Dodge Ridge will finally open. Details on closest skiing and snowboarding to Modesto area
Enough snow has fallen for the Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort to finally open.
Skiing and snowboarding will start at 9 a.m. Friday at the Pinecrest-area site. It is the closest such attraction to Modesto, about 80 miles up Highway 108.
Many other Sierra Nevada resorts are operating already with the aid of snow-making equipment. Dodge relies entirely on cold storms.
“Mother Nature has delivered and we are so stoked to announce opening day is Friday, Jan. 5!” said a Facebook post Wednesday. “We have received 15 inches at the summit and 10+ at the base with much more in the forecast for the next 10 days!”
Last season was especially long, thanks to the massive snowfall. Dodge opened on Nov. 11, 2022, and closed May 7. Enough snow remained to bring patrons back for part of Memorial Day weekend. The staff then shifted into summer operations, including chairlift rides for hikers and mountain bikers.
State officials reported Tuesday that the central Sierra snowpack was just 27% of average for the date. The National Weather Service sees a possible shift to more frequent storms between now and March.
The forecast for Dodge’s first day is sunny with a high of 42 degrees. Saturday could bring 6 to 10 inches of snow.
Dodge has not yet announced how much of its terrain will be in use at the start. Its base is about 6,600 feet above sea level and the highest lift is at 8,200.
Dodge offers food and drink, equipment sales and rentals, and lessons. More information is at dodgeridge.com.
