If you could merge the park/groomers/snowmaking of those places with the steeps Baldy has that would really be something. One problem is that they simply don't have much intermediate terrain that keeps snow. There are the groomers on Thunder, but chair 4 faces east/southeast and does not keep it's snow, it is green over there. There just is not much feasible intermediate terrain.
For those of you in the LA area, this is actually a good idea. My wife and I go up to Mammoth 2, sometimes 3 weekends a month. She usually comes with me but sometimes I am solo. This is a bus that will go up to Mammoth, then leave the same evening. I actually emailed the guys who do it and you can come back the next evening, Sunday, for a bit more money. If you are alone and want to head up for the day, then come back, or spend one night and come back, it is a good option, considering it costs roughly 100 in gas to drive there and back. I like the idea of being able to either sleep or get work done on the trip. Here is the link:
LA Mammoth Bus Co. is a tour company and we welcome you to ride with us to Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. Based in Southern California, we have multiple conveniently located pick up locations for you to choose from.
lamammothbus.com
I have always wished there were more ways to get to Mammoth. This could be a good option if you don't want to drive.
I emailed the guys about going up on the bus Saturday morning and coming back Sunday, and here was the response:
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To answer your question. Yes, you have the option to return on a different day at an additional cost (this is because we currently don't offer one way tickets back from Mammoth to LA).
After you purchase your first ticket, you will receive an email that has a coupon code for a 50% discount. For your return trip, you must book another 1-Day ticket.
For example, if you took a shuttle out of Los Angeles on Saturday, then you will need to purchase a 1-Day ticket for Sunday's date. The total cost would be $149.
Also, your return trip must be within 7 calendar days from the purchase of your original ticket. Otherwise, your order will be canceled and you will be refunded for the "return" ticket.
If you wish to return after 7 days has passed from your original trip, please purchase another 1-Day trip and only ride the "return" bus.
**Please make sure to book your return ticket on the same day you purchased your ticket.**
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I have not used it yet, I will report on it when I do. I encourage anyone interested to check out there website and email them any questions you might have.