Obsidian Dome © MonoCounty

November 15, 2013 (Mono County, Calif.) – More and more people are opting for the stamina and scenery of cross-country skiing to get the most out of winter fun. Those looking for wide-open meadows of solitude and meandering trails of tranquility will find endless options in Mono County, located in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Groomed Tracks for Classic Cross-country and Skate-skiing.

– Silver Meadow, June Lake: For outdoor enthusiasts equipped with their own gear, head straight to Silver Meadow in June Lake and enjoy the flat, easy groomed track at no charge. The two-kilometer track is perfect for families and beginners, but scenic enough to draw skiers of all abilities. Ernie’s Tackle & Ski Shop in June Lake provides affordable daily rentals of Nordic ski gear and the Village of June Lake offers a wide range of lodging options.

– Bald Mountain and Obsidian Dome: Located between Mammoth Lakes and June Lake, Bald Mountain and Obsidian Dome ski tracks are groomed about once a week by the U.S. Forest Service. Obsidian’s track is easy and virtually flat. Bald Mountain’s trails wind gently and steadily to elevations that provide lovely views of surrounding valleys and peaks. Both trail systems are free of charge with parking right off scenic US Highway 395.

– Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center: Just above the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Tamarack boasts 35 kilometers of groomed track which wrap around four snow-covered high alpine lakes. A daily trail fee applies. Equipment rentals and classic cross-country skiing and skate-skiing lessons are available at Tamarack, and the full moon tours are a delightful evening variation.

– Shady Rest: Right in the Town of Mammoth Lakes itself is an enchanting circuit of groomed trails that wind through the forest of Shady Rest Park. Free. Parking adjacent to the trails at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, 2510 Main St./Hwy. 203.

– Rock Creek: Further south on US Hwy. 395, take Tom’s Place exit and drive up Rock Creek Road to the East Fork parking area. A groomed track takes you several miles up the canyon to Rock Creek Lake and Rock Creek Lodge, which offers true “cabin in the woods” overnight accommodation. Check out Rock Creek Lodge’s “Adventure Dining” program, too – ski or snowshoe about 2 miles to this gorgeous mountain-rustic restaurant for a delicious dinner, then snowshoe or ski back to your car with moonlight reflecting off the snowy track. Snowmobile Taxi service is also available.

Mono Lake and “Pogonip”

Just a few miles from the forested mountain peaks, north of Mammoth Lakes and adjacent to the village of Lee Vining, sits the expansive and ancient Mono Lake. Cold and snowy conditions create a unique winter wonderland, with snow crystals sparkling on the tufa towers (limestone spires and knobs created by the alkaline lake and freshwater springs). Its terrain and location are also conducive to thick fog, which freezes over Mono Lake, creating a magical scene for Nordic skiers. Local Paiute tribes call this icy phenomenon “pogonip,” a term still used by the U.S. Weather Service.

Nordic Skiing Events.

The winter season is also sprinkled with events and competitions including the Mammoth Winter Biathlon, March 21-23, 2013, and separately, June Lake’s Winter Festival and Triple Threat which challenges snow-savvy racers to compete in Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and laser-rifle shooting. This event takes place January 24-25 at June Lake. In addition, Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center hosts an annual Marathon in April, and various races throughout the season.

For a free Visitor Guide and more information about Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, lodging, events and more in Mono County, visit here or call 800-845-7922. Get real-time updates on Facebook here.

Located approximately 315 miles north of Los Angeles, and 280 miles east of San Francisco, Mono County accesses the east entrance to Yosemite National Park and beckons visitors in all seasons. Whether taking advantage of convenient direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) or arriving by car on the all-weather US Hwy. 395, the Eastern Sierra’s vast playground is an easily reached destination. US Hwy. 395, which traverses Mono County from north to south, is a State Designated Scenic Byway offering motorists tremendous vistas right from the steering wheel and side-roads, hiking trails, lakes, and roadside villages and towns to explore. For more information or to request guides, visit MonoCounty.org or call 800-845-7922.