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Skiing in cali

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ezav
Posts: 185 - Karma: 626
I'm heading to san diego at the end of next december for a friend's wedding and im planning on taking a few days to ski in cali. I would prefer to go farther (tahoe, mammoth, etc), but that might not be an option.

Would smaller resorts like bear mtn or buckhorn even have snow that early? Is it worth the many extra hours of driving for bigger resorts farther north? What places near/far would you guys recommend (for park and piste, im not big on pow)?
Jul 8 2018 11:52PM
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charliexm
Posts: 17 - Karma: 60
As somebody who grew up skiing in Tahoe I'd say it is definitely worth it to take the extra time to get to either Mammoth or one of the Tahoe resorts (Squaw, Alpine, Kirkwood, Northstar's park, Sugar Bowl). I've never skied Buckhorn but Big Bear generally has a dope park set up (can't speak to when it will be open though).

In terms of skiing park I'd say get to Mammoth or Northstar. Mammy speaks for itself but Northstar always has a great set up. If you are looking to get sendy and the conditions are good then nothing beats Squaw Valley (I live in CO now and still swear by that statement).
Jul 9 2018 12:24AM
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MikeSmithDoesNo
Posts: 13 - Karma: 26
Lived in SD for a year. Mammoth is about six hours without traffic. Heavenly is nine without stops and traffic. If you're going to ski for a few days and want to hit something worth it, just fly into one of those places before or after.

Bear is what it is but it's about 3 hours.

Come to Southern California for the beaches and weather.. not skiing.
Jul 9 2018 3:21AM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3652 - Karma: 8,888
What are you silly? Of course you should send it! I am still waiting for my big day when I can tour those big resorts
Jul 9 2018 1:23PM
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Holte
Posts: 10740 - Karma: 7,816
Bear will have snow in December, but if you have a few days to spend on the snow, drive the extra 3 hours to Mammoth. SoCal places like Bear and High don't even compare.
Jul 9 2018 3:16PM
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artdamage
Posts: 70 - Karma: 730
Bear and Snow Summit should have snow. I lived in Orange County up until last year, and those two resorts were my go-to spots for day trips
Jul 9 2018 5:20PM
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Colingarnes
Posts: 610 - Karma: 2,646
Bear is like a Pennsylvania mountain. Mammtoh and Tahoe are real mountains.
Jul 9 2018 7:16PM
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B_K
Posts: 723 - Karma: 1,293
If you go to tahoe dont just ski at northstar. Yes the park is pretty sick but if you actually want to ski real mountains on real snow go to squaw
Jul 9 2018 7:30PM
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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,299
B_KIf you go to tahoe dont just ski at northstar. Yes the park is pretty sick but if you actually want to ski real mountains on real snow go to squaw

Squaw is dope. But honestly I think if you are looking to save a few bucks go to sierra at tahoe. Tje terrain is awesome and the prices are reasonable. Also the crowds are small compared to the other big resorts around tahoe.
Jul 9 2018 9:30PM
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B_K
Posts: 723 - Karma: 1,293
JoeF2661Squaw is dope. But honestly I think if you are looking to save a few bucks go to sierra at tahoe. Tje terrain is awesome and the prices are reasonable. Also the crowds are small compared to the other big resorts around tahoe.



sugar bowl isnt a bad look either. An honestly, if all of boreal is open you can find some decent terrain there for like half the price of all the other resorts and they have a dope park
Jul 9 2018 10:24PM
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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,299
B_Ksugar bowl isnt a bad look either. An honestly, if all of boreal is open you can find some decent terrain there for like half the price of all the other resorts and they have a dope park


You're right sugar bowl is sick. I've only ridden there once. Boreal is a funny place. Someone on NS called it the dive bar of tahoe resorts and I thought that description fit it perfectly. Fun place though.
Jul 9 2018 10:28PM
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Knewnews
Posts: 2093 - Karma: 477
HolteBear will have snow in December, but if you have a few days to spend on the snow, drive the extra 3 hours to Mammoth. SoCal places like Bear and High don't even compare.


maybe, it is in the desert. it will be open but might be just one run.
Jul 9 2018 10:31PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4811 - Karma: 17,057
B_KAnd honestly, if all of boreal is open you can find some decent terrain there for like half the price of all the other resorts and they have a dope park

This is fake news. The park might be great but the terrain is 500' vertical of green and blue runs.

I don't ski park so can't speak to that aside from what I hear and see. The vibe is super chill and low key. It is also a great place for beginners. The chairs are close to the lodge and the hill is very mellow.

If you're going to make any kind of drive from SD to go ski I think Mammoth, Kirkwood (if you can find lodging) or Squaw.

**This post was edited on Jul 9th 2018 at 11:54:23pm
Jul 9 2018 11:52PM
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