🎿 Spring Skiing in Mammoth: What to Pack & Where to Après 🍻

Spring break in Mammoth with the kids? It’s a non-negotiable family tradition at this point. ☀️❄️ Every year, we pile into the car, crank up the road trip playlist, and chase the last glorious weeks of ski season.

But here’s the thing—spring skiing is unpredictable. One day, you’re in a t-shirt, carving perfect corn snow; the next, you’re in a surprise blizzard, wondering why you didn’t pack an extra layer.

After years of trial, error, and one too many days spent soggy and sunburnt, I’ve nailed down the ultimate spring skiing packing list.

🎒 Spring Ski Packing List: The Must-Haves

1️⃣ Layers = Your Best Friend

• Base Layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking. Mornings are cold, but mid-day can be toasty.

• Mid Layer: A thin fleece or lightweight puffer. Enough warmth without overheating.

• Shell Jacket: Waterproof, windproof, but breathable—because Mammoth likes to keep us guessing.

2️⃣ Spring-Specific Ski Gear

• Goggles with Swappable Lenses – Bright sun? Flat light? Mammoth will throw both at you. Click Here to see my go to.

• Glove Liners – Mornings = chilly. Afternoons = sweaty hands. Adjust accordingly.

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm (SPF 50) – Goggle tans may be a Mammoth rite of passage, but sunburned lips? Not fun.

• Neck Gaiter/Buff – Wind protection, sun protection, and doubles as a mask if it gets real cold.

3️⃣ My Secret Weapon: The Ski Boot Bag That Changed My Life 🎒

I used to struggle with carrying my boots, helmet, gloves, snacks, and who-knows-what separately—until I got this 65L Ski Boot Bag Backpack. Waterproof, spacious, and a total lifesaver.

👉 Right now, certain colors are on sale for $29.99! (I paid $69.99, so yeah, I feel slightly robbed.) If you need a killer boot bag, snag one here: Check it out here.

4️⃣ Après Ski Essentials

• Comfy Shoes – Because nothing screams rookie move like walking into a bar still in ski boots.

• Warm Hoodie or Puffer – Spring temps drop fast once the sun dips.

• Swimsuit – For the hot tub soak that will happen.

🍻 Featured Spotlight: Austria Hof – Mammoth’s Legendary Après Spot

Tucked at the end of the Canyon Lodge parking lot, Austria Hof is the place to wind down after a long ski day. Cozy Bavarian vibes, strong drinks, and some of the best après-ski eats in Mammoth.

🥨 What to Order:

• Spaten Lager & a Giant Pretzel – You earned those carbs.

• Jäger Schnitzel – Crispy, smothered in mushroom sauce, and pure magic.

• Glühwein (Mulled Wine) – A warm, spiced red wine that feels like a hug after a cold day on the mountain.

📖 A Quick Story From the Slopes…

A few years back, after a perfect bluebird spring day on the mountain, I made a rookie mistake—I didn’t immediately change out of my ski boots before heading into Austria Hof. I figured, "I'll just grab a quick drink."

Big mistake.

Halfway through my steaming mug of Glühwein, my feet started screaming. The only thing keeping me in my seat? The sheer magic of that warm, spiced wine melting away the chill of the day.

But then, desperation hit. I tried to subtly unbuckle my boots under the table, hoping no one would notice. Spoiler: they noticed.

The waiter smirked and said, “You’re not the first. Won’t be the last.”

Next thing I knew, I was swapping ski stories with strangers over plates of schnitzel, Glühwein flowing, and laughing at the universal truth of skiing—everyone has made the “après in ski boots” mistake at least once.

🚨 Pro Tip: Change out of your boots before après. But if you forget? Order another Glühwein and embrace the struggle. 😆

🚗 Final Tip: Mammoth’s Best Après Spot

If you’re skiing Mammoth this spring, Austria Hof is a must-stop for food, drinks, and unbeatable post-ski vibes. And the best part? You can ski straight down from Canyon Lodge, click out of your bindings, and almost be right there. You won’t even need to move your car from the Canyon Lodge Parking. Trust me, once you settle in with a schnitzel and Glühwein, you won’t want to leave. 😉

📍 Location: Austria Hof, at the end of the Canyon Lodge parking lot, Mammoth Lakes, CA
🕒 Hours: Open 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily (Check menu & details)

🎿 Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Ski Hard, Après Harder

Spring skiing in Mammoth is unpredictable, but with the right gear (and a solid après plan), you’re set for glory.

And remember: A good ski trip starts with smart packing—but ends with schnitzel.

What’s your must-pack item for spring skiing? Drop it in the comments! 👇🎿

⏳ Save this guide for later & share with your ski crew! ⛷️

See you on the slopes—I'll be the one with a goggle tan, Glühwein in hand, and boots actually off this time. 😉🎿

Stay stoked, stay sunburn-free, and ski ya later! ⛷️❄️

Sasha Everett & the Ski SoCal Insiders

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