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Heading to the mountains is one of the most glorious and worthy endeavors one can embark on. Mammoth Lakes is a special place with its own challenges, and there are some things you really just don’t learn that you need until you get here. And then you learn the hard way.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I am not going to remind you to bring your underwear and toothbrush. This is a list of mountain specific items that you may not think to bring to Mammoth Lakes. I am sure other locals will have their own thoughts, preferences, and tricks. This list is merely what I use and recommend. I am sharing in hopes that you can avoid learning the hard way. I am also adding affiliate links for each item that direct you to Amazon, so you can purchase any of these items before you head up here. I will get a small kickback from Amazon for using my links. Think of it like you treated me to coffee so you could pick my brain on what to bring. Thank you!
HYDRATION
Mammoth Lakes is at elevation. We have special directions for cooking rice and baking, and many professional athletes train here. But there are special directions for you too, YOU NEED TO HYDRATE or you might get altitude sickness or just generally feel off. Whenever someone comes to visit me, I make them drink a Nuun hydration at least the first day, and always if they are drinking alcohol (Protip: the drinks will hit you way harder up here so please double fist with water, and then drink a Nuun). The Nuun hydration will help stave off altitude sickness, a hangover, or fatigue by keeping you hydrated. I find that they almost immediately make a headache feel better, whatever the reason for it. I drink one after a run or a big hike or a day of skiing and it restores me. They don’t taste bad like some hydration tablets and Nuun comes in a variety of flavors. Because I go through so many, I buy the bulk pack. (https://amzn.to/49xoatx).
SUN PROTECTION
I had a friend tell me once that sunscreen is an essential part of Beyoncé’s daily skincare regime and that has stuck with me. It is absolutely essential in Mammoth Lakes, again because of the elevation. In the winter the sun reflects off the snow and in the summer it reflects off the lakes. If you don’t screen up you are surely going to be sorry. This goes for your lips too. Many a day I have forgotten about my pucker and spent the next few days peeling skin off my lips. Don’t skip the sun protection you guys.
My husband’s cousin lives at elevation in Colorado, and she went down the rabbit hole on the safest sunscreen, both for us (I mean, we apply it and it absorbs into our skin so we don’t want to be slathering on just anything) and for the environment (Mammoth Lakes is so special, don’t jump in our lakes with your greasy poison sunscreen please). She recommends Think sunscreen, and I blindly followed and have been pleased with it. (https://amzn.to/40wpUiR). They have a baby version too, which I use on my toddler every single day. (https://amzn.to/40BrlfH).
For chapstick I like Burts Bees (https://amzn.to/40BpK9J) and Sun Bum, another ecologically conscious, reef safe brand based in San Diego. (https://amzn.to/3QCCOqO). Sun Bum’s sunscreen is great too and smells nice, I like the spray one because it is easier to apply to myself. (https://amzn.to/3FTqKwm).
For sunglasses, I’m a Zeal Optics gal. Everyone feels some kind of way about sunnies, so I won’t delve that deep, but Zeal is a great brand with a mountain vibe. (https://amzn.to/47qRtfC).
PIMP MY RIDE
After last winter with record breaking snowfall, you must you must you must come prepared if you are driving to Mammoth Lakes. I cannot stress it enough. Our emergency services are top notch and our locals spent many hours lending a hand to help stranded motorists – in fact, if you see an emergency services worker or any local you should look them in the eye and thank them from the bottom of your beating heart – but it is ON YOU to be ready in case you are stuck in a snow situation. I won’t go into snow tires, but otherwise here are some of the essentials I have in my car at all times. Be safe!
· Snow shovel – there are two competing beliefs about the best snow shovel, metal tipped or not, and if you live here you probably own several of both types. But for my car, I prefer the Bully polypropylene shovel. I’d rather not have a metal tipped shovel in my car and have my dog or kid hurt themselves on it. The Bully isn’t super large and it will work to get you out of a mess. Bully is a small business, which I support. (https://amzn.to/3FWOkIY).
· Snow brush/ice scraper – Gotta have it. I like the long ones because it saves your back, and sometimes the snow accumulation is quick to pile up. Even after a quick stop you are moving a lot of snow off your windows. The short ones don’t cut it. (https://amzn.to/49uw5bh).
· Tire Chains – in certain conditions you must use them and in some conditions you must carry them, even with snow tires. CHP will ticket you and it isn’t cheap. I always carry them. Check your car’s tire size and order appropriately. You can buy chains locally, but they are often marked up. If you want to come prepared, check out this easy to install set: https://amzn.to/49uqm5d.
· Water – I keep a jug of water in my trunk in case we get stuck in a storm and must wait it out. I used to have a glass jug, but mistakes were made and lessons were learned. I now carry the big Hydroflask. It wasn’t a cheap option, but it is great quality and it won’t break. (https://amzn.to/40zXg0c).
· Windshield wiper fluid – You should top off before you head to the mountains. Make sure you get the cold weather wiper fluid! My best friend from the Bay came to visit and her wiper fluid was freezing to her windshield. Not ideal. (https://amzn.to/3MGloZr).
· Blanket – I keep it year-round in the car so we can use it as a beach blanket in the summer and for warmth in the winter, especially if stranded for some time in a storm. I carry an old comforter and one of these: https://amzn.to/3QySzPC.
· Basic First Aid Kit – always good to have, no matter the weather or where you are. I like this one, because I grew up with Johnson & Johnson and I deeply believe Neosporin can and will solve anything. (https://amzn.to/3SCyLxh).
SAFETY MEASURES
One thing that is wonderful about Mammoth is that it is relatively safe as far as crime goes. But we have bears, coyotes, and mountain lions that share our forests, and you should be prepared if you are out in nature. Not to freak anyone out, I have spent so much time in the woods and haven’t had to ever use my spray. But I always carry it, just in case, especially if I am alone or with my toddler. This bear spray comes with a bear horn, which we keep in our house. You never know when you’ll need it. (https://amzn.to/46iOR2E).
I use this one when I am trail running, and the strap makes it comfortable and easy to hold in my hand. (https://amzn.to/3QSzQjt).
NIGHTTIME COMFORT
Mammoth Lakes is an alpine desert, and the air is dry year-round and especially in the winter. If you are spending an extended amount of time in Mammoth - like if you have a ski lease, you’re a ski team family, or you work remotely and you have a spot for the summer - consider getting a humidifier. They are annoying to clean, but they make a huge difference sleeping at night.
We use this one for the adult bedrooms. It can also be used to diffuse Vick’s vapor rub when you are sick, which is a nice bonus. (https://amzn.to/3u8060h). We use this one in our baby’s bedroom because it is also a fun nightlight and we have used and liked the Baby Frida products. (https://amzn.to/47a12jh).
If you are here in smoke season, which unfortunately happens, we use the Alen air purifier. I did a TON of research, because I was on maternity leave with a newborn during the late summer of 2021 when we had the worst air quality in the world. The Alen brand quickly rose to the top. It is expensive, but it does an amazing job of keeping our indoor air clean. There are several levels depending on the need, and it is quiet. Alen air purifiers come in natural colors and ours blended into our living room décor well. The filter has also held up. I would definitely recommend. (https://amzn.to/49ADd63).
I hope you have a wonderful, safe trip to the mountains!
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