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June Lake is a gorgeous small town in California’s Eastern Sierra, not far from Mammoth Mountain. During the winter season, it lives up to its nickname as the “Switzerland of California” with snowy scenery and great skiing at June Mountain.
From lakeside snowshoeing to taking a dip in nearby hot springs, there’s plenty to do around this underrated winter village.
Winter activities in June Lake
At 7,600 feet of elevation, June Lake offers a classic winter experience from November through March. June Mountain and the surrounding areas average 200-250 inches of snow, although so far in 2026, the season has been a bit milder and drier.
June Mountain offers 1,500 skiable acres and 7 lifts, marketing itself as “California’s family mountain” with a mix of beginner-friendly and more expert slopes. All children 12 and under can ski and ride for free all season long, with no strings attached.
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Beyond the mountain, some winter visitors also spend time visiting the June Lake Loop, a 14-mile section on State Route 158 with views of glacial lakes and mountain peaks. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing around Gull Lake and Silver Lake — just keep in mind that the northern entrance often closes in the winter.
June Lake is a gateway to one of the best hot spring corridors in California, mainly around Mammoth, Bridgeport, and Benton. Within an hour, you can soak in steaming waters in the Long Valley meadows, Wild Willy’s, or Keough’s near Bishop.
June Lake Village itself offers a cozy cluster of small motels, A-frame cabins, spa-style resorts, and basic dining and shops. More glamorous resort-style attractions are available in nearby Mammoth, which is just 30 minutes away.
Driving to June Lake from L.A.
It takes about 5.5-6 hours to make the 300-mile drive from Los Angeles to June Lake via CA‑14 and US‑395.
Caltrans requires drivers to carry chains by law, and drivers should be prepared for long remote stretches along US-395. Make sure your car is up to the task with a full tank of gas, an ice scraper, a shovel, and basic winter necessities.