Expressnews
Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to get festive for the holiday season. Winter’s beginning brings lovely snow-covered landscapes, crisp mountain air and nights spent cozy by the fire. Leaning into Christmas cheer is easy with plenty of family-friendly offerings, winter activities, and events, from tree lightings and ice skating to hot cocoa and Santa appearances. This unreal holiday destination has all the right ingredients for making cherished memories with loved ones.
Day 1:
7AM – Grab breakfast and head to the mountain. Although mornings typically start a little later, get up, get dressed, and grab a hot cup of coffee and a bit of breakfast from the abundance of local options. You won’t want to miss hitting the slopes at first chair! Black Velvet Coffee has some of the best brews in town, with coffee prepared in any form you could want. Breakfast here is on the lighter side, with grab-and-go pastries and hand-held waffles. All of Black Velvet’s options are Fair Trade and organic.
11AM – After a morning on the slopes, beat the crowds with an early lunch. Make your way to The Outpost, where you can sit on the sun deck and enjoy a quiet, leisurely break with a grilled cheese and a beer. By the time the rest of the crowds are ready to stop for lunch, you’ll be fueled and ready to ski for a few more hours.
2PM – Find the perfect spot for après ski after a day on the slopes, you’ve earned a beer before you continue exploring the Mammoth Lakes area. Mammoth Brewing Company has been producing award-winning beers since 1995. Between the brewery and tasting room there’s always plenty of seating. If you fall in love with one of the brewery’s delicious options on tap, they have growlers available so you can take more to go.
3PM – Afternoons in Mammoth Lakes offer multiple activities. You could continue exploring the outdoors, check out some local shopping or reward your tired muscles with a massage. Here are some options:
Still have some strength in your legs and want to continue enjoying the great outdoors? Drive down to Hot Creek and explore the geothermal vents and a leisurely walk on the nature trail.
Head over to The Village at Mammoth and stroll through the pedestrian street window-shopping for some retail therapy for the season. Or head to one of these shops in town to try our goods made right here in Mammoth Lakes.
Book a massage at one of the day spas around town. Try Smoketree Massage on Old Mammoth Road or Simply Massage in The Village at Mammoth.
7PM – Grab some dinner after a long day. Giovanni’s Restaurant & Bar has some of the best pizza in town. Whether you’re going to enjoy the bar’s flat-screen televisions during a sporting event or looking for a family-friendly venue, this restaurant is sure to please. Take-out and delivery are also available.
Late Night – Check out the nightlife scene. On the off chance you still have some energy and are ready for more, there are a few great late-night spots around the area that keep the fun rolling well past midnight. Liberty Sports Bar & Grill features live music every weekend from both local and visiting bands with a great stage and sound system to match. If you’re looking for some good tunes, good drinks and maybe one last bite of food, give Liberty a try.
Day 2:
8AM – Time to prepare for the slopes once again. However, if you enjoyed a late night, a hearty breakfast to shake off any potential of a hangover is essential. These brunch places offer a variety of classic breakfast options, as well as a few that are unique to their restaurant, and are sure to please any diner. The Stove is a local favorite hole-in-the-wall, serving breakfast and lunch daily from 6:30am until 2pm. The restaurant’s country cooking style is to die for, but they offer healthier options as well.
10AM – With a full stomach and coffee for an extra boost of energy taken care of, you’re ready for another day of skiing. For those seeking options off the slopes, there’s always the splendor of Convict Lake. This beautiful area offers an amazing display of Sierra Scenery. Take the Convict Lake Trail around the north side of the lake, which gets more sunshine in the winter. If you’re there when the snow is still passable, a full walk around the lake to the inlet adds up to a two-mile round trip hike.
4PM – Grab some food before you leave. Salsa’s Taqueria on Old Mammoth Road is smaller than most restaurants, but its authentic Mexican food cooked to order and affordable prices make Salsa’s worth the stop. The restaurant offers take-out if you want a burrito for the road instead of dining in.
