You can go snowboarding in California the summer. What a thought! Unless you swore off social media and weather reports during the past five months, you’ve probably heard about the snowfall that California experienced this winter. It was deep. It was continual. And there is so much at Mammoth Mountain and Squaw Alpine that you can plan to ride on the Fourth of July.
Imagine that. While your friends are on the lake kicking back Bud heavies, eating burgers, and engaging in various traditions associated with Independence Day, you’ll be on the frozen stuff with a snowboard under your feet. Oh how they will be jealous. They may even loathe you. Let them, because each Instagram and Snapchat you post will only serve as a reminder that their sunburn came from something other than snowboarding.
Here’s the deal. Over the course of the winter, Mammoth Mountain received 610 inches of snow at the resort’s Main Lodge, and the final count at the 11,053-foot summit surpassed 750 inches. The average base depth is between 120 and 360 inches, meaning it’s not disappearing anytime soon and thus, you’ll have great snow to ride in July. A similar story exists at Squaw Alpine, with the resort claiming it’s second deepest season on record with 714 inches of snowfall, or over 56 feet. The point is, there is enough snow to satisfy your urge to turn for months to come and you can do it in a t-shirt.
Don’t know how to get to Mammoth Mountain or Squaw Alpine? Fortunately there is Google Maps. No interest in planning the party? Both Squaw and Mammoth have done all the lifting for you.
Let’s look back at a truly epic California winter to see why snowboarding is in the plan for the next two months, and give you a taste of what to expect during your trip over the Fourth of July.
Fourth of July at Mammoth Mountain
The town of Mammoth Lakes, situated in the High Sierras of California, is a truly epic place to celebrate the Fourth of July. From riding the mountain to the annual art festival, Independence Day parade, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and fireworks show at Crowley Lake, there’s something for everyone.
Mammoth Mountain typically serves up free beer on the mountain summit (while supplies last), hosts a DJ and tosses out tons of free product. As of this publishing date, Fourth of July lift ticket pricing is TBD. We’ll provide an update as soon as we have one, and we also encourage you to keep your eyes peeled to Mammoth’s website and social feeds. You can also call the resort directly. One item of note: Anyone who bought a lift ticket to Mammoth in January (its snowiest month on record) rides free on July 4.
Fourth of July at Squaw Alpine
Beyond the epic snowboarding, Fourth of July weekend at Squaw Alpine includes pool parties, BBQs and drink specials at the High Camp pool & tub. At the mountain’s base, the KT Sundeck will serve up music and cold beers throughout the après hours. It’s all dubbed “Freedom Fest,” and you’re not going to want to miss it.
Note: Passholders from other resorts are invited to enjoy Fourth of July riding at Squaw Valley for just $52 per day. Furthermore, the High Camp pool and hot tub are not open to the public as of the publishing date; High Camp is buried in snow and Squaw Alpine is in the midst of snow removal operations. An estimated opening date remains TBD.
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