Question: Closest field to LA??? Openning date???

[Kiwi Ski Girl]

Hey all

I'm coming to LA 11 - 20 November and will be missing the end of our season down under (which will be on 16 November and it has been EPIC!). I have just realised that your season must be starting in November , so I'm trying to suss out if a) it's viable to drive somewhere from LA for just one days skiing and b) where to go and c) will it be worth it at the start of the season - good conditions? I've heard of Mammoth and Big Bear, but have no concept of how long it'd take to get there.

Comments/advice?!?

 

[Eliza]

Hi there!

Not sure I'm the right person to be answering this, since I live ~ 1.5 hours north of LA, but I've been to Mammoth and Big Bear a few times. Mammoth says they are opening Nov 13, and Big Bear/Snow Summit says "Late November", whatever that means. Mammoth is about 5 (?) hours from LA, depending on where you are and traffic, and Big Bear is about 2-3 (?) also depending on traffic. Mammoth would be your best bet, but I don't think the snow will be any good that early, unless we get a freak storm. Right now it's 100 degrees where I live, so it's hard to imagine! Keep an eye on the weather, and you may be in luck!

Mammoth is awesome, if you have a chance to get there and the snow is good!

 

[SkiNurse]

The "local" mountains outside of Los Angeles (and I think they are within an hour) Mountain High, Snow Summit & Big Bear.

I have not been to those mountains in over 17 years (since I moved to Colorado) so I don't know when they open.

https://www.mthigh.com/home.html
https://www.bigbearmountainresorts.com/index_winter.php

 

[Kiwi Ski Girl]

Thanks heaps for the info. I'm seriously considering those options! Gotta keep feeding the addiction!

 

[SnowHot]

I followed Shellski's photos and trip report. Looks like you've had some good snow down there.
Tell us more!

 

[Kiwi Ski Girl]

It's been the best season I can remember since about 1995! I'll post some details/pics in the trip report section...

 

[skibum4ever]

Mammoth may open as early as next week. Check out www.mammothmountain.com
for details.

You should check out Mammoth while you're here. If you want any specific info, send me a PM and I'll try to answer your questions.

 

[Kiwi Ski Girl]

YAY!!! I'm dead keen - looks amazing. I'll be checking their snow report and webcams every day now! Only 10 days until I fly out...