Mountain Connection Starts Here

Through the support of our Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant, Access Mammoth is able to offer free lessons and camp participation to injured, ill, or wounded veterans and service members. All program fees are fully waived, ensuring every participant can focus on connection and the healing power of the mountains, at no cost.

Those who’ve served know that it’s something that never leaves you. Neither does the mountain. Access Mammoth offers specialized outdoor programs for veterans and active-duty military personnel with disabilities, helping them reconnect with movement, nature and purpose.

Whether it’s a solo lesson or a multi-day group camp, our mission is simple: create fun and individualized outdoor experiences in the Eastern Sierra.

Group of adaptive athletes and supporters posing at Mammoth Mountain summit under American flags with panoramic Sierra Nevada views.

Operation Mountain Freedom and Operation High Altitude

Each year, Access Mammoth (through DSES) hosts weeklong adaptive sports camps exclusively for military athletes with disabilities. Participants engage in skiing, paddling, hiking, biking and more. All supported by expert staff and a community that understands.

When space allows, veterans may bring a spouse, caregiver or friend to share the experience.

These camps build confidence, camaraderie and a lasting connection to the outdoors. They are free of charge to qualifying participants thanks to generous donors and partners.

The Jack & Kathy Copeland Center at Fern Creek Lodge

Anchored in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, this state-of-the-art facility was built for reflection, recovery and reconnection. Formerly known as the National Wounded Warrior Center, it has been renamed to honor the vision and commitment of Jack and Kathy Copeland.

Backed by the Tambour Foundation and campaign champions Ruth and Roger MacFarlane, the lodge offers veterans and service members a place for:

  • Self-guided recovery and empowerment
  • Group retreats and therapeutic programming
  • Nature-forward living and adaptive recreation

The Copeland Center is designed to help you discover a new path forward.

Access Mammoth Jack and Kathy Copeland center AI Rendering of building in front of an Eastern Sierra landscape
Access Mammoth AI rendering of the floor plan of the Jack and Kathy Copeland center

Lets Lay Down Some Tracks

Winter sports reservations open on October 1, 2025. Winter lessons run from December through April.

Summer sports reservations open on June 3, 2026. Summer lessons run from June through September.

We offer daily sessions, seasonal programs, and multi-day experiences.

Register Now or Contact Us to learn more.

Lesson Info:

times:

Morning:
9:30 a.m. – Noon

Afternoon:
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m

price:

$205 per 2.5-hour lesson
Includes equipment, instruction, and any necessary lift or Adventure Center tickets.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships are available. Just ask—we believe cost shouldn’t keep anyone off the trail or out of the water.

Access Mammoth is proud to support our nation’s injured, ill, and wounded service members and veterans. Through our Department of Veteran Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant, we provide all lessons and camps at no cost to military members. 

Sign Up in Three Simple Steps

Complete Registration Form and Liability Release

Complete Move United
Liability Release

Call us 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daily

Reservations: We do not accept reservations by email. Advanced reservations are required with at least 24 hours’ notice.

If you need rentals, lift tickets, Adventure Center tickets, or a lesson (Monday–Friday), please call at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Cancellation Policy: Athletes may cancel a lesson at any time, but a $50 cancellation fee will be applied. Please contact us to cancel a lesson.

Questions: If you have any questions or want to talk more about building your adventure, please call 760-934-0791 or camps@accessmammoth.org. Thank you!