There will be some serious rejoicing among skiers and snowboarders Wednesday at Dodge Ridge ski resort.
Why? Because Dodge Ridge ski resort will finally be running lifts for the 2013-14 season on Feb. 12.
Thanks to a practically nonexistent winter with barely any snow, Dodge Ridge never opened. However, the resort received 51 inches of new snowfall at our 8,200 feet. summit, another 20-24 inches at the mid-mountain of 7,100 elevation, plus a foot of new snowfall at the base area (6,600).
Resort began in 1951
This is believed to be the latest in any season that Dodge Ridge has opened. The resort has a history dating back to 1951.
Located in Tuolumne County off Highway 108, Dodge Ridge is the closest skiing and riding to Bay Area and Central Valley locations. The resort offers 1,600 vertical feet, 12 lifts 67 runs, and 852 acres of skiable terrain.
Available terrain today
Originally, Dodge Ridge was planning a Thursday opening, but moved up the agenda by one day. Its Mountain Operations staff plans to have 75 percent of skiable terrain open, which includes 28 groomed runs. Intermediate to advanced terrain access will be available via Chairlifts 5, 7, 8, and T Bar-643 and limited beginner terrain available on Chair 6.
C hair 3 will be on hold with shuttle service available from the Dodge Ridge base area up to Chair 5 and Conveyor 2 will be operating for the children’s snowsports lessons. Very limited beginner terrain will be available. Additional terrain and chairlifts will open as Mountain Operations continue to assess the mountain.
“This will be opening day for us. We’re ready to go,” Dodge Ridge spokesperson Jeff Hauff said.
Lift tickets $68
Lift tickets are $68 for adults. For the best lift ticket price available, purchase from participating Save Mart & Lucky’s Supermarkets throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley. There are no “black out” days all season.
Dodge Ridge won’t open Rocky’s RoadTerrainPark until Saturday, Feb. 15. The park will have a complete series of new wood features with additional parks to open as conditions allow.
Due to limited beginner terrain, Snowsports Lesson Programs will be available on a reservation only basis with a limited number of beginner lessons offered.
A full program of intermediate to advanced lessons will be available on Dodge Ridge’s upper mountain terrain. Reservations are required for all lessons programs by calling (209) 965-3474.
All Dodge Ridge services will be available with breakfast and lunch options in the Creekside Cafe, Local’s Mid-Mountain Lodge will be open, Guest Services in the Family Lodge, the Rental Center, the Demo Center, and the Sport Shop will also be open with their huge 35 percent off sale on all outerwear and hardgoods.
For reservations and additional information visit www.DodgeRidge.com or call (209) 965-3474.
