Las Vegas-Mammoth-San Francisco

Our usual ski group are looking at the possibility of a two week trip to the States next year. We were thinking of 4 days in Vegas, 7 in Mammoth and 3 in San Francisco. Any thoughts on best time to go, and our schedule?

The best chance of great snow conditions at Mammoth are from February through March, but, I've been at Mammoth over Christmas when it snowed over 6 feet in 2 days. Maybe this coming year will be a good one with the predicted el nino weather pattern, then, anytime should find plenty of snow. Mammoth had an over 600 inch season snowfall a couple years ago.

If you really like gambling, I guess Vegas is OK for 4 days. I can hardly stay there for more than 2. I would probably start in San Fran and then fly to Mammoth (can't drive there from SF in a reasonable time during winter). Las Vegas is 4-5 hours by car from Mammoth. I don't think there are direct flights between Las Vegas and Mammoth so, unless you want to spend lots on airfare (flying from SF to Las Vegas and back then flying from SF to Mammoth), renting a car in Mammoth might be a good option, but then, you'd have to drive back to Mammoth and then return flight to SF. Kind of hard to fit those 3 in one trip.

Thanks for your reply.

You are right we are struggling to piece it all together. It is way too far to go just for a skiing trip, so we are trying to find the right balance of seeing a bit of America while we are there.

ps I am partial to a game of poker, so I guess I am a bit of a gambler. :)

Go to Reno instead.

How about flying to Denver for somewhere like Vail etc., then fly back via New York?

Alternatively, San Francisco then drive to Tahoe (say, Heavenly), then fly Reno to New York, the NY back home.

Don't fall prey to the Tour Brochure maps that place the like of Las Vegas apparently close to Mammoth, or SFR not far from Tahoe. The High Sierras can get massive amounts of snowfall that can make driving difficult. I've driven from Denver to Vail all on Freeways in winter and that was enough for me!

I've been contradicted on this but I'd also recommend getting over the jetlag first at your point of arrival i.e. do the NY holiday before the skiing. Having driven from SFR to Tahoe starting at 10am (already there on business) I can't imagine doing the drive after a 10-hour transatlatic flight that arrives in SFR at 3/4pm; picking up the car; and then doing the 4-5 hours in the dark to Tahoe.

You could fly to Reno and get a hotel. There are shuttle buses to Mt Rose or a 45 minute drive to either Heavenly, Northstar or Squaw. Roads are clear and is not an issue. All the gambling, shows and entertainment at a much lower price.

Just my personal opinion, but I think that Las Vegas is better as a non-winter destination and while interesting to visit for a few days, is better in combination with a road trip. We've done late summer drives of Las Vegas->Denver, and Phoenix->Grand Canyon->Las Vegas->Death Valley->Mammoth->San Francisco.

As Sam94123 indicates, the Nevada half of Heavenly (the town is split by the border with CA) provides a good casino experience.

The problem for Brits is that regular direct flights from the UK go to Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix and San Francisco but not to anywhere smaller such as Reno. So if you're planning a winter 2-site trip, then you're forced to go to New York or SFR for your local connection. Some people have no problem with the transatlantic journey time and jetlag but I do. The flights usually arrive late afternoon as well, making it a real trek to get through immigration; pick up the hire car; then drive in the dark to your destination. Or alternatively, wait for a connecting flight (e.g. SFR->Reno) etc.

Southwest Airlines has flights that include a lot of luggage. I would fly to San Francisco r/t get some accommodations in Heavenly and get the Epic Tahoe local pass. You get three ski areas in Tahoe on one pass. http://www.snow.com/epic-pass/passes/tahoe-local-pass.aspx?cmpid=PPC302862206?gclid=CITpiIX_hcYCFVNufgodvIIA3g Pays for itself in around 4 ski days.

If time permits, then go to Park City for 5 days which is include. Reno to SLC on SWA or drive the 9 hours and drop the car off at Salt Lake airport.