Adult Snowboarding School at Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain’s snowboarding school in Mammoth Lakes, California, provide expert-led lessons focusing on safety and key skills for safe play

In thinking of things that I wanted to try in 2025, there was one thing that stood out in regards to Mammoth Mountain: taking my first snowboarding class.

Now, I’ve always had a thing for the effortless chill of a skateboarder aesthetic. Plus, I never really felt comfortable with the idea of skiing. For some reason – even though I’ve taken lessons at Vail, Colorado –  I’ve always felt out of sorts with my ski boots, skis and poles. So, I put on my Goal List of 2025 to: Take a Snowboarding Class at Mammoth Mountain.

Booking the group class was easy. I went to the Mammoth Mountain Ski & Snowboard Lessons website and selected the 2-Hour Adult First-Time Snowboard Lesson at Canyon Lodge, added the included Half Day Beginner Lift Ticket and added the Adult Snowboard Rental Package – Half-Day from Mammoth Canyon Lodge Rentals.

Getting to Canyon Lodge

Getting to Canyon Lodge from Outbound Mammoth was EXCEPTIONALLY easy. It was a light walk to the Teal bus line stop, on Tavern Road, off of Old Mammoth Road. From there, it’s an easy short and free bus ride to the gondola stop at Mammoth Village. From there, it’s a quick and easy – and beautiful – gondola ride up to the base of Canyon Lodge.

Rentals

Renting my gear here was honestly easier than renting gear for my Adult Beginner Half Day Group Ski Lesson with Vail Mountain in Colorado. Because, instead of trekking from the base of the Vail to the gondola and meeting my instructor at the top of the mountain – EVERYTHING was right there at Canyon Base.

After exiting the gondola, I immediately walked into the base building and made my way to the rentals. I got my shoes first. Then, I walked over to the board rental and got my bindings fitted to my board. Along with my helmet – and I was all set.

Immediately, I was MUCH more comfortable with my snowboarding boots than ski boots have ever been. Instead of frustrating pain in every step, it was easy to walk around.

I easily walked from the rentals, to the ski ticket area to get my half day pass, and to the lockers to put away my beanie and walking shoes. After getting directions from helpful staff, I found my way to the meetup area for my Adult Snowboarding class.

Adult Snowboarding Class

Snowboarding is a mix of exhilaration, exhaustion, and a touch of terror. But above all, it’s absolutely incredible.

My instructor, Alex Di Rocco, was patient, approachable, and expertly guided me through my first lesson. At first, I was hyper-aware of everyone around me and consumed by the fear of falling. Then I fell—and oddly enough, that made everything better.

The key to starting out in snowboarding is leaning back and keeping your toes up. It’s thrilling but undeniably intimidating because falling is inevitable. The trick is embracing it. Once you do, it’s pure joy.

Apres Snowboarding at Canyon Beach Bar

Afterward, it was my pleasure to relax, take stock of my adventure and order a an Apres Snow Time Drink. After browsing the liquor selection, I ordered the TOASTED MARSHMALLOW (Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka, Frangelico, hot cocoa, caramel sauce) with an added shot of – my favorite – HIGH WEST BOURBON (Straight Bourbon Whiskey). It reminded me of my favorite time at the High West Refectory and Tasting Room in Utah.

Personally, I think it’s better than Pappy Van Winkle 15-year that I’ve had. But, when you’re drinking a delicious pipping hot adult beverage on the slopes,  everything tastes good – to be honest.

Final Thoughts

As the sun dipped behind Mammoth Mountain, I was filled with gratitude for the beauty of the day and pride in not letting my age hold me back from trying something new. I met incredible snowboarders who shared tips on choosing a board, selecting bindings, and staying motivated to improve, making me feel instantly welcomed into a vibrant community. Connecting with others fueled my dream of one day mastering the thrill of expertly launching myself down a mountain for sheer pleasure – and not hitting any trees.

Sipping my Toasted Marshmallow and chatting with fellow snow enthusiasts on my way back to Outbound Mammoth, I felt a profound awakening of a long-buried love for adventure. It left me yearning for more: more adventures in the snow, more pushing myself and growing and a deep eagerness to embrace whatever 2025 throws my way.

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