It is my lunch break, just see if I can help you:)

For SF, sure the parking is like a hell. I see $22 for one day here. So I strongly suggest you take public transportation in SF(yeah, public transportation in SF is much better than LA, in LA, you probably need to rent a car). From SFO airport,you may take bart to SF(any line from SFO, take exit of Montgomery St if you want to go to Union sqaure or Embarcadero St if you want to go to China town/fisherman's wharf). There are a lot of buses in downtown as well, you can transfer once you are in downtown.

For Reno, I am not sure which ski resort is the best, but I heard they are pretty good. Of course, the best resorts are at Lake Tahoe. I suggest you go to Lake Tahoe if you have time, only 1 hour away from Reno, and it is absoutely beautiful!

From Reno to LA, it is a long way drive. If you drive on highway 1(it is gorgeous), maybe take you more than 10 hours driving, non-stop. But you will pass standford on the way. You may visit standford while you are in SF, just take caltrain or rent a car. Only 1 hour away.

BTW, if you love seafood, try lobster buffet at Reno, it is called boomtown buffet at I-80 boomtown exit.

Enjoy!