Located a mere 80 miles northeast of Modesto, nestled in Stanislaus National Forest amidst the great Pines and Firs of the Sierra Nevadas, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort rightly earns its slogan “The Closest Snow to Home.” In addition, getting to this mecca of wintersports doesn’t demand driving over dangerous high-mountain passes. For those not wanting to tackle the abundant snowfall alone, the Dodge Ridge Ski Bus transports passengers 30 miles from Sonora to the slopes on weekends and holidays. The resort’s easy accessibility and above average snowfall for the season thus far make it the perfect winter destination.
First opened to skiers in 1950 with a single lodge, chair lift, and rope tow, Dodge Ridge has progressed over their 60 year history, now featuring 832 skiable acres, two full service base lodges, one mid-mountain lodge, and 12 ski lifts accessing 62 runs. With an average snowfall range of 300 – 500 inches, the resort satisfies the hungriest of fresh powder searchers. Those with experience head to the back bowls of Dodge’s Boulder Canyon, featuring a number of the most demanding, expert only runs in the Sierra Nevada. With three freestyle terrain parks, Dodge offers something for both the novice and expert alike. The Progression Park provides beginners with the chance to catch some air or slide a box. Stagecoach and Rocky’s Road Park beckon the intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders to their jumps, rails, boxes, and 14 foot wall ride.
For beginners, Dodge’s Snowsports School offers private and group lessons as well as equipment rentals. Just outside the resort’s two base lodges rise Dodge’s easiest rated runs, providing novice skiers and boarders the chance to carve their first lines in the snow just outside the welcoming warmth of the Creekside Café, Boulder Bar, and North Fork Bistro. If skiing or snowboarding don’t spark your interest, the resort offers snowshoe rentals for those wanting to explore the snow-clad wilderness on foot. After a long day on the mountain, it is good to know that in leaving the “closest snow to home” you are returning to the “closest home to snow.”
