Spring Skiing on Mammoth Mountain

Spring skiing and riding at Mammoth has a totally different vibe—and honestly, it’s the best time of year to hit the hill for those who’ve mastered the art of spring conditions.

From April into early June, you’ll find bluebird skies, corn snow, lighter crowds, and an all-around good time on the mountain. But spring conditions are a bit different from mid-winter pow days, so here’s what you need to know to make the most of it.

1. Timing is Everything

If you like firmer, carvable machine-groomed snow, be ready when the lifts open. Hours shift with the season:

  • April: 8:30 AM

  • May: 7:30 AM

  • Early June (if we get there): same early bird game

If you prefer softer conditions, I recommend heading out around 9:30 AM. By then, the lower groomer runs start turning into that famous silver-lined Mammoth corn snow spring skiers and riders learn to love.

By mid-afternoon, you’re cruising through mashed potatoes on the lower runs. If your legs still have energy, head to mid or upper mountain, or switch to a second-season sport (bike, fish, hike—whatever your Mammoth soul calls for).

Spring Ops Reminder:

Around mid-April, all operations shift to the Main Lodge zone. Lifts typically running this time of year include:

  • Chairs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11

  • Gondola 1 & 2

  • Chair 17 and Canyon parking are sometimes available on weekends into late April

In big years (like 2017), they even re-opened Canyon Lodge for Memorial Day weekend with chairs 8, 16, and 9 spinning.

2. Dress for the Conditions

Spring mornings can start cold and turn into t-shirt weather by lunch. Layer smart.

  • Shell jackets – Lightweight, breathable, perfect for spring

  • Insulated pants/base layers – Leave ’em in the car unless it’s chilly

  • Park gloves or spring mitts – Keep your hands dry, not sweaty

  • Goggles with high-VLT lenses or just rock some sunglasses

  • And, of course… SUNSCREEN.

3. Tune Your Gear for Mammoth Spring Snow

Spring snow is wetter and heavier than winter snow. That means more suction on your bases, which can feel like you’re dragging an anchor.

The fix? Spring structure.

Texturing the base of your skis or board adds tiny grooves that channel water out and reduce friction. You’ll glide smoother and faster, and you’ll avoid that sticky, frustrating feeling in the slush.

You’re missing out if you haven’t had your bases structured yet. It’s one of the most significant performance upgrades for spring riding.

4. Nightly Base Care Is a Must

Want your gear to stay fast all day? Clean your bases and hot wax nightly.

Fail to do that, and you’re almost guaranteed to bog down when the snow loosens into that signature Mammoth corn. I still get some bog after lunch on the lower groomers—but thanks to regular waxing, I can rip mid and upper mountain runs for hours on spring (and yes, summer) days.

Too lazy to wax?

No worries. Head to Fast Ski Sports in town.

I’ve set up a deal with them:
Mention Snowman and get a FREE HOT WAX.
That’s right. Walk in, say you came from MammothSnowman.com, and they’ll take care of you.

5. Best Places to Ride in Spring

Spring skiing is all about chasing the softening snow.

Before mid-April:

  • Chair 9 / East Bowl around 9:30–10 AM = prime corn laps

After mid-April:

  • Ride out of The Mill

    • Stump Alley gets soft first

    • Followed by Solitude (Chair 5), Easy Rider, Chairs 2 & 10

Upper Mountain:

  • Snow softens as temps rise and wind direction allows

  • Sign Line off Climax usually softens first up top—but be careful, it’s brutal if still icy

  • Cornice Bowl and Scotties soften up nicely as groomed snow melts quicker than the natural terrain

Park Laps:

  • Spring is freestyle season. Softer jumps, mellow vibe, and no frostbite if you slam.

6. Bonus Tips for a Killer Day

  • Hydrate! Sun + altitude = sneaky dehydration
    (Beer, wine, and whiskey only make it worse—save that for après)

  • Tailgate ready: Pack a cooler, bring a grill, and soak in the scene post-ride
    (It’s a Mammoth spring tradition for a reason)

Final Thoughts

Spring riding at Mammoth is all about fun, sun, and smooth corn turns. Some of the best late-season conditions in North America happen right here in our own backyard.

With the right gear setup, a fresh hot wax, and a plan to follow the sun, you’ll be living the dream in the Mammoth Neverland.

See you on the hill,
– Snowman