Industry News
California’s Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and June Mountain will remain closed on Saturday, December 27, as mountain operations and ski patrol teams continue work to mitigate hazards following a powerful winter storm cycle, the resort announced on its social media accounts. The closure is the second consecutive day for the mountains, after heavy snowfall combined with strong winds over the past several days has created widespread avalanche risk and other storm-related dangers across both mountains. Mammoth Mountain has received over five feet of snow since December 23.
- Related: 2 Patrollers Injured by Inbounds Avalanche at Mammoth Mountain, CA—Resort is Closed for the Day
An avalanche on Lincoln Mountain at Mammoth on Friday morning injured two members of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol during routine avalanche mitigation work. The slide occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m., before the resort opened for operations, according to a Mammoth Mountain social post. Both patrollers were quickly located and transported to Mammoth Hospital. One sustained serious injuries and is being transferred out of the area for specialized care; the other is being evaluated for possible broken bones.
The additional full-day closure on Saturday, December 27, will allow patrol and operations teams to conduct avalanche control, assess infrastructure, and safely prepare terrain without interference.
Resort officials urged the public not to access the ski areas during the closure, emphasizing that unauthorized access could put both guests and workers at risk while mitigation efforts are underway. “Although we know our guests are eager to ski and ride, we ask for your cooperation and understanding following this storm cycle,” Mammoth wrote on its social media accounts.
No timeline has yet been announced for reopening, though updates are expected as mitigation work continues and conditions improve. Guests are encouraged to monitor official resort channels for the latest information before heading to the Eastern Sierra.
Located in California’s Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain is one of North America’s most snow-reliable resorts, with a summit elevation of 11,053 feet, expansive above-treeline terrain, and a reputation for thriving during major storm cycles. Nearby June Mountain, often referred to as Mammoth’s quieter sibling, sits just 20 miles north and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with wide-open runs and spectacular views of June Lake.
Both resorts are no strangers to weather-driven closures, particularly during intense Sierra Nevada storms, when high winds and deep snowfall can rapidly increase avalanche danger. Temporary shutdowns are a standard safety measure designed to protect guests and ensure terrain can reopen safely once conditions stabilize.
