I'll be in Santa Barbara for a few days in late Dec / Jan. and might extend the trip to ski. Where should I go? I think I have 3 options: Tahoe, Mammoth, LA areas.
I've been to Tahoe and its great, but I think the drive might be killer. Anyone know how long it takes?
Mammoth looks to be a bit closer, but still pretty far. It looks like the way to go would be on US 395. Is this road a freeway? Can you travel fast on it? Anyone know how long it takes to get there?
There are many LA areas and they are the closest by far. Has anyone skied these areas? Are they any good for advance skiers? Will they be fully open in Dec?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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CA skiing
Started by nathanvg, Aug 04 2005 09:42 AM
6 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 04 August 2005 - 05:58 PM
Well, I have good news and some bad news for you.
First, it is a good 7 hours from Santa Barbara to Mammoth.
It is 10 hours to Tahoe.
If you are short of time, I wouldn't try Tahoe.
Mammoth is about 370 miles from Santa Barbara, and, no, the 395 is not a freeway. However, it is a four lane highway. The speed limit for the majority of the journey, other than in the towns, is 65 miles per hour; the road should be completely devoid of traffic; and the scenery is fantastic once you get into Lone Pine. As far as driving fast, well, don't go above 75 between Bishop and Mammoth, as they patrol pretty well through there.
The LA resorts are 1.5 to 2 hours from Santa Barbara, as far as I can tell. I have skied two of the LA areas: Bear Mountain and Mount Baldy. I would no longer recommend Bear Mountain, as it has been turned into an all-mountain terrain park. However, my friend swears by its sister resort, Snow Summit. Is Snow Summit challenging to the advanced skier? Well, there are a few runs that might fit the bill, but you would probably tire of them pretty fast. Is Mount Baldy challenging to the advanced skier? Heck yes! You can get it as scary as you want there. Now, for the big question: will they be completely open in late December? Snow Summit probably will, but don't expect any tree skiing. Mount Baldy is another story. Look for maybe a quarter of the terrain to be skiable in a bad year, or, if you are incredibly lucky, the whole thing might be open down to the parking lot 2000 or so feet of vertical below. No matter what, don't expect good snow, as you will be sorely disappointed if you do.
My recommendation is to try Mount Baldy. Even if it is crap (like what I skied there this last mid-November) it is an experience all its own.
First, it is a good 7 hours from Santa Barbara to Mammoth.
It is 10 hours to Tahoe.
If you are short of time, I wouldn't try Tahoe.
Mammoth is about 370 miles from Santa Barbara, and, no, the 395 is not a freeway. However, it is a four lane highway. The speed limit for the majority of the journey, other than in the towns, is 65 miles per hour; the road should be completely devoid of traffic; and the scenery is fantastic once you get into Lone Pine. As far as driving fast, well, don't go above 75 between Bishop and Mammoth, as they patrol pretty well through there.
The LA resorts are 1.5 to 2 hours from Santa Barbara, as far as I can tell. I have skied two of the LA areas: Bear Mountain and Mount Baldy. I would no longer recommend Bear Mountain, as it has been turned into an all-mountain terrain park. However, my friend swears by its sister resort, Snow Summit. Is Snow Summit challenging to the advanced skier? Well, there are a few runs that might fit the bill, but you would probably tire of them pretty fast. Is Mount Baldy challenging to the advanced skier? Heck yes! You can get it as scary as you want there. Now, for the big question: will they be completely open in late December? Snow Summit probably will, but don't expect any tree skiing. Mount Baldy is another story. Look for maybe a quarter of the terrain to be skiable in a bad year, or, if you are incredibly lucky, the whole thing might be open down to the parking lot 2000 or so feet of vertical below. No matter what, don't expect good snow, as you will be sorely disappointed if you do.
My recommendation is to try Mount Baldy. Even if it is crap (like what I skied there this last mid-November) it is an experience all its own.
"Quo usque tandem abutere, Catalina, patientia nostra?" -Cicero
#3
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Posted 05 August 2005 - 08:35 AM
Actually, as far as skiing in Tahoe, you could probably get there in 8 hours if you take the I-5 to the I-80 (Don't take the 50; it is an awful road).
This post has been edited by CAski: 05 August 2005 - 08:37 AM
"Quo usque tandem abutere, Catalina, patientia nostra?" -Cicero
#4
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Posted 05 August 2005 - 03:21 PM
I have skied all the southern california resorts and I would reccomend Mt. Baldy and Mt. High. Mt Baldy has some of the hardest runs I have skied outside of mammoth and Mt. High has several fairly steep runs on the east side of the mountain.
#5
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Posted 05 August 2005 - 07:36 PM
Baldy will either be awsome or total crap check their website. Also remember when they say it snowed 3 feet it's probably 2 inches. If I were you I'd ride Summit. High is ok but again don't count on a lot of crusing/advanced terrain open. Baldy and Summit are freeride resorts. High and Bear are mostly freestyle.
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Posted 16 September 2005 - 05:41 PM
It depends on what kind of skiing you like. Mammoth has some realy nice park and prepared runs, but nothing like what Tahoe has to offer when it comes to steep and deep. The drive to Mammoth is a crawl and the flight to Tahoe is worth it. Norcal is realy another state when you look at the time and distance it takes to get there. You can catch a southwest flight to SF or Sacramento and then take a gambler bus right to the lake. Quick and cheap but why not rent a board and surf while you can! Lot's of great beach and beginner surf in Socal. Good luck.
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#7
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Posted 17 September 2005 - 11:43 PM
I live in LA, and ski Mammoth every winter. You would be best off skipping the Southern California areas if you are looking for technical lines. I cannot comment on Tahoe, as I have never been there, but you could probably fly from SB to Reno/Tahoe Int'l airport.
The 395 is a long drive and part of it is just two lane (non-divided) highway, but it is a very unique drive. The mountains that line the Owens Valley are really amazing.
Average crusing speed on the 395 is 80-85, although I have carpooled with people who were comfortable setting the coast at 100.
Mammoth has some really great terrain, and is usually fully open by Thanksgiving. Last year they had nearly full coverage by halloween, with exceptional coverage by January 1.
The 395 is a long drive and part of it is just two lane (non-divided) highway, but it is a very unique drive. The mountains that line the Owens Valley are really amazing.
Average crusing speed on the 395 is 80-85, although I have carpooled with people who were comfortable setting the coast at 100.
Mammoth has some really great terrain, and is usually fully open by Thanksgiving. Last year they had nearly full coverage by halloween, with exceptional coverage by January 1.
Representing Hood at Mammoth.
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