Winter in Mammoth Lakes

On this special on-location episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers heads to the Eastern Sierra for a winter adventure at Mammoth Mountain—exploring the stories, landscapes, and personalities that make Mammoth one of California’s most iconic alpine destinations.

The episode begins with a scenic gondola ride to the summit and the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, where Meyers meets the mountain’s vice president and senior advisor, Clifford Mann. With sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, Mann shares the fascinating geological and cultural history of the mountain. He also reflects on how the mountain and the surrounding community have evolved into the place skiers and snowboarders love today.

Next, Meyers clicks into his skis and heads out on the slopes with Mann for a guided tour. Along the way, the two talk about Mann’s favorite runs and what makes skiing at Mammoth ideal for both seasoned and beginner riders. The two finish the day at The Yodler Restaurant & Bar for a well-deserved lunch and some local history. Later, Meyers meets up with Woolly the Mammoth, the beloved mascot of Mammoth Mountain, for some fast and furious tubing.

On day two, Meyers trades downhill skis for cross-country gear at the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, where he joins professional runner Olivia Amber for a lesson in Nordic skiing. Amber explains how cross-country differs from downhill, walks Meyers through the basics of technique, and shares why Tamarack’s quiet forested trails offer one of the most scenic winter experiences in the Eastern Sierra.

The adventure concludes with a journey into the region’s dramatic natural landscape at Convict Lake. There, Meyers meets Michelle Kelly, the education and events manager with Sierra Forever and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. Kelly explains the powerful volcanic forces that shaped the Eastern Sierra and the importance of protecting these remarkable environments. She also shares the Wild West story behind how Convict Lake got its name and how to enjoy the lake in winter and summer.

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GUESTS

Clifford Mann, vice president and senior advisor at Mammoth Mountain
Olivia Amber, local pro endurance athlete
Michelle Kelly, education and events manager with Sierra Forever and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association

RESOURCES

Clifford Mann is the vice president and senior advisor at Mammoth Mountain, where he has worked for more than 50 years.

Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Mountain
Eastern Sierra
Long Valley Caldera
Eleven53 Interpretive Center
The Yodler Restaurant & Bar
Woolly’s Adventure Summit – Tube Park

Olivia Amber is an expert cross-country skier and professional runner for the North Face.

Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center
Endurance Season
The Mammoth Race
Tamarack Lodge & Resort
Mammoth Brewing Company

Michelle Kelly is based in Bishop and is the education and events manager with Sierra Forever and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association.

Convict Lake
Highway 395
High Sierra
Sierra Forever

ABOUT THE HOST

Josh Meyers is a comedian, actor, and host of the California Now Podcast. He also cohosts the podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

OUR TEAM

Host and Executive Producer, Josh Meyers
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Videographer, Alex Gorosh
Video Editor, Dan Hook
Theme music, Staffan Carlén