053 feet, Mountain Coaster, adaptive programs with Access Mammoth
Summit elevation: 11,053 feet

Summer Activities at Mammoth Mountain

Once the snow melts, Mammoth Mountain turns into a playground for bikers, climbers, hikers and families.

Endless Fun at the Adventure Center

Head to the Adventure Center for nonstop family-friendly excitement. Test your climbing skills on the rock wall, bounce on the bungee trampoline, or tackle the challenging ropes course. Take off on a high-flying experience at the junior zip line, or perfect your archery skills at S.A.F.E. Archery®.

Discover a Biking Paradise

Find bike rentals in the Lakes Basin at Tamarack Bike and Paddle, located inside the yurt conveniently right near the Lakes Basin path. This pathway is part of a system of paved multi-use trails that make it simple to cruise around both the unbelievable beauty of the Lakes Basin and throughout the town of Mammoth Lakes, making a trip to grab lunch all part of the adventure. In addition to the Tamarack yurt, you can rent bikes from Mammoth Mountain at Main Lodge and the Mountain Center in The Village. For those looking for a little more speed and excitement — during the spring and summer seasons, Mammoth Mountain has over 80 miles of mountain bike trails filled with pavers, berms, jumps and drops. Single and multi-day tickets available.

Hike Through Scenic Trails

Find endless hiking options in Mammoth Lakes. There is an exciting variety of terrain to choose from; meander through magical aspen tree groves, stroll through fragrant high-desert sagebrush, or march past towering pines en route to pristine, deep blue lakes. Plenty of hikes will cover all three landscapes on this list and more. Each journey presents you not only with the sensation-filled experience of your immediate surroundings, but also rewards you with stunning and expansive Sierra views.

Paddleboard and Kayak on Serene Waters

It’s not a Mammoth Lakes summer without a handful of days spent paddleboarding and kayaking. Each lake you encounter increasingly shocks at the sheer volume of picturesque places, all packed into one jaw-dropping destination. What better way to take advantage of these special spots than to voyage into the unreal turquoise paradise. If you don’t have a watercraft, not to worry. There are plenty of businesses that rent paddleboards and kayaks. No need for FOMO, simply check out our list of gear rentals and get on the water.

Tee Off at Sierra Star Golf Course

At 8,000 feet above sea level, Sierra Star Golf Course is the highest golf course in California. In fact this unique location also means your ball flies farther at altitude! With views of snow-capped peaks in every direction, winding mountain streams, fairways lined with towering Jeffrey pines and red firs, this outing is equal parts admiring the unreal mountain scenery and dialing in your golf game.

Slide into Fun with Summer Tubing

With two 512-foot lanes amidst the forest and classic Sierra views at Woolly's Adventure Summit, this Mammoth Mountain activity is a crowd pleaser. Use the conveyor lift to easily get to the top and then fly down the mountain slope. Water lightly mists you on the way down, pairing nicely with a little wind as you pick up speed—making summer tubing a great way to cool off in the season’s warmth.

Conquer the Via Ferrata

Navigate the Via Ferrata's network of challenges that range from steel cables, to iron rungs and suspended bridges, all fixed along the rugged cliffs of Mammoth Mountain. There are 6 different paths to choose from with a range in difficulty, making it ideal for a range of ages and adventure levels.

Winter Magic at Mammoth Mountain

When the snow flies, Mammoth Mountain becomes one of the best winter playgrounds in the West.

Ski the Pristine Slopes

With a summit at 11,053 feet and a special placement in the Sierra Nevada that supports massive amounts of snow, Mammoth Mountain is in a league of its own. The mountain sits perfectly to get absolutely dumped on by big storms rolling in from the Pacific. Skiing here, you'll also benefit from the 300-plus days of sunshine Mammoth Lakes averages every year, so you're sure to get in those coveted bluebird days. Ikon Pass holders get unlimited days, so see why Mammoth Mountain belongs on your Ikon Pass bucket list.

Shred the Terrain Snowboarding

Snowboarders will be stoked to play in Mammoth Mountain's Unbound terrain parks. Known as an industry leader in innovation, quality and design, Unbound offers 10 unique parks, 2 halfpipes and 100+ jibs across more than 100 acres. The parks change throughout the season, keeping riders coming back until closing day. Find the best runs for every level in our guide to Mammoth Mountain's top runs for snowboarders.

Join Guided Mountain Tours

Take a free Mammoth Mountain tour to get the lay of the land from those who know it best. Pick up pro tips on which areas are best for current snow conditions, and get the most out of your trip with their insider knowledge. Tours are available for intermediate levels and above.

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Escape to the scenic Mammoth Lakes Basin for an unforgettable winter experience. Nordic skiing is a great way to get outside for a healthy dose of sunshine and sparkling snow. More than 19 miles of freshly groomed trails at Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center await cross-country skiers and snowshoers of all abilities. In the quiet of the forest, only the sound of winter birds and your own skis fills your ears as the bustle of town fades away. See our guide to cross-country and Nordic skiing in Mammoth Lakes.

Explore the Mountain on Snowmobile

Snowmobiling in the Eastern Sierra is a great way to take in the extraordinary mountain scenery and venture off the beaten path. Guided snowmobile tours from Main Lodge welcome first-timers, and experienced riders will be just as thrilled. No matter your skill level, knowledgeable guides make your snowy adventure that much better.

Delight in Snowplay

Woolly's Adventure Summit delivers fun for even the youngest members of your group. Here you'll find a great spot to build snowmen, sled, drink hot chocolate and maybe catch a glimpse of Woolly himself.

Rush Downhill with Winter Tubing

For all-ages excitement, the Winter Tube Park is a perfect choice. Glide down groomed lanes as you take in the views and make snow-filled memories to last a lifetime. Looking for more ways to spend a winter day off skis? Check out our top 10 alternative winter adventures.

Enjoy Mammoth Mountain Year-Round

Some of the mountain's best experiences don't depend on the season.

Experience Adaptive Outdoor Adventures

Access Mammoth (formerly Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra) provides professional staff and volunteers who teach alpine and cross-country skiing and snowboarding. They specialize in working with students of all ages and abilities using adaptive techniques and equipment. Access Mammoth believes "the exhilaration of outdoor experiences changes lives."

Admire the View on a Scenic Gondola Ride

Cruise up Mammoth Mountain while taking in panoramic views on the Scenic Gondola. You'll reach 11,053 feet, where you can stroll around, take photos, explore the interpretive center and grab lunch at Eleven53 Café. In winter, keep an eye out for wildlife from the lifts on the way up.

Speed Down the Mountain Coaster

The Mountain Coaster is packed with twists, turns and speed. Climb aboard one of the coaster's toboggan-like carts, where handheld controls let you set the pace based on your own adrenaline preference.

Plan Your Mammoth Mountain Trip

With this much to do in every season, you'll want more than a day on the mountain. Give yourself a few nights to mix big adventures with slower days, and browse hotels, motels and resorts in Mammoth Lakes to plan your stay.

FAQ

What is there to do at Mammoth Mountain in summer?

Summer activities include the Adventure Center, the Mammoth Bike Park, the Via Ferrata, summer tubing, hiking, the Scenic Gondola and the Mountain Coaster. Sierra Star Golf Course is nearby.

What is there to do at Mammoth Mountain besides skiing?

Non-skiers can ride the Scenic Gondola to the summit, try snowmobile tours, go tubing, enjoy snowplay at Woolly's Adventure Summit, or ride the Mountain Coaster.

Can you ride the gondola at Mammoth Mountain in summer?

Yes. The Scenic Gondola runs in summer and winter, taking riders to the 11,053-foot summit, where you'll find an interpretive center and Eleven53 Café.