 Poster: A snowHead
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We are thinking of going to LA to visit friends late March/first couple of weeks April and wondered if that is too late to fit in a few days ski-ing in Lake Tahoe area. Can anyone advise what conditions are likely to be at that time of year (I cannot see on the Heavenly website where it says when their season ends), where is best to base ourselves - Heavenly or Kirkwood or...? Accommodation recommendations really welcome, also easiest way to get there from LA. We are 2 adults (intermediate skiers), 2 children (8 & 10, just done their second weeks skiing). Have noticed Heavenly and Kirkwood get recs on the thread about best ski resort no-ones ever heard of, but cannot work out how to pm the authors of those posts (help - someone tell me how to do a pm!)
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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gamekeeper, From LA I'd be heading for Mammoth... Tahoe is best accessed from San Fran and, unless you're willing to fly LA to Reno and then transfer, it's a massive journey for just a few days (I'm assuming here you're driving). As it is Mammoth should take you up to 6 hours from LA. I've not been there since Intrawest built the new village (and I hear it's great) but I liked the mountain. Plenty there for your team. I have trouble PMing as well... normally discover how by accident.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Mammoth is usually open from at least Nov to May. Sometimes Oct to Jul. There will be more than enough open in Apr to fill a weekend.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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gamekeeper, I'm heading to Tahoe on 17th March (need to book my flights yet) - going in to Reno. I've been assured the conditions should be excellent then.
I'm going out for ESA West, and the EpicSki Gathering - so if you around then, there'll be a crowd of us out there.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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gamekeeper, we skiied Mammoth and Tahoe in april 2005 and conditions in both areas were great, there are a few pics in my gallery which will show you there was plenty of snow. It was apparently the same in 2006.
As Bode Swiller, says Mammoth is a far better best if you are planning to drive from LA. We stayed at the Mammoth Creek Inn which was very nice. Most places in Mammoth will require a drive to the lifts each day but as long as you dont mind that you'll be spoilt for choice.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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gamekeeper, distance may be an issue (unless as suggested you catch a plane) but conditions at Heavenly should be good. We were there last easter (9th - 15th April) and they looked like this:
Best snow I've EVER skied, by miles. Resort is great too, we rode the gondola up from outside our hotel door each morning.
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Still considering a trip to Tahoe in late March early April.
AxsMan, It is photos like that which inspired me 
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Thanks to all who have replied so far, very inspirational photos. Will be looking into the options re flights/driving etc, AxsMan where did you stay? Are there any other small resorts nearer to LA than Mammoth does anyone know?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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gamekeeper, Skied in Mammoth in April a couple of year sback, and it is fab. Can't remember the name of the hotel - the alpenhof or something - but it was next to the new Intrawest development and a 10 metre walk to the lift. The development meant that there were bars, restaurants, shops etc right outside the door, and I will definately be going back. Take a car, have a day in June whilst you are there - we were literally the only people on the mountain whilst we were there, and it has a huge terrain park which was in excellent condition.
We were there for 10 days, then drove through Death Valley and met up with a stag do in Las Vegas - a truly magnificent holiday.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Are there any other small resorts nearer to LA than Mammoth does anyone know?
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Try this site
http://www.socalskiresorts.com/
It will take you to Mammoth and June and a few others. If you go for the ones nearer LA go during the week as I imagine that there would be an huge weekend influx from LA........as there is, to an extent at Mammoth as the Angelenos are not fazed at all by the drive up. We skied there in April 2005, marvellous conditions and very empty slopes Mon to Fri but it did get busier at the weekend. A trip to June Mountain at the weekend should mean lesser crowds as it is Mammoth that gets really busy.
Having done the drive from LA (in good weather) it is pretty easy and scenic, so if you can afford the time give it a go.
If you want to do Tahoe then fly from LA to Reno (flight is 1 hour). From there it is less than an hour to North or South of the Lake. It would be a very long drive. Alternatively fly to San Francisco and drive from there (2.5 to 3 hours) or Sacramento (maybe 1-1.5 hours).
Both Mammoth and Tahoe have any number of condos etc for rental through agencies which you can find on the local visitor centre websites. There are also loads of hotels of varying quality from top notch to Bates Motel type places
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FAQ
) . Great place, will probably go back again next year.
)