Peak time for holiday ski date

Presidents Weekend may not be your last shot for skiing and riding this season. But it could be your best shot.

For starters, the conditions are peaking. Dodge Ridge received six inches of light and dry powder last week, which led to an ideal weekend. The combination of cold night temperatures, sufficient snow and intensified grooming are resulting in delightful days on the mountain.

"Last weekend was some of the best snow we've had this season, and it's holding up," Dodge Ridge spokesman Jeff Hauff said. "All the snow we got in December and January is helping us now."

The upcoming three-day weekend always signals the beginning of the season's final phase. Dodge, Bear Valley and the rest of the Sierra resorts figure to stay open deep into April — Easter Sunday falls on March 31 — so there will be other opportunities.

But the just-right combination of weather and snow quality can't be ignored this weekend. Virtually all of Dodge's snow acreage is open for what is projected to be sunny skies.

"There is always a lot of energy this weekend," Hauff said. "It's just comfortable for families and everyone."

And here's a bonus: No chain mandates are expected on the roads, though carrying them always is a must.

"Just put on your skis or your snowboard and go and enjoy it," Hauff suggested. "You have sunny and mild weather. It's a perfect time to learn how to ski or ride. Have some barbecue on the sundeck. We're ready to have a good time."

• SKI NOTES —The Modesto Ski Club, 195 members strong this season, again presents a year-round program featuring winter sports, rafting, camping, hiking, water skiing, bicycling, motorcycle touring and its spacious lodge near Truckee. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Fuzio's, and prospective members must live within a 15-mile radius of Modesto. They also must attend at least two meetings and be sponsored by a club member. Visit www.modestoskiclub.com for more information. ...

The Dodge Ridge Ski Racing team is enjoying a solid season against its Central Series opponents from Bear Valley, Yosemite Ski Club (Badger Pass) and Sierra Summit. Dodge is in contention for another Silver Cup, which goes to the series champion. ... Bear Valley will hold a Flight Wings Slope Style competition Saturday. There's no entry fee, and spectators are invited for a closeup look at the high-flying fun. Visit www.bearvalley.com for more details. ...

Squaw Valley USA and Alpine Meadows are the hosts of The North Face Masters of Snowboarding competition through Sunday. The event features big-mountain snowboarders battling for a title, $15,000 in prize money and a chance to advance to next year's SWATCH Freeride World Tour by North Face.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or (209) 578-2302. Follow Ron via Twitter on modbeesports.com.