How to Ski Dodge Ridge For the First Time
This is Lake Tahoe Area's Closest Ski Resort to the SF Bay Area
© John Wu
Nov 16, 2009
Dodge Ridge ski resort is a family oriented ski resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California. However, it is accessed by CA-108 instead of the usual US Highway 50 or Interstate 80 to Lake Tahoe because it's too far south of the main Lake Tahoe basin. However, the advantage of its location is that its by far the closest ski resort to the SF Bay Area by car. Also, Dodge Ridge has some of the cheapest lift prices around, starting at $39 for tickets pre-purchased at Save Mart.
Those looking for a place to stay near Dodge Ridge should choose lodging in the towns of Sonora, Pinecrest, or Strawberry. Lodging near Lake Tahoe itself is way too far for visitors to Dodge Ridge.
Dodge Ridge Closest Ski Resort to the SF Bay Area
Nearly all Lake Tahoe area ski resorts are approximately 3.5 hours to 4 hours drive by car. Dodge Ridge can be reached in 2.5 hours from the SF Bay Area under ideal road conditions, which makes it the quickest ski resort to get to. Caltrans plows CA-108, the route to Dodge Ridge, very regularly. For many people, the time savings of 30 minutes to an hour means extra skiing and snowboarding time.
From the greater San Francisco Bay Area, drive on Interstate 580 east then go to I-205 east. I-205 merges into northbound Interstate 5. Take the CA-120 east exit and follow it to the town of Oakdale. In Oakdale, take CA-108 east to the small town of Pinecrest. From Pinecrest, follow the signs to Dodge Ridge.
Always carry chains while in the mountains. The last part of CA-120 closest to Dodge Ridge is sometimes restricted by the Caltrans to vehicles with chains and 4WD vehicles during periods of snow.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Dodge Ridge
Dodge Ridge itself is one of the smallest ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, at just over 800 acres. By comparison, Heavenly Ski Resort is over 4,000 acres. Nevertheless, the owners of Dodge Ridge make the most of the small terrain with seven strategically placed lifts and access to terrain for all levels of skiers and riders.
The base area near the lodge is mostly green terrain on chairs 1, 2, and 6. Chair 6 (Clementine run) has a slow chair to make it easier to exit the ski lift, which is especially good for beginning snowboarders. For those about to progress to intermediate terrain, Ego Alley is a steeper green run to build confidence before going to the resort's gentle blue runs.
Further up the mountain beyond chair 6 is intermediate terrain, as well as chair 7 which leads to advanced and expert terrain. The terrain park is also by chair 7, with features for all levels of terrain park experience. Chair 8, which is a quad, has one intermediate trail (Graceland) which stays firm throughout the day because it's shielded from the sun. Chair 8 also has the resort's most challenging terrain and best views. Most advanced and expert skiers and riders stay here for most of the day.
The lifts at Dodge Ridge are slow. Bring a good companion for enjoyable company, because a lot of time will be spent on the chair waiting to get to the top. This is the only real negative about this ski resort, especially for those obsessed with the number of runs per hour average.
Things to Do Near Dodge Ridge and Sonora
For families with non-skiers, there is snow tubing and sledding a few miles further east on CA-120 at the town of Strawbery. Other activities in the area include gold mining, Moaning Cavern, and Columbia State Historical Park in Sonora which features an operational 1850's town.
Other than the slow lifts, Dodge Ridge ski resort has many advantages especially for families looking for a good, but economical time both on and off the slopes.
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