SeeCalifornia.com

Question: What do you do when your ski slopes shut down?
Answer: If you’re June Mountain, you launch Winter Festival and Triple Threat Winter Triathlon.

2o minutes north of famed Mammoth Lakes is the lesser known June Mountain, which until 2013 ski season featured a ski resort. It was closed due to financial concerns. The Winter Festival may be the start of something big!  June Lake Winter Festival takes place February 1-3, 2013. It includes snowman-making and snow-sculpting along Main Street, a Welcome Party at the Sierra Inn, and the first ever Triple Threat Winter Triathlon – a race that combines cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and laser rifle shooting.  Family Fun Zone located at the base of June Mountain, Snowman Camp, Family Obstacle Course, Snowball Shot Put or Icicle Javelin games, mini sledding hill, music, warm beverages keep families and friends energized from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

June Lake Triple Threat Winter Triathlon is a new event with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and laser rifle shooting.  Race divisions include ages 12 and under, 13 – 18, Adults, Seniors, and there’s also a Relay option.  Cost $30, $15 per child and/or for Relay racers. Register at Active.com and enter the keywords  June Lake Triple Threat .  For visitors staying in Mammoth Lakes, hop on the free shuttle bus that runs during the day between Mammoth Lakes and June Lake.  A shuttle schedule is posted at  visitjune.com. Other winter festivals in the Sierra Nevada mountains include Carve Tahoe at Lake Tahoe and Chefs Holidays in Yosemite National Park.