Mammoth Lakes Winter (The Ski Bum Insider's Guide)
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Mammoth Lakes Winter (The Ski Bum Insider's Guide)
McKenzie Koch
In the record breaking '23-'24 year, I was buried under 600 inches of fresh powder living as a ski-instructor in SoCal's favorite mountain town. While I was shoveling myself out, I learned some of the secrets of Mammoth Lakes that make the town special outside of Alterra's incredible mega-resort. Experience the town like a true local with tips for:
❄︎ Cafés
❄︎ A Base Area Breakdown (which of the 3 is best for you!)
❄︎ Mammoth's Best Runs (and lesson tips)
❄︎ Hot Springs
❄︎ Hikes
❄︎ Indoor Fun
❄︎ Restaurants (with gluten free, of course!)
❄︎ Après-Ski
❄︎ Lodging
❄︎ Getting Around
❄︎ Nearby attractions
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It is no secret that Mammoth reconnected me with my love for the mountains, skiing, and the winter season. This guide is laid out with plenty of options, in a chronological order of what your day in the town might look like!
Coffee
Whether you are up at the crack of dawn for first chair, or in for an 11am "princess ski," any good morning starts with coffee
Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe
@mckenziextravel
Stellar Brew is my FAVORITE Cafe in Mammoth! They have monthly installations by local artists, host evening jam sessions, promote local happenings and serve great food in an earthy chic atmosphere.
You have to try the trail mix mocha, and the gluten free morning glory muffin. If you give yourself enough time, you can order any of their sandwiches on gluten free bread! Amazingly, after 2pm, they give any leftover sandwiches to locals who stop by, to prevent food waste and support the community. Butter them up, and maybe you'll get one too!
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Black Velvet Coffee | Espresso Bar
@mckenziextravel
Espresso bar attached to a wine bar? Who could ask for anything more??
The second you walk in, you'll be overcome by the delicious smell of peppermint. Naturally, you have to order a peppermint mocha. Get a side of gluten-free banana bread for the road as well.
This modern building has three levels to enjoy your coffee on if you're not in a rush, and also doubles as a fabulous work from home environment (if you don't mind music).
If you need a more lowkey aprés spot in the evening, stop by for wine tastings on the upper level. They offer tastings from 4-6pm, as well as discounts on wine by the glass.
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Looney Bean
@mckenziextravel
The Looney Bean is an Eastern Sierra classic, with locations in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop.
I recommend the Velvet Elvis Latte and Beet Egg Bowl. Note that the lattes are very sweet. The bowls are an excellent value for their size and nutrition!
They carry a variety of local goods as well. I've purchased incredible beaded earrings, smooth lotion bars, and unique greeting cards from the Bishop location.
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Schat's Bakery
@mckenziextravel
I wish I could tell you I've tried this bakery, but unfortunately, they have no gluten free options. However, my gluten-loving friends rave about the sandwiches from Erick Schat's, both at this location and their Bishop location. If you aren't GF, my boyfriend insists you must try it.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenzie Koch
Hey traveler! I'm so glad you're here. Whatever your dream outdoor adventure is - from surfing Baja to hiking the Sierra - I am here to help you plan it.
I'm never in one place long - whenever I get the opportunity to explore somewhere new, I'm an immediate yes. I work seasonal jobs, and between deckhanding whale watching tours and instructing ski lessons, I travel all over the US and outside the country. I've been to 11 countries and 43 U.S. states so far, and that's just the beginning.
As spontaneous and go-with-the-flow that sounds, I NEED a plan. I started making itineraries using GoogleDocs in 2013, including links, weather, travel time, alternate options, pricing and more. Now, I am so excited to share them with you!
What makes me unique:
💵Budget travel - As a seasonal worker living on tips, I can share my tricks for stretching your dollar without compromising your experience.
⛺️Adventurous activities - I love to keep my body moving, so each guide will have plenty of options to keep you on your feet and see the views from the best spot.
🥖Gluten free restaurant recommendations - My friends say I invented Celiac's disease, as I was diagnosed in 2003. I know how exhausting and isolating it can be to find GF restaurants in new places, so come to my guides for honest reviews of places I tried.
🗺Personalized itineraries - Not sure where to start for your trip? Want someone to take the burden of combing through guides and booking experiences in a timely fashion? Those things bring me JOY, and you can book me to create a personalized plan just for you and your travel companions - including families, kids, girl groups and couples.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
58 places
58 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
5 photos
Beautiful, hi-res photos from the creator
3 links
3 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Couples
Family
Gluten-free / Celiac
Adventure
Coffee
Outdoors
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Guides typically include detailed information and how-to’s about a destination as well as suggested places to try.
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