Mammoth Cross Country Skiing
The Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center is the jewel of
Mammoth Lakes, California. While Mammoth Mountain is renowned for its world-class
downhill skiing, this xc ski trail system is among the best in the
West.
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center,
located at Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, grooms 45 kilometers
of track and skating lanes and provides lessons and rentals.
You can also
venture out on your own on the Inyo National Forest's winter
trail system. The surrounding mountains, forests and meadows
offer excellent ski touring and telemark terrain.
There is an extensive system of trails known as the
Blue Diamond
trail system which mark the route for cross country skiers through
tall Jeffrey pine forests and to fascinating geologic attractions
like Inyo Craters, Obsidian Dome, and Hot Creek.
You won't have to go
far to find magnificent vistas of the High Sierra. The trails are sign posted and don't cost a thing to hop on. This is a great alternative for more advanced cross country skiers and those who don't want to pay a fee to hop on a groomed trail.
Trails are rated based on difficulty and terrain and even a beginner can put on some skis and be out in the forest with minimal guidance or training. Our local sporting goods stores will have all the equipment you need.
The Mammoth Visitor Center and Ranger Station located
at the entrance to town on State Highway 203 offers free winter
trail maps and information on current
trail conditions and regulations. It's a good place to start your adventure in the forest and get solid information from our local forest rangers.