Not the greatest waves but it is what it is. Venice
Greatest mountain out there. Mammoth has SO much terrain you never get tired of the same runs. People are cool, price is creeping up but still can't be beat for what you pay for. You can find some great deals for lodging if you rent out a condo/cabin. I always use: http://www.mammothvacations.com/ for some really great deals. We always stay near the new village gondola for easy walk up access to Canyon Lodge. And the drive ain't THAT bad from LA. Just make sure to slow down as you pass through the smaller towns (Bishop, Independence, Lone Pine)...tons of speedtraps. And check out Schat's Bakery (www.erickschatsbakery.com) for some damn good cheese bread. Mammoth
Haven't been since they converted to a full terrain park mountain...but you can't beat getting access to both Bear and Summit with one ticket (it's still like that right?) Big Bear is still the best option for SoCal...even though its easier to get to Mt. High. I prefer to earn my time on the snow. Bear Mountain
