It's nearing that time of year again - the time to start planning your holiday vacation. You're probably thinking about spending time on the beach under a dazzling sun, free from the characteristic winter weather. But why not embrace winter at its fullest and enjoy all the activities the season has to offer? There are few places in the United States where the quintessential brumal sports are combined with fun family activities and a relaxing atmosphere - if this is what you are looking for, look no further than Mammoth Lakes, California!
Mammoth Lakes is California's premier winter resort town, offering a wide variety of sports and activities. Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas, the town boasts one of the most exciting skiable mountains in the world, Mammoth Mountain. Its 11,053 summit displays 3,500 acres of trails ranging from heart-pumping to beginner. Ski and snowboard lessons are offered privately or in groups. Other wintry sports featured in Mammoth Lakes include ice skating, dogsledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and of course, the occasional snowball fight.
There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the non-sports aspects of winter. Christmas concerts, craft making, and the annual tree lighting are just a few of the many traditions in Mammoth Lakes during the holiday season. The town hosts several Arts and Crafts festivals, drawing musicians and craftsmen from the area. Mammoth Lakes is rich in history and culture: the Mammoth Ski Museum features skiing memorabilia, Bodie Ghost Town offers a peek into the Old West heritage of the town, and the Mammoth Lakes Arts Center is a perfect way to experience live theater and offers the Sierra Classic Theatre's Murder Mystery Dinners in November. Mammoth Lakes truly presents a holiday that is filled with excitement! Family activities are obviously never a rarity - consider going to Mammoth Lakes every year for any of the aforementioned functions and you will surely build a family holiday tradition.
Mammoth Lakes has many lodging accomodations, including bed & breakfasts, cabins, condominiums, and many hotels/motels/lodges. Additionally, you're sure to find the perfect dining spots among the dozens of restaurants and cafes in town. Unwind at the end of the day with the many spa services offered; enjoy a day of shopping and browsing through Mammoth Lakes' abundance of shops.
Finally, don't forget the appropriate clothing for enjoying the town - winter temperatures range from the 40s (highs) to the low teens (lows). Throughout winter Mammoth Lakes gets around 400 inches of snow - but fear not, the snow removal crew is one of the best, clearing streets quickly no matter how heavy the snowfall. Overall, Mammoth Lakes is an amazing place to spend the holiday season. Its many facilities and activities are sure to engage everybody - enjoy!
This guide to a Mammoth Lakes white Christmas was brought to you by Corina Oprescu.