Thats a bummer man. I was just in Big Bear for the storm, 9th-13th... My mom live in Sugarloaf, where I used to live, and I took my dads VR4 rather than my GSX(check out my profile and cars). We have some studeless snow tires on the stock rims and they work amazing, though we are nowhere near 300 wheel.The tires you had in the picture didnt look too snow friendly, though they are likely M/S rated. Did you take the 18 or 38??
I ask because I drive like an idiot everywhere, as if Im a ralley driver,
I even took the back way through Lucerene and I got going 70MPH on the staights by Cactus Flats... Like I said, driving like an idiot.
I was up there in R3 conditions with the street tires, also M/S rated, and they seemed decent with no chains. It doesnt sound like studded tires are realistic for you, they certainly are not for me. I assume you drive about 75 miles before you even see snow.... I now live in Fullerton and its 100 miles to my moms house.
Again, BUMMER!