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Mammoth Mountain is one of the best places in the country to learn to ski. Massive vertical, reliable snow, and some of the longest beginner runs in California make it genuinely ideal for first timers. But every season, we see the same avoidable mistakes turn what should be a dream trip into an exhausting, expensive, or even injury-cut-short experience.
Here's what to watch out for, and how to set yourself up for a trip you'll actually want to repeat.
Mistake #1: Buying Gear Before You Know What You Love
It's tempting to show up fully kitted out in brand new gear. The problem? Ski boots that fit you wrong, even by a little, will make your entire trip miserable, no matter how expensive they were. Beginner skiers also frequently find that the skis they bought online don't match their actual ability or the conditions they encounter.
Renting or demoing from Footloose Sports solves this completely. A qualified boot fitter will put you in the right boot for your foot shape and flex level, and rentals can be swapped out if conditions or your ability changes over the course of the trip. Once you've got a season or two under your belt and know what you like, then it makes sense to invest in your own setup.
Mistake #2: Skimping on Layering (Or Overdoing It)
Mammoth sits at 11,053 feet at the summit. The weather swings dramatically: bluebird and 45°F at the base, 15°F and windy at the top. Beginners either show up in a single cotton hoodie under their jacket (a recipe for a soaked, cold disaster) or stuff themselves into so many layers they can't move.
The formula is simple: a moisture-wicking base layer, a mid-layer for insulation, and a waterproof shell on top. Your legs need waterproof ski pants, full stop. Wool or synthetic socks (never cotton) inside properly fitted boots. Helmet, goggles, and gloves round it out.
If you're not sure what you need, call (760) 934-2400 or come visit Footloose Sports in Mammoth Lakes and our team of local skiers will help you get fitted so you can enjoy the mountain without gear issues.
Mistake #3: Skipping a Lesson (Or Taking Just One)
Skiing has a learning curve that feels steep right at the start. Most beginners take one group lesson, feel like they sort of have it, and then spend the rest of the trip reinforcing bad habits. Two or three lessons spread across your trip, or a longer private lesson, make a genuinely noticeable difference in how quickly you progress and how safe you are on the mountain.
Mistake #4: Not Hydrating or Eating Enough
Altitude dehydration is real and it sneaks up on you. At Mammoth's elevation, you need significantly more water than you're used to at sea level, and alcohol hits harder. Many beginners feel sluggish or get headaches and assume they're just tired. Often it's dehydration or mild altitude effects. Eat a real breakfast before you head to the mountain. Bring snacks. Drink water consistently.
Mistake #5: Underestimating the Importance of Fit
Ski gear is a serious investment, and how you treat it off the slopes is just as important as how you use it on them. One of the most common mistakes skiers make, especially on multi-day trips, is neglecting their equipment at the end of the day.
Start with your boots. Cold temperatures make boot shells stiff and nearly impossible to get on in the morning, so always bring your boots inside overnight. Use a boot dryer to remove moisture from the liners, which not only makes them more comfortable the next day but extends their lifespan. While you're at it, bring your gloves inside too. Wet, frozen gloves are miserable to ski in. If you have leather gloves, apply a leather balm regularly to keep them supple and water-resistant.
Your jacket and outerwear deserve attention as well. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that makes your shell bead water eventually wears down with use and washing. Re-treating your jacket with a DWR spray keeps you dry and warm instead of soaked and heavy.
The small habits matter too. Wear clean, dry socks every day for warmth, comfort, and to avoid blisters.
Our team at Footloose Sports can point you in the right direction so your gear is always ready when you are.
Let Footloose Sports Handle Your Outfitting
Footloose Sports has been fitting skiers since 1981. Whether you need demo skis tuned for current conditions, boots fitted by people who actually ski the mountain, or help building out a layering system that works for Mammoth's elevation, we've got you covered, without the guesswork.
Stop by before you head up the mountain. Our team will get you set up right so your first Mammoth trip is the one that turns you into a skier for life.