Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding at June Mountain

November 23, 2023

June Mountain is Mammoth Mountain’s sister resort. Known as the “family mountain” of the Eastern Sierra, June is famous for its family-friendly, laid-back vibe.

June is an ideal location for families looking for a quieter skiing and snowboarding experience. A local favorite, June Mountain is home to incredible scenery, groomed trails of all levels, and beginner terrain parks. Reaching 10,090 feet (3,089 m) at the summit, June Mountain averages about 250 inches (635cm) of snow per year. The season typically runs from mid-December to early April. Just 35 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes by car, getting to June is an easy and beautiful trip.

At about a third the size of Mammoth Mountain, with six lifts instead of 25 and 1,500 acres of terrain instead of 3,500, June Mountain feels calmer and far less crowded, without giving up quality beginner and intermediate terrain for lessons.

Ski And Snowboard Lessons & Rentals

Get your kids started off right with lessons where riders are matched up based on age and skill level. Kids will have fun while they learn sound skiing or snowboarding fundamentals, gain confidence, and learn mountain IQ with specialized teachers on the slopes of June. Lessons and equipment rentals are available at the June Meadows Chalet.

Private Lessons for Families

Quick facts: Ages 3+ | Up to 4 family members or friends per lesson | Available at all skill levels

Private lessons are available for all levels, ages 3+. Up to four friends or family members can join you in a private lesson. Signing up for a private class with one of June’s personal professionals is the quickest way to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level.

Kids Group Lessons

Quick facts: Ages 3-4: half-day, ski only, 10am-1pm | Ages 5-12: afternoon (2-4pm) or full-day (10am-4pm, includes lunch) | Ski and snowboard

Children can participate in group ski and snowboard lessons at June. For ages 3-4, half-day lessons from 10-1pm (ski only) are available. For ages 5-12, skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for afternoon lessons from 2-4pm or full-day from 10-4pm (includes lunch).

Adults and Teens Group Lessons

Quick facts: Ages 13+ | Full-day beginner (10am-4pm) or 2-hour afternoon (2-4pm) | Intermediate to advanced: 3-hour lesson (10am-1pm)

Adult lessons (age 13+) are available full-day for beginners only from 10-4pm with a break for lunch. Beginners can also choose a two-hour afternoon session from 2-4pm. Intermediate to advanced skiers can take a three hour lesson from 10-1pm. Visit the June Mountain website to learn more about lesson options and packages.

June Mountain Lift Tickets

Quick facts: Kids under 12 ski free | Tickets sold day-of or in advance online | Mammoth Mountain tickets work at June; June tickets don’t work at Mammoth Mountain

At June, kids under 12 ski free, making it a family friendly, affordable choice for visitors to the mountains. The ticket office is located in the parking lot at the bottom of Chair J1. Lift tickets can be purchased day-of on site or in advance on the June Mountain website. Pricing is based on seasonality. Mammoth Mountain lift tickets can be used at June Mountain, however June Mountain lift tickets cannot be used at Mammoth Mountain.

Chair Lifts And Runs For Families

Quick facts: 6 lifts, 35 named trails | 1,500 acres (35% beginner, 45% intermediate, 20% advanced) | 3 beginner terrain parks

Six chair lifts serve 35 named trails, three beginner terrain parks, and 1,500 acres of skiable terrain (20% advanced; 45% intermediate; 35% beginner). The whole family can take Chair J2 and ride greens, such as Desperado, River Run and Baby Face. Everyone from little groms to rad dads and moms can try the freestyle terrain at Mambo Playground and Surprise Fun Zone.

Family-friendly On-mountain Dining

Family-friendly dining can be found at June Meadows Chalet and further up mountain at Stewpot Slims. Located at the top of Chair J1, the Chalet offers cafeteria-style dining with indoor or outdoor seating. The sundeck and outdoor grill make for memorable family photos in a stunning alpine setting.

Open at 8am daily serving breakfast and lunch, the Chalet is the perfect place to grab a bite before hitting the slopes. Stew Pot Slim’s is near the base of J7. Relax in the sun at Slim’s while watching skiers and snowboarders shred down the slopes. Stew Pot’s is open daily for lunch service and features a simple menu with sandwiches, chili, beer and wine.

Family Events At June Mountain

June Mountain hosts Bucky’s Bonfire, a party for the whole family at the June Meadows Chalet starring the mountains’ mascot, Bucky. Children love the face painting, free cookies, and hot chocolate, and adults and kids alike enjoy the bonfire, music, and photo ops with Bucky. The bonfire starts at 2pm each Saturday of the winter season.

Other family-friendly events include the annual Easter egg hunt with over 1,000 eggs hidden in the snow full of candy and prizes and search areas for both the little and big kids.

Getting To June Mountain

June Mountain is just 35 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes by car. Parking at June Mountain is free. Get directions here. A number of Mammoth Lakes taxi and shuttle services also provide transportation to June Mountain.

Plan Your Family Ski Day at June Mountain

Whether you’re drawn by the shorter lift lines, the free skiing for kids under 12, or just a quieter day on the mountain, June Mountain delivers a family ski experience that’s easy to love.

Comparing the two resorts? See our Family Skiing & Snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain guide for the bigger resort’s full lineup of lodges, terrain, and on-mountain amenities. For more things to do with the family, visit our Family-Friendly Adventures guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes June Mountain different from Mammoth Mountain?

June Mountain is smaller and quieter, with 6 lifts and 1,500 acres compared to Mammoth Mountain’s 25 lifts and 3,500 acres, making it a good fit for families who prefer shorter lines and a more laid-back day on the slopes.

Do kids ski free at June Mountain?

Yes, kids under 12 ski free at June Mountain.

Can I use my Mammoth Mountain lift ticket at June Mountain?

Yes, Mammoth Mountain tickets work at June Mountain, but June Mountain tickets don’t work at Mammoth Mountain.

Author

Meghan Miranda

Meghan has been living and playing in Mammoth Lakes since 2016. She enjoys any outdoor activities that her dogs can tag along for. See more of Meghan's adventures on her blog Meg Moves Mountains.