Dodge Ridge has earliest opening in nearly 20 years

Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort announced it will be open for skiing and snowboarding Friday through Sunday after receiving more than 4 feet of snow from storms this week.

It marks the earliest season opening for Dodge Ridge since Oct. 30, 2004, which was also the earliest opening date ever, according to Hanna Craig, director of sales and marketing for the resort near Pinecrest Reservoir.

“The hype is incredible,” Craig said, adding that Highway 108 is “nice and clear” for travelers thanks to work by Caltrans.

Craig said the resort will be open through Sunday with 40% of the mountain terrain accessible, including beginner and advanced terrain.

A news release announcing the opening noted that “early season conditions do exist with groomed and ungroomed conditions,” as well as “marked and unmarked obstacles.”

Chairlifts 3, 5 and the Magic Carpet conveyor for lessons will be open for the weekend, along with the newly installed Triple Nugget Chairlift 1. The resort’s staff will also work to open its Chairlift 7 during the weekend if possible.

Lift ticket prices will be reduced to $89 for adults and teens, $69 for seniors and $32 for younger chil

dren, as much as $10 off normal prices, the resort stated. All active military service members and veterans will also get free lift tickets on Friday in honor of Veterans Day if they provide military ID at the window, the resort stated.

Prizes will be given for the first three skiers or snowboarders on Chairlift 3 at 9 a.m. Friday. There will also be a hot-cocoa toast and dedication before that at 8:30 a.m. for the grand opening of the new Chairlift 1.

Ski and snowboard rentals will be among the “full list of services” available for the opening weekend, along with private lessons for people looking to take a refresher course. The resort’s sport and tech shop also will be open.

After Sunday, the resort will assess conditions and determine whether it will remain open on weekends or stay closed until the next storm brings more snow, Craig said.

The resort also will host its first-ever “Powa-bunga” winter kick-off party from 7 p.m. to midnight Friday at The Armory restaurant and beer garden.

Courtesy photos / Dodge Ridge Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort received more than 4 feet of new snow during this week’s storms.the slopes were covered in a fresh white layer on Wednesday.