Mammoth Mountain in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains is the largest ski resort in Southern California and has been a favorite ski destination of ours over the years. In more recent years they have worked on the downtown and introduced some trendy restaurants and cocktail bars in an effort to bring it up to par with some of the more well-known and bigger west coast ski destinations.
There is no really easy way to get to Mammoth though, which keeps the crowds out to some extent which, as a visitor (and a local), is always a plus.
I am not a skier (if both dog owners are skiers it is probably not the best vacation to take the dear one) so Spike would hang with me and we would hike (until the snow and ice wrapped around his legs and he would stop constantly to try chew it off) – so not too far or long. I understand there are some trails you can snowshoe or cross country ski with your dog in the Inyo National Forest!
Mammoth is a great all-year resort offering many hiking trails too. We have only ever been in the winter.
Thoughts and Things
While we humans can ensure we dress appropriately for cold weather, dogs are vulnerable to the cold and snow and shouldn’t be out in it too long unless climatized to it, exercising or dressed for it. Here are some items to consider when traveling to snowy destinations with your dog.