Crowds Are Coming. Is Your Road Plan Smart? 🚗❄️

Traveling from LA County to Mammoth

January 22, 2026

🚗 SoCal to Mammoth — The Real Talk 🏔️

Before you hit the road from LA County to Mammoth this weekend, stop assuming it’s simple. Winter in the Sierra isn’t a Sunday drive.

Hey Ski Fam,

Let’s cut to it.

You’ve packed snacks.
You’ve checked passes.
You’ve blasted “Go‑Time” on your playlist.

But the roads and scenic routes?
They still can bite you.

❄️ Scenic Routes That Don’t Go Anywhere (Right Now)

If you’re thinking of side treks off US‑395 — hold up.

Right now these seasonal routes are CLOSED for winter:

  • Hwy 158 — June Lake Loop (north junction) closed.

  • Hwy 120 W to Yosemite (Tioga Pass) — closed.

  • Hwy 108 (Sonora Pass) — closed.

  • Hwy 89 (Monitor Pass) — closed.

  • Hwy 270 (Bodie Rd.) — closed.

  • Mammoth Lakes Basin Rd — closed.

These are not scenic detours in winter — they’re dead ends buried in snow.

Lesson: GPS likes pretty roads.
Caltrans QuickMap and official highway info tell the truth.

🛣️ A Quick Reality Check on Hwy 395

  • US‑395 is the only paved route from LA County to Mammoth.

  • It is open between Bishop and Bridgeport — but chain controls are still possible.

  • If a storm hits and 395 closes there are no plowed backroad alternates.

Meaning: If 395 is shut, you’re not taking some secret snow road to town.

Put that on your ski brain and lock it in.

🧰 Sasha’s Top Travel Tips from SoCal to Mammoth

✔ Know chain control before you leave
Call QuickMap or 511 to see if you must install chains.

✔ Practice chains at home
Nothing worse than doing it in freezing dark.

✔ Pack warm, snack good, be patient
Traffic can queue behind chain control signs — it’s ski season reality.

✔ Don’t trust reroutes on GPS
Apps sometimes push you onto unplowed county roads where you’ll get stuck.

🌨️ WEEKEND CONDITIONS + EVENTS

Here’s the accurate snapshot for all the mountains you might be eyeing on January 22, 2026:

🏔️ Mammoth Mountain (Main Destination)

🎿 Terrain: Most terrain open with machine‑groomed, packed powder runs.
❄️ Snow: Base ~62" at mid‑mountain with firm conditions; no major new snow in the forecast.
🌤 Weather: Mostly dry and clear with cool temps — best skiing early morning corduroy.
📍 Events: Local winter events and mountain activities continue — check the resort and town calendars for live listings.

Verdict: Great skiing if you manage the drive smart and start early.

🏔️ June Mountain (Nearby Alternative)

🎿 Lifts & Runs: Open and operating; terrain in good shape.
🌨 Snow: Mostly dry with freeze‑thaw conditions — little powder in forecast.
Verdict: Chill vibe and uncrowded lifts make it a solid side trip.

🐻 Big Bear & Snow Summit (SoCal Local Days)

🎿 Snow: Light snow and freeze‑thaw weather — minimal fresh accumulations.
📍 Snow Summit base ~46 cm (artificial snow included).
Verdict: Fun local laps, but conditions are spring‑like at times — go early.

🎿 Mountain High

⚠️ Lifts have been limited/not fully open this season due to mild conditions.
Verdict: Not the best bet for serious terrain right now; check cams before heading up.

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Already rocking one?
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💡 What’s the Big Lesson?

Getting to Mammoth is about planning the drive as much as planning the powder.

Repeat after me:
🚗 “Fix the road plan before I fix my stance.”

🗣️ Let’s Chat

What route are you taking this weekend? Chains? Timing? Crazy road stories?

💬 Hit reply and share it
📌 Save this for your trip prep
📤 Forward to anyone headed up 395
⭐ Star it for later travel checks

We’re ready, wheels good, and headed up with brains before bravado.

— Sasha “Ready For The Road” Everett 💙

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