Mammoth Mountain
Snowman Report
Featuring Daily Snow, Weather, Travel, FAQ, Community & Adventure
December 16th, 2025 – 7 AM – Good morning, you will find more sunny skies on tap for today. The changeover to winter we are all waiting for is still on the cards, starting around the Sunday/Monday time period.
Snow Conditions at first bell are firm and fast on a 1 to 3 foot base, then soften as temperatures climb into the low 50s. The snowpack remains winter-like in most areas, though some softer snow has been showing up in spots from McCoy Station down to the Mill. Snowmaking remains off in this warm airmass.
While it’s definitely low tide, there have been some enjoyable turns out there. The groomers have been skiing great, Dave’s is a blast, and West Bowl coming in from Saddle Bowl has been especially fun. Watch for bare spots and little floater rocks.
For my full updated snow report with fresh images, use this link.
Mammoth Weather Forecast: Mostly Clear skies are expected through today. Temperatures will be in the lower 50s. Winds today will be SW to West wind around 5-10 mph.
For Wednesday, there is a 20 percent chance of rain. Snow level 9,500 to 10,000 feet. Mostly sunny, with a high near 47 at Main Lodge. Winds will be from the Southwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.
The next chance for any meaningful snowfall is from December 22nd onward, as all models continue to show a shift toward a wet pattern that might last into the New Year.
Get our full weather forecast and discussion at this link.
Travel Update: All winter routes are open with no controls being reported by Cal Trans.
Pray for Snow, Snowman out
December Photos from Snowman
Webcam at Fast Ski Sports in the Minaret Village Mall
Have a View and want to Pay it Forward? Host a Snowman Webcam, click here to learn more.
What’s Up Eastern Sierra?
One more week and then we are into the Christmas and New Year Holiday Period. As of now, there is almost no snow below Canyon Lodge, with the snowline around 8,500 or higher in the direct sun.
Hopefully, the great-looking forecast for a white Christmas holds, so winter can finally get its start here in Mammoth on and off the ski area.
Until that time, here are a few things you can do during this pre-holiday week.
For a pleasant walk right in town, try the Mammoth Lakes Paved Trail System. You get amazing views and a great ice-free walk.
The Ice Skating Rink in Town is also open. Here is the link to the times open for Public Skates this week.
Local Roads are clear at this time, so road bikers layered up can enjoy the area, especially Lower Rock Creek Canyon Road.
For Mountain Bikers, the LRC Trail, besides the road, is riding great at this time, as are the local trails in the Bishop area.
Tamarack Cross Country Center: There is a bit of snow on the cross-country trails, but not enough to groom and open yet. 1-2 feet of base snow is what they need to get rolling, if next weeks forecast is close to correct I would expect they could open by Saturday 12/27 at the eariest.
Woolly’s Adventure Summit reopens this Thursday for daily operations. The snow is thin here, but a couple of sledding lanes will be open, along with the Mountain Coaster.
Sledding in the Forest, the bottom line is that the area needs more snow for safe fun sledding and snow play.
Website Sponsor Plugs
Footloose Sports is the spot to go for Ski Boot Work and Custom Zip-Fit liners. You can book a boot-fitting appointment and be assured of quick service when you need it. Here is the link to book your appointment on the Footloose website.
Matt at Fast Ski Sports has a Free Hot Wax Offer for Snowman Fans this season. Here is the link to learn more.
20% OFF COUPON – If you’re booking a lodging reservation and will need ski or snowboard rentals, I have set up a 20% off offer with Black Tie Ski Rental here in Mammoth Lakes. Here is the link to the 20% off ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes.
Gear Sponsors
My gear sponsors are K2 Skis and The North Face: Both companies have provided the gear I need to get out on the hill, take video and photos, and assess snow conditions. Much Thanks for their Support. I plan to do a full review of all the gear they just sent out to test for the 25/26 snow season.
Online Mammoth Mountain Community
Want a safe spot to talk snow, share tips, or ask questions? Our Private Facebook Group is a friendly gathering place with 19,000+ people who love Mammoth just like you — all built on respect and no-drama conversations.
Mammoth Snowman FAQ
1. When does Mammoth Mountain usually open and close for the season?
The Friday of Veterans Day is always the preset opening day. Mammoth will open earlier if they get 2-3 feet of early-season base snow. Most years, you can ski or ride till Memorial Day, with most seasons going into June and even July. Mammoth has made it into August 3 times. Here is the link to the past opening and closing days.
2. How often do you update snow and weather reports?
We post fresh snow, weather, and mountain condition updates several times a week — daily during storm cycles and peak winter months (November to March).
3. What makes MammothSnowman.com different from the official resort site?
We’re locals sharing real conditions, photos, and reports without the marketing gloss. No fluff — just what’s actually happening on the hill. With that said, we work directly, with permission from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Alltera.
4. Where can I find your detailed Weather Forecast & Discussions?
Our Mammoth Mountain Weather page provides all the details you need on the weather. No automated AI forecasts, just 40 years of local weather knowledge. Here is the link.
5. Do you cover summer activities like biking and hiking, too?
Yes. When the snow melts, we switch gears with mountain bike trail reports, hiking guides, and summer weather coverage.
6. Who’s behind MammothSnowman.com?
I’m Steve Taylor, a longtime Mammoth local known as “The Snowman,” and I’ve been running this site since the Fall of 2004. Here is my full Bio.
7. How can I support the site and community?
Join as a supporter, grab a shirt, or share our reports. Every bit keeps the cameras rolling and the updates flowing. Here is the link to our Keep the Website Alive page.
Author: Steve Taylor, The Mammoth Snowman. For over 30 years, Snowman has meticulously studied Mammoth Mountain’s weather and snow conditions. Since March 1991, he’s used marked ski poles to measure fresh snowfall across the mountain.
He began sharing his insights in 1990 on the Mammoth BBS system, later moving to RSN Forums, and launching MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with a video and photo blog (pre-YouTube). Read his full bio here.