Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center Mammoth Lakes
Explore 19+ miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in a stunning Eastern Sierra setting. Perfect for all levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize daylight and enjoy fewer crowds.
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center Mammoth Lakes
Best Time
Maximize daylight and enjoy fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 19+ miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in a stunning Eastern Sierra setting. Perfect for all levels.
"Hands down one of the best experiences of my life! This was my first time skiing and the team at Tamarack ensured it was amazing."
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring sunglasses & SPF! The snow glare is intense. :sunglasses:
💰 Affordable Afternoon Deals
Afternoon passes offer great value for a few hours on the snow. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Groomed Cross-Country Trails
19+ miles of trails
Meander through national forests on immaculately groomed tracks, perfect for all skill levels.
Snowshoeing Adventures
Designated snowshoe trails
Explore scenic routes, including a longer loop around the lake for a full-body workout.
Full Moon Ski Tours
Various trails
Experience the magic of skiing under the stars for a truly unique winter adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Passes & Rentals
Best Gear & Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring sunglasses & SPF! The snow glare is intense. :sunglasses:
💰 Affordable Afternoon Deals
Afternoon passes offer great value for a few hours on the snow.
🤝 Top-Notch Customer Service
Expect friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond. :star:
🗺️ Trails for All Levels
Clearly marked trails separate skiers and snowshoers by difficulty. :map:
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring sunglasses & SPF! The snow glare is intense. :sunglasses:
💰 Affordable Afternoon Deals
Afternoon passes offer great value for a few hours on the snow.
🤝 Top-Notch Customer Service
Expect friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond. :star:
🗺️ Trails for All Levels
Clearly marked trails separate skiers and snowshoers by difficulty. :map:
❄️ Early Season Snow
Mammoth often gets great early snow, opening Thanksgiving Day!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center for its well-maintained trails, friendly staff, and beautiful Eastern Sierra setting. Many highlight the excellent customer service and the enjoyable experience for both beginners and experienced skiers/snowshoers. Some note that while the trails are clearly marked, it's easy to get a longer workout than expected on snowshoe routes.
"Came here on a Friday around 2pm to go snowshoeing with three other friends, and didn’t have any reservation. We opted to get the rentals, which note that you don’t need to get a pass (as that’s for the cross country skiers). For the afternoon package, it’s $35 for the snowshoes and you can get poles for balance as well. Free parking is available in the front.
The paths were clearly delineated on a map, although the employee who helped us said that we could go off-road as well. When we went to the trail, we tried to go on the shorter one that went through the forest, but somehow just kept going on the longer one that went around the lake. It was still a fun experience, we just got a longer workout than expected (which trust me, it’s definitely a full body workout).
Be sure to bring sunglasses and water, since the snow made everything super bright and you gotta protect your eyes! SPF is a must as well."
Shanelle S
"Very helpful and friendly people. Small snack shop. Many types of cross-country skis to rent. Many trails and not many people, even on weekends. Groomed trails are well-maintained. Decent prices. Package deal for group lessons $88 which includes skis, poles, boots, all-day trail pass, and 1.5 hour lesson."
Michael McMenamin
"I first skied here in 1984 when it was a real wilderness experience for someone coming up from Los Angeles. We stayed at both the lodge and at the cabins. Back then it was $20 for a night in the lodge and $35 for a cabin with beds, vinyl floors and a dinette set. Of course, all that has changed since the Mountain added it to the family. The cabins have been redone and the lodge is still as lovely as it was in 1984, imbued with alpine character. In winter, count on freshly groomed ski tracks every day on miles of trails through a beautiful forest of lodgepole pine, red fir and Jeffrey pine surrounded by rugged cliffs and multiple lakes. Rent the newest Nordic equipment, sign up for ski lessons, buy your day pass and check out the selection of goods including Allie's handmade knitted wool Nordic caps. It's one of the most wonderful places in the Eastern Sierra."
Wynne Benti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center is located at 163 Twin Lakes Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA. There is free shuttle service available via the ESTA Orange Line, making it easily accessible.
Yes, free parking is available at the front of the center.
No, Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center operates separately from Mammoth Mountain. You will need a specific trail pass or rental package for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Absolutely! Tamarack offers beginner-friendly trails like the Twin Lakes Loop and Lake Mary Loop, perfect for those new to cross-country skiing.
Many visitors drive to Mammoth Lakes. During winter, it's advisable to check road conditions and ensure your vehicle is equipped for snow.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you are renting snowshoes from Tamarack, a separate trail pass is not required as it's included in the rental package.
Tamarack offers full-day, afternoon, and twilight passes for cross-country skiing, allowing you to choose the best option for your schedule.
Yes, Tamarack offers package deals for group lessons that include skis, poles, boots, an all-day trail pass, and a 1.5-hour lesson for a reasonable price.
Yes, Tamarack has many types of cross-country skis and snowshoes available for rent, along with poles.
An afternoon package for snowshoe rentals, including poles, is approximately $35.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center boasts over 19 miles of groomed trails that wind through the beautiful national forest.
Yes, the trails are well-maintained and clearly delineated, with separate paths for skiers and snowshoers.
The trails meander through a beautiful forest of lodgepole pine, red fir, and Jeffrey pine, surrounded by rugged cliffs and multiple lakes.
Yes, Tamarack offers Full Moon Tours, providing a unique opportunity to ski under the starlight.
While Tamarack focuses on traditional cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Mammoth Mountain, nearby, has programs for adaptive skiers.
📸 📸 Photography
The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding forest, rugged cliffs, and multiple lakes, especially during sunrise or sunset. The full moon tours also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Many visitors capture scenic winter landscapes, action shots of skiing and snowshoeing, and the serene beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light. The full moon tours provide a magical, albeit darker, photographic experience.
Protect your camera from moisture and cold. Bring extra batteries as cold drains them faster. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce snow glare.
Always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The center offers beginner trails that are easy for little legs to navigate, and the staff is known for being very helpful and patient with families. 💰 Budget Travelers
The availability of free parking and the option of using the free shuttle service further reduce costs. While lessons are an investment, the package deals that bundle them with rentals and passes can be a cost-effective way to learn a new skill. couples
After a day on the trails, cozy up at the historic Tamarack Lodge or enjoy the stunning Eastern Sierra scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners
The staff is known for being incredibly friendly and helpful, providing guidance for those who are new to the sport. Key takeaways for beginners:
* Opt for a package deal that includes a lesson.
* Utilize the beginner-specific trails.
* Don't hesitate to ask staff for assistance.
The serene forest setting and well-maintained tracks ensure a pleasant and confidence-building experience.
Snowshoeing Trails and Tips
Essential snowshoeing advice:
* Rent snowshoes and poles from the center.
* Stay hydrated and protect your eyes from the sun.
* Be prepared for a full-body workout, especially on longer trails.
The uncrowded nature of the trails, even on weekends, makes it a peaceful way to connect with nature.
The Tamarack Lodge Experience
Lodge highlights:
* Historic alpine charm.
* Convenient rental and pass services.
* Cozy atmosphere for relaxation.
The lodge's location amidst beautiful forests and near multiple lakes adds to its appeal as a destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit