Skiing and boarding soon to unfold in nearby Sierra

Tim Viall
·4 min read

As I write, winter storms are predicted to hit the Sierra Mountains in the first and second weeks of December, which should fuel the opening of the closest ski areas to San Joaquin County, Bear Valley, and Dodge Ridge resorts.

Each is closer than other options in the Lake Tahoe area, is family-friendly, less expensive, and doesn’t require summiting a mountain pass to reach the ski areas. Dodge Ridge is about 98 miles from Stockton, and Bear Valley is 105 miles – each only about two hours distant,

Here are the updates:

Tim Viall's grandson Jack Taylor enjoys snowboarding in the Sierra.
Tim Viall's grandson Jack Taylor enjoys snowboarding in the Sierra.

Dodge Ridge offers affordable family fun on the slopes

Dodge Ridge features 862 skiable acres high in the Sierra, including Chair 8, which offers remarkable variety and stunning views on runs into Boulder Creek Canyon. With 1,600 vertical feet serviced by eight chairlifts, a T-bar, and two Magic Carpet lifts, Dodge Ridge has something to offer beginners to adrenaline-fueled skiers and riders. T-bar T643 gives access to the mountain’s second summit and doubles the length of popular runs The Shots. Most of the route is along all-weather Highway 108 below the snowline, making it one of the most accessible ski commutes.

As Dodge Ridge enters its 74th season, the family remains the top priority. Founded in 1950 by the Purdy family and then acquired by the Helm family in 1976, the family has always been the focus. As the resort enters the new season under the ownership of Envision Capital and Carl Kapuscinski, family traditions continue. The Helm Family Lodge, adding 16,000 sq. ft. of guest amenities in 2007, is one of the most excellent guest facilities in the Mother Lode region.

I can attest to Dodge Ridge’s family-focused ski school, where grandson Jack Taylor received his first skiing and boarding lessons riding the Magic Carpet conveyors a few years back. Jack quickly migrated to the nearby Chair 4’s gentle slopes, perfect for new skiers, and is now an “all mountain cruiser.”

Continued snowmaking expansion in the area above Dodge’s Creekside and Family Lodges will improve snowpack in the early and late seasons. Lift tickets save you money if purchased online (such as Lift Ticket Four-packs). The season pass sale ends November 30, offering a new, expanded CALI pass including Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge, China Peak, and Mountain High Resorts, plus three free days at 19 Powder Alliance resorts worldwide. Children aged 5 and younger ski free, and seniors 75+ are free.

Cross-country skiers or snowshoers will find that Dodge Ridge rents gear for each, and cross-country trails fan out from the base area and several places along the Dodge Ridge access road. Pinecrest, just below, offers cross-country and snowshoeing opportunities along the snowy lake shore.

Families hit the slopes in mass when the snow falls in the Sierra.
Families hit the slopes in mass when the snow falls in the Sierra.

Near the resort is the Tuolumne County seat, Sonora, with shopping, fine restaurants, and several history museums throughout its historic downtown area. Just below the ski resort, favorite restaurants are found in Pinecrest and west along Highway 108, including Steam Donkey in Pinecrest, Mia’s in Cold Springs, Alicia’s Sugar Shack (baked goods, breakfast and lunch) in Mi Wuk Village and The Rock in Twain Harte. The ski resort also offers delectable food at Creekside Lodge and their mid-mountain restaurant with a sunny deck.

Places to stay include Pinecrest Chalet and Pinecrest Resort, Long Barn Lodge (with their covered ice rink), and Christmas Tree Inn in Mi Wuk Village; for more insight on Dodge Ridge, dodgeridge.com.

Bear Valley offers affordable prices, stunning views

Bear Valley is also preparing for an opening date. The resort is known for its welcoming staff, affordable ticket prices, and scenic terrain variety. The mountain offers 1,680 acres of skiable terrain, eight chairs (two high-speed) and two surface lifts, more than 75 trails (and access to “backcountry” adventure terrain), two terrain parks, and 1,900 vertical feet.

The resort offers one of the first high-speed six-pack chairlifts in the Sierra, transporting six passengers at a time from the mid-mountain ski lodge to the top of the mountain, increasing the guest uphill capacity of the mountain’s main artery. The six-pack lift unloading terminal extends one hundred twenty feet further uphill than the previous lift, providing improved access to intermediate and advanced terrain and service to Bear West, the Village Side, and the Upper and Lower Mountain bowls.

Bear Valley offers guests substantial savings by purchasing tickets online and providing the CALI Pass described above. Bear Valley Village is home to various services, shops, restaurants, and accommodations. With choices of skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, it’s hard to beat Bear Valley for various outdoor options.

Additional lodging and restaurants are found along Highway 4 in Murphys and Arnold. For favorites in Murphys, don’t miss the historic Murphys Hotel for both dining and accommodation and for gourmet food, Alchemy Café; the old gold rush town also features a bakers-dozen wine tasting outlets—more information at bearvalley.com.

Reach Tim, tviall@msn.com. Happy skiing and riding in the Sierra!

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Skiing and boarding soon to unfold in nearby Sierra