June Mountain Ski Area — Hotel in Mammoth Lakes

I was really let down by June mountain. I brought my two girls who are 7 and 9 for their first snowboard experience. June Mountain markets Itself as a family destination that you should bring your kids to. When we arrived, the majority of the staff was friendly and the mountain was well kept. When we finally made it up, I saw a very nice bunny hill directly off of the lodge patio. Once we were geared up, we made our way to start practicing on the bunny hill. I noticed as we were walking to the top that it was completely empty and the lift belt wasn’t running. As I was getting my girls snowboards attached, I was approached by June mountain staff and was told that we were not able use the bunny hill, but we had to go down the main runs. I explained to the staff that this was their first time on a snowboard and we needed to practice. When I asked if there was a bunny hill that we could use, the staff member informed that if we wanted to use use it, we would have to purchase lessons. Then the staff member pointed to the dirty snow near the lodge and said we could find somewhere on the side out of the way. They then handed me a map, and gave us a run suggestion. It was way too much for my girls and my older daughter hit her head pretty hard from going to fast because I am unfamiliar with the mountain and I put us on a steep section. June mountain, I am a single dad with two daughters and wanted to give them a fun experience, but instead left feeling somewhat extorted, because apparently June Mountain wants you to bring your kid, but makes it impossible to teach them once...

This is more like a 3 1/2 stars. When I arrived, I thought it would be swarmed with kids because the parking lot was packed with them. They let kids under 12 ski for free so you can see why it would be. But, the hills were practically empty compared to other resorts.

Here's my breakdown: Staff at the ticket counter are very efficient and friendly. Staff on the lifts are very helpful and friendly. Staff at the rental are the worst I've ever seen. My wife needed to rent some boots. There was nobody in line. We walked in and stood there unacknowledged while 7 staff talked amongst themselves. After a full minute I finally said.... Soooo do we just help ourselves to the equipment?!!!

If you're used to new speedy chairlifts, you will hate this place. They are old and slow. You will have to calm yourself down.

The runs are empty in comparison to Mammoth. They are nice and wide. The terrain parks have some good features.

I can't stress this enough.... THERE ISN'T A BUNNY HILL!! This mountain is for people who have skied or boarded at least a couple of times. Once you're up there, there isn't a place to learn.

Tips: The first chair lift can be intimidating. If you or the little ones are afraid of heights, just look at the trees directly to the right. Let the little ones sit on the right side.

I think it's best not to put your skis or board on until after the first lift. If it hasn't snowed, you will be on carpet at the top.

Get your camera ready for the ride down at the end of the day. The views are amazing!

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We went to June on a Saturday (March, 2024) because the LA/San Diego crowd had already descended on Mammoth by Friday. It is much smaller than Mammoth and it didn't have the variety of terrain that you find at Mammoth. You do find yourself skiing the same runs over and over but you know what?...we went to June Sunday and Monday too. This is the most beautiful mountain I have ever skied and I've skied almost everywhere. Saturday afternoon lift lines were about 5-10 minutes and that was considered a "crowd" because they were having a birthday party for their mascot, Bunky, which was a hoot (they cater to families). Sunday, no lift lines anywhere. Monday, not only no lift lines but we often found that we had entire runs to ourselves. On a clear day, the scenery looks like color versions of Ansel Adams photos. It is breathtaking. It's like they painted a 360 degree mural and put a ski resort in the middle. The top of Mammoth was socked into a windstorm for two days (good view of it from the top of June) while we skied in virtually perfect weather at June. There are plenty of long, wide blue and black level cruise slopes where you can just carve to your heart's content. Great place to practice you turns. As wide as you want, there is nobody there! Some steep bumps if you want them, again, repeat runs. And yes, they do give you an IKON discount on food and ski shop and yes, the staff is super friendly (so is Mammoth). If you take a trip to Mammoth, take a side trip to June. You won't be...