June Lake Blanketed in Snow. photo by Tim Trerise

June Lake Blanketed in Snow. photo by Tim Trerise

Make plans to attend the inaugural June Lake Winter Festival and Triple Threat Winter Triathlon happening Feb. 1-3, 2013.

Festivities begin on Friday with registration for the Triple Threat Triathlon (for those who didn’t register online ahead of time at www.Active.com).  Also on tap will be snowman-making and snow-sculpting prep along Main Street, and a Welcome Party at the Sierra Inn.

On Saturday, catch the action at the first ever Triple Threat Winter Triathlon – a race that combines cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and laser rifle shooting.   When the race concludes, walk through town to view the snow sculptures – don’t forget to vote on your favorites – and enjoy free promotions hosted by local businesses at the June Lake Village Snow Stroll.  After that, take the kids to the Family Fun Zone located at the base of June Mountain and build a snowman at the Snowman Camp, compete in the Family Obstacle Course, Snowball Shot Put or Icicle Javelin games, enjoy the mini sledding hill, music, and grab a hot drink.   The Family Fun Zone is open from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

More about the Triple Threat:

The exciting June Lake Triple Threat Winter Triathlon is a new event that will test athletes’ prowess at snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and laser rifle shooting.  This competitive race will take place at the Junction of Hwy. 395 and 158 and will provide fast-paced fun for both participants and spectators.  Novice racers are encouraged to give the Triple Threat a try.  Race divisions include Kids 12 and under, Young Adults 13 – 18, Adults, Seniors, and there’s also a Relay option.  Cost to participate is $30 per adult, $15 per child and/or for Relay racers.  To register for the Triathlon, go to www.Active.com and enter the keywords ”June Lake Triple Threat” or drop by the June Lake Info Kiosk at the Junction on Friday afternoon between 1 and 4 p.m. Last-minute folks can sign up on Saturday morning before 9 a.m. at the Kiosk. Racers are encouraged to try out the course or practice shooting on Friday between 2 and 4 p.m.

Experience the charm of June Lake Village as the lit-up town comes alive on Saturday evening as revelers gather round the bonfire.  Down canyon, the popular band Jelly Bread will perform at 7 p.m. at the Double Eagle Resort where there is plenty of parking.

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 www.visitjune.com/transportation.

“June Lake is thrilled to be hosting this first-ever Winter Festival as it showcases the wide variety of outdoor winter recreation available here, from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow play and more,” said Ralph Lockhart, June Lake Chamber member and local business owner. “We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to June Lake!”

Don’t leave June without stopping by the Snowman Camp, the Eastern Sierra’s only Snowman Camp located at the Family Fun Zone in the June Mountain parking lot.  Visitors are encouraged to create their own masterpiece in the weeks leading up to the event, whether it’s a snowman, snow-woman or snow-child.

Affordable lodging, from $69 per night:  One of the best parts about staying in June Lake is the affordability factor which can make a true mountain getaway possible for those looking to stretch their vacation dollars.  A range of lodges, hotels, motels and private cabins are available starting at only $69 per night.  Lift ticket and lodging deals are being offered by various properties throughout the season.   Log onto VisitJune.com or call 1-800-845-7922 for more information.

The intimate mountain village of June Lake, Calif. is located in the Eastern Sierra approximately 310 miles from Los Angeles.  From the San Francisco Bay Area, June Lake is about 360 miles on Highways 80 and 50 to US 395 in the winter.  Nestled below towering granite mountain peaks and situated along the well-maintained June Lake Loop/Highway 158, June Lake is well deserving of its nickname, the Switzerland of California.  Endless winter activities in this peaceful, pristine retreat are available, including skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mammoth Mountain, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and just good old-fashioned fun in the snow like sledding or building snowmen to add to the Snowman Camp population!  Just 20 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, numerous lodging properties, restaurants, shops, and four gorgeous lakes combine with majestic alpine scenery to make June Lake a magical winter retreat and, quite simply, a deeper mountain experience. 

For more information or for a free June Lake Visitor Guide and Map, check out VisitJune.com, Facebook.com/JuneLakeLoop or call 800-845-7922.

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