California – Tamarack Cross-Country Skiing in Beautiful Mammoth
After trying cross-country skiing in 2020, I got hooked! So when planning my trip to Mammoth Lakes, I wanted to check out the groomed runs from the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center. Sticking with the easy green runs, we decided to aim for Mary’s Loop and had a blast!! Especially during the pandemic, it felt amazing to be out alone in the incredible nature of Mammoth Lakes. Plus, the views on the section where Lake Mary and Lake Mamie come together is stunning. If you’re looking for an alternative outdoor winter activity at Mammoth Lakes, I’d highly recommend cross-country skiing. Let’s get into what it was like…
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Get the Gear and the Pass
We had a rocky start to our Tamarack cross-country skiing day with some car troubles. Our car needed to warm up before starting up, so it wasn’t until noon that we arrived at the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center. Luckily Dave, who works there, sensed my stress became the hero we needed at that moment. He got us on skis with our day passes in a flash and told us exactly where to go. I’m sure we could have chatted with Dave for a good hour, but he got us on the trails within 10 minutes due to our rush. Thanks, Dave!
The Ski Center is at the end of the parking lot next to the Tamarack Lodge. It looks like a little hut from the front, but a large yurt connects to the back. The yurt also has a delightful small fireplace. You can rent any or all the gear you need from here. A typical package includes skis, boots, and poles. Even if you have the equipment, you’ll need to stop by the Ski Center to get passes to utilize the groomed trails.
Tamarack cross-country Skiing
Since we had only learned cross-country skiing the year prior, the groomed runs were precisely what we needed for our skill level. The Tamarack XC Skiing area has 19+ miles of groomed trails that are inaccessible by car. You can meander through the trees at your own pace and surround yourself with nature, except for on the Lake Mary Road, where you might have some people walking on the public free trail next to you. Before heading to the ski center, I knew I wanted to make the Lake Mary Loop, and that was the exact trail that Dave recommended. We were off!
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, can’t wait to do it again
- Intensity: Warm base layer, vest, beanie
- Location: next to the Tamarack Lodge and Twin Lakes in Mammoth
- Cost: Adult Pass $32 – $39/day, Ski Rentals $32 – $39/full day
- Restrooms: near the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center and open ones near the trails marked in the map!
- Timing: 2+ hours, depending on your stamina
Highlights:
- Checking out areas that are inaccessible by car
- Views of the mountains
- Being out in nature solitude in winter
- Full-body workout
Twin Lakes Bridge
To give ourselves a warm-up, we initially headed toward the Twin Lakes loop. It’s worth bearing in this direction specifically for the views from the bridge between the Twin Lakes. If we had more time, it would have been fun to make the entire Twin Lakes Loop, but instead, we wanted to prioritize the Lake Mary Loop.
Lake Mary Loop
To get to the Lake Mary Loop, it is a haul! First, there is a climb to get to Lake Mary Road. This section is like a switch-back trail for a gentle incline up the hill. Then, at Lake Mary Road, you will continue to climb toward the lake. Mike and I kept removing clothing as we went. These climbs are when I am immensely grateful for the groomed tracks and the scales on our skis’ bottom. Such great exercise! The endorphins were kicking in.
We opted to make the Lake Mary Loop clockwise and got off the main road. On the Lake Mary Loop, we only saw about four people the entire time. We were singing through the trees, and we made our way up and down the little hills surrounding the lake. Surprisingly, the bathrooms are open on the far side of the lake!
My favorite area of the loop was on the bridge between Lake Mary and Lake Mamie. This spot is where you could have uninterrupted views of Lake Mary with a backdrop of snow-covered granite peaks. We ended up stopping for a mini photoshoot in this area. The views also continued to be amazing when we reached Lake Mary Road again and on our way back. There is something so satisfying about covering a considerable distance on your own, without assistance.
Feel the Burn and the Soreness
Our way back was easy and quick. Before heading downhill, Mike and I put back on all of the warm items we had taken off during the climb, which was a smart move. The downhill was great because my legs were getting pretty tired. Much of the trail was simply coasting back down the hill. I utilized the “one ski in the track, one ski snowplowing” method. This long coast downhill gave me time to practice putting my skis in and out of the track. The last part of the descent is steeper, and I took a tumble down at the bottom. I almost made it back without a fall, but that how learning goes.
After being in skis for nearly 3 hours, it was crazy to take them off and walk around like normal. We arrived back at the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center by the designated 3:45 to return our gear. I was sad to have to return the comfortable Rossignol boots but also happily exhausted.
The next morning, the soreness hit. Perhaps it was the compounded activities of Mammoth Mountain downhill skiing along with the Tamarack cross-country skiing, but I was sore everywhere. My legs were sore, my arms and shoulders were sore from using the poles, and even my hands felt sore from holding the poles. This goes to show how cross-country skiing is excellent for exercising the entire body!
More Trails in Mammoth
Upon doing further research, I found that there are more cross-country trails in the Mammoth Lakes area. There is a particularly exciting trail to a Minarets viewpoint! These trails do not seem to be groomed, so likely for cross-country skiers who can get around without the tracks. I look forward to increasing my cross-country skiing skills to be able to do these kinds of trails.
Full Transparency
Mike and I received complimentary day passes and rentals, and I wanted to discuss for a moment how that impacted my experience. Since it was up to us which trails we decided to take, I believe our experience would generally be like anyone else. If you arrive flustered and eager to get out there, I get the sense that Dave would take the reigns to get you out on the trail ASAP. That’s his personality.
Overall, cross-country skiing feels very approachable, with fewer people on the trails and a lower price point for tickets and rentals. It is very newbie-friendly, with the option to go at whatever pace you like. Also, when I am cross-country skiing, I don’t feel as impacted by the weather. It was windy on both our downhill day and our cross-country skiing day, but I welcomed the breeze while cross-country skiing instead of battling it on top of the mountain. I feel so grateful to have discovered this alternative winter activity!
Overall Thoughts: Tamarack Cross-Country Skiing
Surprisingly, we picked up where we left off last year in Breckenridge with cross-country skiing and glided again in no time. While gliding away from the Tamarack yurt, nature surrounds you immediately. You have the option of heading toward the Twin Lakes or beginning the climb toward greater views. Tamarack cross-country skiing is a safe activity during the pandemic and provides excellent exercise. Although most people think of Mammoth Mountain downhill skiing when heading to the area, I love doing cross-country skiing as an additional activity and having a different way to appreciate the winter outdoors.
- Find more information, including lessons on the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center Website
- Read my blog post about downhill skiing Mammoth Mountain
Have you gone cross-country/Nordic skiing? If so, where did you go and did you like it? Cross-country skiing is a sport that I would like to continue doing in the future. Perhaps somewhere exotic like Norway, Sweden, or Finland? Or maybe domestic, like Grand Teton National Park? Let me know in the comments where I should try next!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
