In today’s day and age, the focus is on only visiting the biggest, best, or even snowiest destinations. Like any popular attraction, this tends to lead to long lift lines on busy days (i.e. powder/holidays) and unbearable traffic. For many, that’s ok. But for those looking to find a true mountain getaway with a more relaxed vibe, consider picking a lesser visited and often overlooked sister resort. For the mighty Sierra Nevada, June Mountain Ski Resort is our pick.
Real Mountains, Real People, Zero Pretense
There aren’t any Starbucks. Don’t expect to find a Marriott. June Lake and June Mountain Ski resort are as authentic as it comes for ski destinations. The town is filled with independently owned Mom & Pop businesses. This slower more relaxed pace transitions over to the ski area as well. There’s time for a hot cocoa in the chalet overlooking the town and the mighty peaks jutting up from the horseshoe canyon. And still get in as many laps as your legs can take.
Why Storm Days Belong to June
Like many a visitor before us, why would you want to leave Mammoth Mountain’s amazing terrain and drive 30 minutes to June? We’ll be honest… until 2018, we never made the trip. Two words: storm days. Mammoth’s high elevation and open bowls catch powder like nobody’s business, but on a storm day there’s a good chance most of the terrain won’t be open. And even on the busiest days expect at most 1,800 visitors across June Mountain’s 1,500 acres. That’s less than known empty resorts like Big Sky. Combine that with the jaw-dropping scenery nicknamed “The Switzerland of California”, and you’ll be smiling from ear-to-ear. Need more? Here’s 6 reasons to pick June Mountain for your next vacation.
Good Alternative For Mammoth
June Mountain’s lower elevation compared to Mammoth is a two-edged sword. On one hand, they get on average a hundred inches less per year. On the other side is its lower elevation also helps preserve the snow longer than Mammoth’s broad bowls hence it doesn’t crust up as quickly. If the weather isn’t cooperating in Mammoth, June Mountain is a great alternative to enjoy a storm day skiing or some soft corduroy if its been a while since it snowed.
Mountain Overview – How June Mountain Really Skis
June Mountain is rightly known as a “Family Mountain Resort.” Wide open slopes and perfectly groomed trails make it an ideal place for beginners to learn, while there is still plenty to keep intermediates and experts entertained for a long weekend.
Come Early
While the runs themselves are refreshingly uncrowded, the main choke point on the mountain is at the base. Everyone, regardless of ability, starts their day on the J1 lift, a slow double chair that climbs out of the valley. Once you reach the upper mountain, the terrain opens up into three main zones: Rainbow Summit, June Mountain Summit, and a smaller area accessed off the J2 lift.
Beginners tend to spend most of their time lapping J2, while cruiser lovers will gravitate toward Rainbow Summit for smooth, fast laps. For those looking for more challenge on the upper mountain, June Mountain Summit offers the steepest terrain in the upper half of the mountain.
Local Freshies Tip: J1 opens at 8 am. Get on it early to avoid any wait at the base and maximize your time on the upper mountain.
Beginners: Mellow Terrain, Majestic Scenery
Even though the ski area is designed for first-timers and beginners, everyone has to take the J1 lift to the June Meadows Chalet. Don’t get intimidated. This is only a transport lift to get you to the more mellow terrain on the upper half of the mountain. From here, you’ll want to venture over to J3 – Desperado, Buckys, and River Run are good relaxing runs to start on. The big reward is while most beginner terrain is at the bottom of ski areas, June’s is up higher providing what arguably might be the most majestic scenery for a beginner area. We recommend sticking to this mid-mountain area until you feel confident in your skills. With that being said, Silverthorne off of Chair 4 is a gentle, long, and uncrowded alternative that drops off of Rainbow Summit.
Intermediates: Carvers’ Paradise
June Mountain Ski Resort is an intermediate’s seventh heaven. Everything off of J4 is a carver’s dream. In fact, Tom Sims snowboard pioneer once proclaimed, “Gunsmoke, on top of June Mountain, is the best test run slope on planet earth.” Schatzi off of June Mountain Summit is another fantastic long cruiser that you can enjoy. And Matterhorn is a smidgen steeper and is often totally deserted.
Expert Runs Worth the Hunt
The steepest terrain on June Mountain is right smack dab in front of you on J1 – The Face. Due to it being on the lower mountain, it can take time for the snowpack to cover everything, but once it does – game on. It’s as steep as anything you’ll find at Mammoth. While there isn’t a ton of expert terrain, if you’re willing to poke around, you’ll find short precipitous sections off of J7 to play on.
Venturing Beyond the Ropes
What it lacks in extreme stuff inbounds it more than makes up in the out-of-bounds lift accessed goods you can get. These zones are not for the faint of heart or those who don’t know how to route plan. You can get into some incredibly dangerous terrain very quickly. You’re on your own and don’t expect help. You NEED avalanche training as well as the proper gear before venturing into the backcountry. For this region, the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center provides an avalanche forecast.
HIRE A GUIDE
If it’s your first time venturing into the Eastern Sierra wilderness or you just want to experience what backcountry skiing is about, we highly recommend going on a backcountry tour with International Alpine Guides or Sierra Mountain Guides. Tell them Local Freshies® sent ya.
When To Go
On average, they open mid-December and typically close the 1st week of April. This isn’t because of snowfall but rather it’s due to the smaller crowds that visit. Hence, it’s a great bet for a busy weekend or the holidays. From a storm track perspective, the Sierra seem to always be blessed with snow in March.
Where To Stay
Depending on the style of vacation you’re looking for, you have two options. For a nightlife scene and an array of over 60 dining options from modern French cuisine to delicatessens, you may want to stay in Mammoth Lakes. On the flipside, for a more relaxed vibe but still a handful of places you can walk to, then you may want to consider staying IN June Lake. Here’s a full rundown of all the places you can stay in June Lake California.
Very informative, Alex. Thank you. I love June Mountain.
🙌🙌🙌 most favorite place in the world ❤️