Out of the past three weekends, Aubrey and I managed to spend two of them near Mammoth, CA, in preparation for a trip we hope to do later this spring. Although the main goals for these trips were (a) to remember how ski, and (b) to relearn avalanche safety, we happened to be in the right place at the right time to capture some beautiful light.

Mammoth is particularly special in that it is one of the few places in the world that combines excellent in-bounds and backcountry skiing, desert weather, and natural hot springs. We took full advantage of all of these opportunities! Here’s a few images from our two trips.

Sierra Nevada Panorama, Juniper Desert, Sunshine

Juniper Morning : Prints Available

Morning sunshine brings warmth to this panorama of frigid juniper studded high desert east of the Sierra Nevada. The prominent peak in the distance is Mt Morrison, near Convict Lake.

0 degrees

We woke up to a 0° F morning, but fortunately the hot springs were only 50 feet away! The evening before our propane heated red camping cube kept us warm at a balmy 70° F while the outside temperatures were 15° F.

Hot Springs

Steaming hot springs with a view of the snowy Sierra Nevada.

Mt Morrison, Sierra Nevada, Winter

Stormlight : Prints Available

Mt Morrison, at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada near Convict Lake, catches the brunt of a powerful wind and snow storm.

Winter Storm, Sierra Nevada, California

Winds of Fury : Prints Available

Powerful stormy winter winds whip snow into the air over the rugged ridges of Mt Morrison, near Convict Lake and Mammoth, in California's Sierra Nevada.

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5 Comments to “Winds of Winter ~ Mammoth, CA”

  1. Beautiful work, Floris! I always find Mt. Morrison is one the most impressive peaks along 395. Those last two images are wonderful!

  2. Chris Kayler says:

    Awesome! The final image is really special. Love the quality of light.

  3. Awesome images as usual, Floris. Been hoping to get over there this winter. You got some very inspiring images. Got any shots that peek inside that toasty warm red thing? 🙂

  4. Thanks Gary! I didn’t get any from inside the cozy red thing this time – I’ll have to get one next time we set it up!

  5. Awesome photo of “Stormlight” – in black and white. Although the blk & wh does not give it justice, it gives it a certain “mystic” appearance to it! Postcard material!