Tubing & Sledding

As winter settles into the Eastern Sierra, snow-covered landscapes set the stage for more than just skiing. Mammoth Lakes is also a go-to destination for snow play, tubing, and other winter activities that don’t require a lift ticket.

Whether you enjoy the classic winter road trip along US-395 or prefer the quick ease of a flight to arrive rested and ready, the mountains are waiting. Mammoth Lakes serves as a dedicated host for these winter memories, offering both organized adventures and natural spaces for free-form play.

Woolly’s Adventure Summit—Tubing + Snow Play (Lift-Served)
Sledding & Snow Play in Mammoth Scenic Loop
Tips for a Fun (and Safe) Day in the Snow
When to Visit for the Best Snow Conditions
How to Get There
FAQs

Experience the wind in your hair and the rush of adrenaline at Woolly’s Adventure Summit, where you can zip down the hill in a high-speed snow tube and simply take the magic carpet back to the top to do it again and again and again.

If DIY is more your style head out to explore some sledding and snow play in the many public areas in Mammoth Lakes.

Keep scrolling for more ways to snow play in Mammoth Lakes.

Where to Go Tubing in Mammoth Lakes

Woolly’s Adventure Summit—Tubing + Snow Play (Lift-Served)

For those seeking an organized and high-energy experience, Woolly’s Adventure Summit is the primary destination for snow tubing.

The park features multiple groomed tubing lanes designed for speed and safety. A large carpet lift carries tubers back to the top, which allows for more runs and less walking through deep snow.

To ensure a safe environment for everyone, the park maintains specific safety rules along with height and age requirements for tubers. It is a controlled environment where the focus remains on family-friendly fun.

Between runs, families can recharge at the Adventure Summit at Soaring Pines Mountain Café, a convenient place to warm up after snow play sessions. Indoor and outdoor seating, a cozy mountain atmosphere complete with a fireplace, and a menu serving hot drinks, light bites, and casual fare.

Plan ahead: Because Woolly's is a popular destination, Saturdays and holiday periods tend to fill up quickly. Arrive early to maximize your time on the snow.

For the most current ticketing information and availability, please visit the official Woolly’s Adventure Summit page, as schedules and prices are subject to change.

Free Sledding & Snow Play Areas

If you’re looking for a more casual experience with the family and hoping to avoid the lines and crowds, Mammoth Lakes is home to several public areas perfect for sledding and general snow play.

These spots allow you to enjoy the scenery of the Eastern Sierra at your own pace. Public snow play and sledding areas are accessible along the Mammoth Scenic Loop or designated locations like Shady Rest Park and Sherwin Meadows. The Mammoth Lakes Basin has a free groomed public access trail on Lake Mary Road in the winter, making it an ideal and scenic spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.

Each area offers a unique type of terrain, from gentle slopes for toddlers to more adventurous dips for older children.

NOTE: Sledding and snow play on the groomed Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center trails within the Mammoth Lakes Basin is prohibited. Be sure to stay off all groomed cross-country ski trails in the Mammoth Lakes Basin to avoid collisions with skiers and disturbing the groomed tracks.

When visiting these public spaces, please use designated parking areas to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and snowplows. Take free public transit when possible and follow all safety expectations and posted signs in these community spaces.

Important note: from November 1 through April 30, no parking is allowed along town streets unless otherwise noted.

These natural spaces are part of the delicate ecosystem of the Eastern Sierra. Practicing stewardship means treating these areas with the same respect as a pristine trail. Snow play etiquette includes leaving no trace and respecting the environment. Always pack out what you pack in, including any broken sled pieces, to ensure the land remains beautiful for the next family.

Tips for a Fun (and Safe) Day in the Snow

A successful day in the snow is all about preparation and mindful recreation. Following a few simple guidelines ensures that everyone stays warm and the landscape remains protected.

  • Waterproof Clothes: There’s no way around it, sledding is a wet affair. Dress in layers using moisture-wicking fabrics. Waterproof pants, gloves, and sturdy boots are essential for staying dry while tubing or sledding.
  • Make a Gear Checklist: Take note of what you bring along with you and make sure you check off all your items before you leave. Snow play can cause small personal items to get lost or left behind if you’re not careful. It’s on all of us to leave the mountain as clean as when we arrived.
  • What to Bring (and What to Leave): Soft sleds and tubes are generally safer and more maneuverable. Please avoid bringing glass containers or heavy metal sleds that can damage the terrain or cause injury in crowded areas.
  • Stay Weather-Ready: Mountain weather can shift rapidly. Before heading out, check the Winter-Ready Guide for current conditions and winter travel tips. Always drive cautiously in snowy or icy weather. Be sure to completely clear snow and ice from your vehicle—including the roof—before driving, as snow sliding off is hazardous to you and other drivers.
  • Nourishment: Playing in the cold burns a lot of energy. Keep high-energy snacks and plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated and energized throughout the afternoon.

When to Visit for the Best Snow Conditions

Timing your trip can significantly change your experience in Mammoth Lakes. While visiting on weekends during the winter season has it’s advantages, mid-week stays often mean the perk of fewer crowds and extra cost savings through special deals.

Weekends and holidays are energetic times to be in town, filled with a festive atmosphere. If you plan to visit during a holiday, booking your tubing sessions well in advance is highly recommended. To explore more ways to enjoy the season, visit our Winter Activities Hub, and discover what winter in Mammoth Lakes has to offer beyond tubing.

How to Get There

Reaching your snow play adventure is part of the journey. Whether you are navigating the scenic highways or arriving by air, the transition to the mountains is a moment to appreciate.

  • Driving: The drive to Mammoth Lakes is a classic California experience. During winter, remember that snow chains may be required at any time. For essential tips on mountain navigation, check our driving info page.
  • Flying: For those looking to maximize their time in the snowy Sierra, flying into Mammoth Lakes is a seamless alternative. You can be off the plane and at the tube park in a fraction of the time it takes to drive.
  • Transit in Town: Once you arrive, the town's free transit system can help you reach many snow play areas. This is an easy alternative to stressful driving on snowy roads and searching for parking at popular locations.

Plan Your Snow Play Adventure

There is a unique kind of magic in a winter afternoon spent in the mountains. It’s found in the sound of laughter echoing across a snowy meadow and in the quiet moment when the orange-hued alpenglow illuminates the mountain skyline at sunset. By moving with intention and respect for the land and each other, we help ensure these winter traditions endure for generations to come.

If you are looking for more ways to enjoy the season, you can see winter events in Mammoth Lakes. You can also explore all winter activities to discover the many different ways to experience the beauty of the mountains.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. Where can I sled in Mammoth Lakes for free?

Mammoth Lakes is home to a variety of budget-friendly sledding locations. Create an affordable itinerary by sledding at a local-favorite spot like the Mammoth Scenic Loop. For more recommendations, look through our guide on skiing and snowboarding around the area.

2. What should I pack for a skiing trip in Mammoth Lakes?

It's recommended to wear goggles, a helmet, ski pants, and thermal base layers for a skiing adventure. Additional gear include a few waterproof jackets, snowsuits, fleece or wool sweaters, and insulated gloves. Don't forget to don your warmest hat, gloves, and neck gaiter before hitting the snow-covered trails.

3. Are there beginner-friendly runs in Mammoth Lakes?

Fortunately, there are various ways to enjoy easy skiing runs in Mammoth Lakes. Whether you're embarking on a snowy excursion for the first time or skiing with your little ones, we've got you covered with the top tips for beginners. Take a class at June Mountain or Mammoth Mountain before skiing through a run.

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