The Best Things to Do When Mammoth Mountain is Closed
There is nothing more exciting than seeing a huge storm heading for Mammoth Mountain in the winter and thinking of all the deep turns you’ll be able to make once it hits.
However, the same storms that drop feet of snow can also cause operational disruptions that shut down part or even all of the mountain. There’s nothing worse than waiting for the mountain to open with nothing to do, so the Mammoth Bound team has put together a list of the best things you can do in town when the weather won’t let you be outside.
Check it out below before your trip to Mammoth Lakes and then plan your Mammoth Lakes Vacation with Mammoth Bound!
Open a Book Next to a Fire While the Snow Comes Down
Even if you can’t get on the snow at Mammoth Mountain, you can still explore the mountains and world around you with a good book.
There’s not much that’s better than making powder turns, but a good book, a fire, something warm to drink, and a view of the mountains, which you can easily find within Mammoth Lakes. Of course, there’s the Mammoth Lakes Library where you can rent books in person and through a sidewalk service. If you’d like to take a book home with you after your trip then there is also the Mini Book Chalet located inside the Mammoth Lakes Library. The Mini Book Chalet sells lightly used paperbacks and hardbacks with the proceeds going back to the library, but another great choice is the Booky Joint where you can find books, toys, and games!
Catch a Movie
If it’s too cold, windy, or rainy outside, then you can still find high quality entertainment at the Minaret Cinema.
Even if the weather is fine, sometimes everyone needs a break from outdoor adventures, and the Minaret Cinema is the perfect place to relax for a few hours while enjoying the latest major films. The Minaret Cinema offers recliner seating, free parking, and a café with beer and wine to enjoy before or after your film.
Grab a Coffee and Warm Up
The coldest Mammoth Lakes days call for the strongest coffee, and Mammoth Lakes coffee shops provide.
A few of our favorites are Black Velvet Coffee where the variety of drinks and tables to enjoy them from makes it hard to leave, Stellar Brew and their organic food and drink menu that offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and the Looney Bean with their comfortable atmosphere and excellent drinks.
Or Try a Stronger Drink
Just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and celebrate your time in Mammoth Lakes, and there are more than enough breweries and distilleries in town for you to do so!
One of the most popular breweries in Mammoth Lakes is Mammoth Brewing Co. where you’ll enjoy excellent food and even better beer. Another great option is Distant Brewing where the food and beer will not leave you unsatisfied. Lastly, if you don’t mind heading outside of Mammoth Lakes then June Lake Brewing is also a great choice for a beer!
If you’re looking for something a little stronger then you can also visit Devil’s Creek Distillery or Shelter Distilling!
Visit a Ski Shop
Lastly, scratch your skiing and snowboard itch even when you can’t be on the slopes by visiting a local ski shop. The staff will be happy to talk gear, swap stories, and tell you all they know about Mammoth Mountain.