Thanks to a sizable amount of snow over the past week, Dodge Ridge ski resort will be opening Saturday, Dec. 1.
Dodge Ridge has experienced a series of winter storms that delivered 17 inches of new snow at its base and more than 30 inches at the summit.
Over 60 percent of the mountain will be open for skiing and snowboarding when the lifts start at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Chairs 1, 3, 6 and 7 will be running, accessing beginner to expert terrain, along with the Magic Carpet conveyors in the Children’s Learning Area.
Unlike practically every Lake Tahoe ski resort, Dodge Ridge relies 100 percent on natural snow. The resort will open additional terrain when Mother Nature delivers the next significant round of winter storms, which could take place next week.
Lift tickets for the opening week will be discounted at $68 for adults, $52 for teens, $22 for youth, and $57 for seniors.
Dodge Ridge is the closest ski resort from the Central Valley and Bay Area locations. It is located in Pinecrest, off highway 108 in in Tuolumne County. Dodge Ridge has easy access from California’s Central Valley, Monterey and the greater Bay Area.
The resort offers a 1,600 foot vertical drop, 12 lifts and 852 acres of skiable terrain – comparable to many Lake Tahoe area resorts
“We are excited to kick off this season on December 1st with stellar conditions,” said Jenni Smith, Dodge Ridge General Manager. “Generations of families have grown up skiing and riding here for over 65 years. The legacy of family continues today with the Helm’s (family), who have been running the resort since 1976.”
All Dodge Ridge services will be available on opening day, including group and private lesson programs for all ages 2-and- above. To ensure availability, reservations are recommended for all lessons and can be made by calling (209) 965-3474 or online at www.DodgeRidge.com.
The rental shop will be in full operation, offering ski, snowboard and helmet rentals for all ages. The Sport and Tech Shop will open early at 7:30 a.m. for equipment tunes, waxes and essential ski and ride gear.
The Creekside Lodge and the Boulder Bar will open with a limited Opening Day menu for breakfast, lunch and beverages.
The Tuolumne County Ski Bus will be in full operation beginning Saturday, December 8, and will run every weekend and holiday this season.
