Winter in Mammoth Lakes: Skiing, Cross-Country Trails & Insider Tips | California Now Podcast

What makes winter in Mammoth Lakes one of California’s most unforgettable mountain getaways? On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers heads into the snowy Eastern Sierra to explore winter adventures at Mammoth Mountain and beyond. Joined by Clifford Mann, VP Senior Advisor at Mammoth Mountain, Josh rides the scenic gondola to the Eleven53 Interpretive Center to learn about the mountain’s legendary snow conditions and the history that helped make Mammoth a world-class ski destination. Then, they click into their skis to explore the slopes and talk about the best runs, high-altitude skiing tips, and where to grab a great mid-mountain bite. Next, Josh swaps downhill skis for Nordic gear at the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center with professional runner and avid Nordic skier Olivia Amber, who breaks down the difference between downhill and cross-country skiing and shares beginner-friendly tips for getting started. Finally, the journey heads south on Highway 395 to the dramatic alpine setting of Convict Lake, where interpretive expert Michelle Kelly shares the fascinating geology, history, and natural beauty of this iconic Eastern Sierra landmark. What You’ll Learn • Things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the winter • Why Mammoth Mountain’s elevation and geology make it a legendary ski destination • Tips for skiing Mammoth, from beginner advice to local favorite runs • The basics of cross-country skiing and how to get started • The history and geology behind Convict Lake and the Eastern Sierra landscape View the full episode show notes: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/podcast/mammoth-lakes-winter Subscribe to the California Now Podcast on your favorite podcast streaming service: https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/a97a3010-f48e-41d6-883a-b4855037ea86?d=sJdNs7PGK Timestamps: 00:00 Winter in Mammoth Lakes Intro 01:28 Mammoth Mountain’s History & Geology 06:18 Skiing Mammoth Mountain: Tips and Best Runs 10:27 Best Lunch on the Mountain: The Yodler 12:18 Tubing in Mammoth: Woolly’s Adventure Summit 13:24 Ad Intermission 15:06 The Basics of Cross-Country Skiing 20:21 What it’s Like to Cross-Country Ski at Tamarack 27:00 Ad Intermission 28:38 Convict Lake’s Fascinating History & Geology 38:46 Outro Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more California stories, travel inspiration, and tips only the locals know! ----- VISIT US! Website - https://visitcalifornia.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/visitcalifornia/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VisitCalifornia TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@visitcalifornia Threads - https://www.threads.com/@visitcalifornia X - https://twitter.com/visitca ----- Disclaimer: Please note any businesses, locations, and attractions mentioned in our YouTube videos were open at the time the video was originally published. We encourage you to confirm operating hours and statuses prior to visiting specific businesses and locations. Enjoy planning and visiting California!