Mammoth’s glistening cross-country trails offer a road less traveled

When gale-force winds threaten to blast you off Mammoth Mountain, consider the more-peaceful and protected alternative of cross-country skiing, where 20 miles of trails and breathtaking vistas await at Tamarack Lodge.

Think Twin Peaks without so many crazies.

The Tamarack Cross-County Ski Center, about 10 minutes from the village, offers lessons and rentals from its little igloo hut, half-buried by snow.

In one of the best ski seasons ever, a steady diet of January and February storms has glistened what is known as the lakes basin, a five-hour drive from Los Angeles. This is also the jumping-off point for snowshoe trails, groomed and ungroomed.

Rental info and trail tips:

• A package of a group lesson, trail pass and ski rental costs under $100.
• “Two-fer Tuesdays” offer two full-day adult trail passes for the price of one.
• Groomed trails are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Skiers should yield to others when entering trails
• Skiers and snowshoers are urged to carry a compass, food and water, and a map.
• Skiers coming downhill always have the right of way.
• Always stay to the right on oncoming skiers.
• The Orange Line shuttle bus departs the village every 30 minutes starting at 8:30 a.m.

Info: The ski center is located at 163 Twin Lakes Road, Mammoth Lakes; (760) 934-2442, Ext. 8. For a daily trail report, use Ext. 7.

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