Kirkwood vs. Mammoth for So. CA powder skiers/boarders

[baldyskier]

Since Kirkwood is maybe 2 hours longer drive from LA area than Mammoth, and the powder tends to be better in Kirkwood, doesn't it make sense to drive to Kirkwood to catch powder after a dump, esp. when the storm is windy? I suppose it would require waiting out the storm, though, as the roads would be bad heading to either resort.
How many days after a big dump can one ski powder at Kirkwood? How about Mammoth?

Thanks.

 

[Tony Crocker]

It's 2+ hours past Mammoth to the Carson Valley, where I've stayed on a couple of trips. Nice lodging and cheap, usually done to avoid President's weekend crowds/prices at South Lake Tahoe. From there 45 minutes to Kirkwood, 20 minutes to Nevada base Heavenly, 1+ hour to Mt. Rose.

Kirkwood is the best mountain for powder in the Sierra, more snow and definitely less wind affected than Mammoth. The road over Carson Pass can be tough, slowing down that 45 minute commute, same distance and slightly easier (one less pass) than South Tahoe to Kirkwood.

It's still a long drive from L.A. I wouldn't do it for less than 3 days, I usually make it 4.