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TWAIN HARTE, SUMMERVILLE TOP THE 42nd ANNUAL PINECREST INVITATIONAL

March 22, 2013 - PINECREST, Calif - Twain Harte Elementary and Summerville High captured the team championships in the 42nd annual Pinecrest Invitational ski and snowboard races at Dodge Ridge today.  More than 60 young skiers and riders participated in this year's Pinecrest Invitational which is a community fundraiser for the benefit of the Pinecrest Charter School.  

Libby Rimmer, racing for Pinecrest, was the fastest female skier of the day in the elementary school division, followed by Mckenzie Gast of Twain Harte Elementary and Kaylee McClenahan of Belleview Elementary.  In the elementary school boys ski race Danny Kelsay of Twain Harte was the winner, with Evan Lear of Soulsbyville Elementary in second and Jett Simunaci of Columbia Elementary in third.  Led by the strong results from Gast and Kelsay Twain Harte Elementary captured the team championship, with Soulsbyville in second and Pinecrest in third. The team title is based upon the aggregate time of the four fastest racers, ski or snowboard, from each school.  

Dawson Robles of Soulsbyville repeated as the boys elementary school snowboard winner, with Ryan Dalryple of Pinecrest in second and Zach Marquez of Summerville Elementary school in third.  Twin sisters Zoe and Alex Simmons of Summerville swapped finishing positions from last year with Zoe winning this time around, ahead of Alex in third, with Hope Flores of Pinecrest finishing second.  

Summerville High captured the high school team title with their students winning three out of the four races:  Nathan Clark won the high school boys ski race, skier Emily Hartle won the girls division, and Megan Harliss won the girls snowboard race.  Chris Steinhofel of Sonora High kept it from being a clean sweep for Summerville by winning the high school boys snowboard race. 

The 42nd annual Pinecrest Invitational was a huge success for all involved with over 60 racers enjoying a day on the mountain with Dodge Ridge providing complimentary lift tickets to participants, as well as ski or snowboard gear, if needed.  In addition, proceeds from a barbeque lunch, a bake sale and an organic fruit sale along with event T-shirt sales all helped to raise funds for the benefit of the Pinecrest Charter School and it's ski program. Organizers are all ready talking about expanding next year's race by inviting students from schools in neighboring counties to come on up to Dodge Ridge and see if they can beat the local talent on their home mountain while Rimmer and Kelsay both plan to defend their titles as the fastest local skier or rider.    

 

Dodge Ridge Would Like To Congratulate Spencer Crist On Being Named to the 2013 Far West Junior Olympic Team
Six year Dodge Ridge Race Team Veteran Spencer Crist Named to the 2013 Far West Junior Olympic Team

Spencer started the season with two top ten finishes at the opening qualifying slaloms down south in Snow Summit. His luck turned at the next stop on tour at North Star in Tahoe. Facing world cup conditions and an extremely challenging Giant Slalom track on the steep back side, Spencer crashed in all three qualifiers. That race took a toll on some of the best skiers in the west.
With his back against the wall, Spencer needed three first page finishes at the final three qualifying super G races at Mammoth Mountain. The track, Denny’s downhill, the site of last year’s U.S. National downhill, was fast and demanding, over a minute long. Spencer’s hat trick of first page finishes last weekend landed him a spot on the U16 Western Regional Junior Olympic team. Spencer, one of seven first year U16 athletes to qualify will compete against the top athletes from nine divisions in the western United States March 19th – 24th at Alyeska, Alaska.

 

Dodge Ridge Race Team Sweeps Ryan Lavagnino Giant Slalom Race with Incredible Snow Conditions on their Home-Mountain

102 total U8 - U12 racers including 5 racers from Tahoe, ages 13 and under, raced down Bobby's Freedom Run at Dodge Ridge this past weekend with 6" of new snow

February 11, 2013 -- PINECREST, Calif. – Dodge Ridge Race Team advances to 2-0 in the Central Series this past weekend sweeping China Peak, Bear Valley and Yosemite Winter Club at the Ryan Lavagnino Classic Giant Slalom Race on February 9th & 10th. 101 racers charged down Bobby's Freedom Run on incredible snow conditions from the recent 6" snowfall on Friday morning, current base depths of 2 - 4 feet and continuing overnight cold temperatures in the teens.

Highlights from the weekend include 1st place sweeps Saturday and Sunday by three Dodge Ridge Racers in their respected divisions: U8 racer Owen Bartholow, U12 racer, Ava Law, and U14 racer, Robbie Munk. Law with a time of 45.27 seconds and Munk, 45.15 seconds set personal bests on the course. U10 Men's Dodge Ridge Racers, Jett Simunaci and Evan Lear, competed neck and neck placing 1st & 2nd on Saturday and 2nd & 3rd on Sunday. Dodge Ridge Racer, Annika Vaughan also set her personal best time of 48.81 seconds placing 2nd & 3rd for U10 Women's division.

Special awards for fastest overall Central Series U10 & U12 Men's & Women's combined times were awarded on Sunday. U10 combined times were awarded to Jett Simunaci of Dodge Ridge, 2:73.71 and Regan Jackson of China Peak, 2:77.39. U12 combined times were awarded to Danny Kelsay, 2:65.49 and Ava Law, 2:64.78 of Dodge Ridge.

The next Central Series race will be held at China Peak, February 23 & 24, where Dodge Ridge Racers will have the chance to secure the overall series team championship and keep the Silver Cup at home for a third consecutive year.

 

Dodge Ridge will open Friday, December 21st!
Continuous Snowfall, Cold Temperatures and Feet of Snow in the Forecast

December 18, 2012 -- PINECREST, Calif. – As a result of the combined recent snowfall totals, and with over 2 feet of snowfall in the forecast, Dodge Ridge is thrilled to announce the opening of the 2012/13 Ski + Ride Season. The mountain will open for the season this coming Friday, December 21, with all chairlifts operating and accessing 85% of terrain. Stagecoach and Rocky's Road Terrain Parks will be ready with six features each. "The blend of recent snowfall, cold temps and the anticipated storm predicted to deliver over two feet of snow will allow us to open the majority of the mountain. It is always exhilarating to open for the season and we are very pleased to offer 85% of our terrain and over 30 groomed runs. With the fabulous forecast we hope Granite Bowl will be open for Christmas," said Sally Helm, President & CEO of Dodge Ridge.

To celebrate Opening Day and the Holiday Season, December 21st begins Dodge Ridge's Four Days of Giving event, which lasts through Christmas Eve, December 24th. During the Four Days of Giving, Dodge Ridge will donate five dollars from every regular priced lift ticket purchase to support local community organization in Tuolumne County. Skiers and Riders will get to select one of the following six organizations to receive the Dodge Ridge five dollar donation; Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County, ReHorse Rescue Ranch, Interfaith of Sonora, Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency - Food Bank, Friend of the Animal Community (FOAC) or American Red Cross Sacramento Sierra Chapter. Volunteers representing each organization will be at Dodge Ridge during the weekend to thank skiers and riders for their support.

On Opening Day, Dodge Ridge skiers and riders will be able to enjoy lessons at the Snowsports School and instruction is available for skiers and riders of all ability levels including the Intro to Snow program for children as young as 2 years old. The Burton Learn to Ride Riglet Park will open Saturday. Reserve your lesson package today by calling Dodge Ridge at (209) 965-3474 or log online to DodgeRidge.com.

In addition, on Opening Day Dodge Ridge guests will be able to enjoy a full breakfast and lunch at the Creekside Lodge, Holiday shopping in the Dodge Ridge Sport Shop, our fully stocked rentals equipment center, along with bites to eat at the North Fork Bistro in the Family Lodge. The on-mountain Local's Café will open Saturday.

And finally, during the 2012/13 Season Dodge Ridge will once again partner with participating Save Mart and Lucky Supermarket Stores to offer the lowest lift ticket price in the Sierra. For the latest on weather, news and events, call our snow phone line (209) 536-5300, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or log onto DodgeRidge.com.

 

SIGNIFICANT OCTOBER SNOWFALL AT DODGE RIDGE
Three consecutive storm systems bring the first signs of winter to Dodge Ridge

The first rounds of October storms have delivered over a foot of new snowfall at Dodge Ridge. A series of three storms starting on Sunday have brought wintery conditions to the mountain and are forecast to continue through Wednesday night. Storm totals are predicted to be over a foot and half with temperatures plummeting down into the teens overnight. " It's truly encouraging to see the first signs of winter this week and we're ready to open on a dime" Said Sally Helm, President and CEO of Dodge Ridge. While this storm series is not expected to bring the snowfall totals needed for opening, we are looking forward to another system which is forecasted for next week. It's time to bring out your winter gear and get ready for the season.

Join Dodge Ridge and other California Ski Resorts at the SnowBomb Ski & Snowboard Festivals this November. These premier ski shows are a great way to get amped up for the season with booths from over 100 Ski Resorts, unbelievable ticket deals and very enjoyable beer & wine tasting. The first show is in San Francisco on November 3 & 4, followed by the Sacramento Show on November 10 & 11 and the Santa Clara Show on Nov. 17 & 18. Be sure to stop by the Dodge Ridge booth to pick up some swag while you're there, but before you head off to the show, go online to sfskifest.com for tickets.

Dodge Ridge is open 7 days a week, 8am - 5pm with a full line of preseason services available. Our Sport Shop is completely stocked with new 2012/2013 gear and the Tech Shop is open and offering preseason tune up deals. The season pass sales office is ready for season pass sales and pick-ups. Unlimited Dodge Ridge Season Passes are now on sale at discounted prices until October 31, 2012. For season opening alerts, discounts and info on everything going on at Dodge Ridge, go online to the DodgeRidge.com homepage where you can sign up for their e-newsletters or Facebook page to get regular updates.

OVER 300 JOBS OPEN // THE DODGE RIDGE JOB FAIR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012 // 9am - 3pm

On Saturday, October 13th, Dodge Ridge will host their annual Job Fair with over 300 positions to fill for the 2012-13 Season. This year's Job Fair will be held in the Creekside Lodge at Dodge Ridge from 9am - 3pm.

Job opportunities include full-time, part-time, indoor and outdoor seasonal positions available in a variety of departments including Snowsports School, Guest Services, IT, Lift Operations, Food & Beverage, Rentals, Retail, Parking and Slope Grooming with training provided for many of these positions and the ability to ski or snowboard may not be required. Dodge Ridge is committed to a drug free environment for its guests and employees.

Benefits for Dodge Ridge eligible employees include: unlimited season pass, complimentary lift tickets for their eligible family members and discounts on Food & Beverages, Ski/Snowboard Group Lessons and in the Dodge Ridge Sport Shop.
Successful applicants at the Job Fair on Saturday, October 13, will be those who come professionally prepared to interview. Job Fair attendants are asked to complete the online application prior to attending. The online job application can be accessed under the Employment Drop Down Menu at DodgeRidge.com.

Visit DodgeRidge.com for more details, to view a list of available positions and to complete an online application. For additional questions please call (209) 965-3474.

 

CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR BERRYHILL SELECTS DODGE RIDGE AS THE 2012 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR IN THE 14TH SENATE DISTRICT

July 2, 2012 -- PINECREST, Calif. – Senator Tom Berryhill honored Dodge Ridge's owners Frank and Sally Helm with the award for the 2012 Small Business of the Year from the 14th Senate District, which includes the counties of Tuolumne, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Joaquin and Stanislaus. The award was presented on May 11 at the annual California Small Business Day Convention in Sacramento where the Helms joined other small business owners from California to be recognized for their successes and contributions to the state's economy and commitment to their community.
"It really is an honor to receive this award and we are grateful to our management team and winter staff for their commitment & contribution to Dodge Ridge's success," said Sally Helm, Dodge Ridge President & CEO.

Senator Berryhill selected Dodge Ridge for its role as a leader in recreation and for its dedication to the community during the past 36 years of continuous ownership by the Helm Family. During these 36 years the Helms have tripled the skiable acreage of Dodge Ridge with the installation of chairs 7 & 8 and the new T-Bar in 2011 and they also completed a $6 million Base Area expansion which included the construction of the Family Lodge in 2007.

As a family owned organization, Dodge Ridge is guided by its commitment to family values and support for its local community. It fulfills this commitment through the fundraising and support it offers to community service groups such as Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County, Society for Handicapped Children & Adults, DRAIL, Rehorse Rescue, ATACC - Food Bank and many more worthwhile local organizations.

California Small Business Day was first established in 2000 as the result of a unanimous vote in the California Assembly decreeing and honoring the contributions of Small Businesses to the State of California. To obtain additional information visit www.csba.com or call 800-350-2722.

Dodge Ridge in the News - Modesto Bee Article; MyMotherLode.com; Senator Tom Berryhill Webpage

 

Dodge Ridge Open Through Sunday, April 15 with Special Lift Ticket Prices & Events

One week remains for skiing and riding in the Sierra with Adult and Teen Lift Tickets just $39, Youth and Senior Tickets just $10!

PINECREST, Calif. – April 9, 2012 - Join Dodge Ridge for the last week of skiing and riding with special lift ticket prices of $39 for Adults and Teens and $10 for Youth and Seniors. Dodge Ridge will conclude the season on Sunday, April 15th. A significant weather shift is expected with two to three feet of new snow possible in the mountains for the last weekend giving skiers and riders a happy ending to one of the most challenging seasons in the California Ski Industries History.

"With just 200 inches of snow so far for the season it was a remarkably unusual year after receiving  643 inches of snowfall last season. Our monthly snowfall accumulations this season are what we received in just a few days last season. We're looking forward to one last powder week and ending on a high note with events," said Amber Jenquin, Marketing Manager at Dodge Ridge. 

Dodge Ridge recently hosted the Annual Spring Fling Golden Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 8th with over 100 kids in attendance. Children ages 2-11 enjoyed an afternoon of family fun, pictures with the Easter Bunny and the chance of finding the Golden Egg which contained a 2012/13 Dodge Ridge Season Pass. Be sure to come celebrate the sun and snow during Dodge Ridge's last weekend of the season with a parent-child race on Saturday and our Annual Pond Skim (conditions permitting or an on mountain obstacle course), costume contest, DRAIL brewfest, DJ music, outdoor BBQ and more on Sunday.  The Best Costume will be awarded an Unlimited 2012/13 Dodge Ridge Season Pass.

In addition anyone purchasing a lift ticket for the day can redeem their lift ticket the same day at Dodge Ridge to get up to $30 off their season pass purchase for the 2012/13 season.  For the latest on road conditions, weather and events log onto DodgeRidge.com or call our snow phone line at (209) 536-5300.

DODGE RIDGE RACE TEAM WINS USSA FAR WEST CENTRAL SERIES
The Silver Cup Stays Home at Dodge Ridge for Another Season

March 29, 2012—Pinecrest, Calif - Over the weekend of March 24 and 25, Dodge Ridge hosted the 18th annual Ryan Lavagnino Classic Central Series J4-J5 Giant Slalom Race. The Dodge Ridge Race Team used the home field advantage to secure the overall series team championship, winning the Silver Cup and keeping it home for another season.

After receiving over 5 1/2 feet of snow during the week, conditions were close to perfect when the weekend of racing kicked off on Saturday morning. More than 80 racers from Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, China Peak and Badger Pass ski areas competed during the two days of GS races in the final stop of the Far West Central Series before heading off to the J4-J5 Far West Championships next weekend in Northstar, CA.

In the J4 (ages 11-12) Boys division, Trevor Powell of Dodge Ridge grabbed a 1st and 2nd place finish over the weekend with China Peak's Timothy Bender picking up a 3rd and 1st place and Gennady Sytnik of Bear Valley scored a 2nd and 3rd place finish during the Saturday & Sunday races.

China Peak racer Caroline Cole won two 1st place finishes in the J4 (ages 11-12) Girls class just ahead of Libby Rimmer of Dodge Ridge with two 2nd place finishes and finally the two 3rd place positions were split between Gabrielle Salinas of China Peak and Abigail Youngblood of Bear Valley.

The J5 (ages 8-10) Boys division went head to head as the two 1st place finishes were split between Reagan Wallis of Dodge Ridge and Alford Sawyer of Bear Valley. The 2nd place standings were picked up by Stash Perry of Dodge Ridge on Saturday and Reagan Wallis again on Sunday and the two 3rd place finishes were split between Joshua Salinas of China Peak and Luca Krueger of Dodge Ridge.

In the J5 (ages 8-10) Girls division, the entire weekend was dominated by three racers with Michelle Morozinski of Bear Valley picking up two 1st place finishes, Cassia Garrett of China Peak scored two 2nd place wins and Viktoria Sundberg of China Peak picked up both 3rd place finishes.

According to Dodge Ridge Race Director Dan Kelsay, "Everyone at Dodge Ridge is incredibly proud of our racers and what they accomplished on the slopes this year. The team championship for the 2012 season was on the line this weekend and it was exciting to see our kids step it up to win the Silver Cup for Dodge."

At the end of the weekend, once all of the J4-J5 Boys and Girls results were tallied, the Dodge Ridge Race Team came out top with 910 points to win the USSA Far West Central Series Silver Cup with the China Peak Ski Team in second with 838 points and Bear Valley in third with 671 for the season. Along with winning the overall standings for the season, Dodge Ridge had some standout players this season with Libby Rimmer taking 1st place in the J4 girls division along with Trevor Powell who took 3rd place in the J4 boys and Reagan Wallis & Danny Kelsay held the 1st & 2nd postions in the J5 boys. Now that the regular season series has wrapped up, select racers will go on to compete for individual honors at the Far West J4-J5 Championships at Northstar, CA, from April 5 to 8, 2012.

DODGE RIDGE TO INSTALL NEW SURFACE LIFT REACHING THE SECOND SUMMIT

June 22, 2011 -- PINECREST, Calif. – President and CEO, Sally Helm announced today Dodge Ridge will install a new Doppelmayr T-Bar surface lift this summer opening the second summit. The new surface lift, T643, represents the next step in the Dodge Ridge Master Development Plan which completes the 1998 chairlift 8 expansion and is the kick off to the future lift infrastructure including a new chairlift 1 and high speed detachable.

T643 will position skiers and riders above and beyond chairlift 8 at second summit with new access to additional advanced skiable acreage. The new addition will double the length of three expert ski runs above Granite Bowl and will also offer advanced skiers and riders the accessibility to explore more of the mountain including backcountry areas beyond the resort's boundary open to out of bounds pass holders registered with Dodge Ridge Ski Patrol.

T643 celebrates the epic and record setting snowfall total of 643 inches this past 60th Anniversary Season at Dodge Ridge. "We're excited to move forward in our development plan," said President and CEO, Sally Helm, "and this is an important step for what's to come in the next few years." The half million dollar investment is currently underway and will be fully operational for the upcoming 2011/2012 ski and ride season. Join us this season for the official ribbon cutting and celebration of the T643 expansion. For more information on T/643, future expansions and 2011/12 season pass purchases contact Amber Jenquin at (209) 536-5307 or ajenquin@dodgeridge.com.

 

Dodge Ridge Race Team Sweeps Central Series Division

April 13, 2011—PINECREST, CA – The Dodge Ridge Race Team finished the season on top of the Central Series Team Cup standings. This victory was made possible through their consistent first place standing at each Central Series race competition this season. The Central Series includes race teams from Bear Valley, China Peak, Badger Pass and Dodge Ridge with each team hosting one alpine event during the season.

This is the first time in four years that the Dodge Ridge Race Team has won the Central Series Title, putting the rest of the league on notice for what the future may hold. “We showed incredible promise and depth in our J4 and J5 racers,” said Dan Kelsay, Dodge Ridge Sales Manager.

In addition, Dodge Ridge sent eleven racers to Mammoth Mountain March 31st through April 3rd for the J4 and J5 Far West Championships. Those eleven racers competed against 435 other racers from all over the West Coast. Dodge Ridge saw a strong individual presence throughout the weekend. "Trevor Powell really shocked the competition, coming from a mid-pack seed to a fourth place finish in the slalom" said Kelsay. “Emily Ryan, Emily Crist and Reagan Wallis also confirmed the depth and strength of our young racers.”

DRRT standout, Spencer Crist, was injured during a training run at Mammoth. Crist went undefeated throughout the entire race season. “It was unfortunate Spencer was injured before the championships, he is one of the best racers I’ve ever seen at Dodge Ridge,” said Kelsay. Crist will move on to Sugar Bowl next year to compete in the J3 division.

The Dodge Ridge Race Team is available to young athletes ages 6-16 with opportunities for skiers to improve their skill level through free skiing, drills, terrain based and gate training. The program offers a development team, race team and freeski team with a skill evaluation conducted for each skier from the first day of training for team placement.

For more information on the Dodge Ridge or the Dodge Ridge Ski Team, please visit dodgeridge.com.

Helm Finishes Second Nationwide

March 18, 2011—PINECREST, Calif – Dodge Ridge Owner and Chairman of the Board Frank Helm, 70, led his thirty-four teammates at Tuolumne County Aquatics Masters to national recognition in the standings for the Postal One Hour Swim. Helm, Sissy Mutzner, 80, and Casey Slater, 39, starred for their TCAM team by finishing in the top five in their respective age divisions.

During the month of January, masters swimmers around the United States challenged themselves to swim continuously for one hour. In the 2011 event, over 2900 swimmers competed including 1552 women and 1350 men. Each swimmer's distance was recorded to the nearest five yard increment. The swimmer's yardage was submitted and their results were tabulated in each five year age division. Swimmers ranged in age from 19 to 95. The One Hour Swim has been held as a postal event for over 35 years. The TCAM swimmers accepted the challenge of the hour swim for the first time this winter.

Helm had an outstanding swim with very consistent 100 yard pacing throughout the hour. Helm competing in the 70-74 age division had the highest ranking for the TCAM swimmers by finishing in second place. His yardage was 3695. Helm was the oldest TCAM male to complete the swim.

Helm has been a lifelong athlete, acquiring the ski area in 1976; he had been both a skier and rider before a hip injury ended his participation in 2001. He started swimming as a healthy alternative and has become quite the contender, frequently placing in the top of his age group.

Slater, finished fifth in the 34-39 age division with 4695 yards. Her daughter, Megan, is a member of the Dodge Ridge Development Race Team.

Pinecrest Invitational

March 9, 2011—Pinecrest , Calif – Twain Harte Elementary School won the championship at the 40th Annual Pinecrest Invitational, held Tuesday, at Dodge Ridge ski area.

Twain Harte’s four fastest times in the slalom race, combined for a time of 2:31.62, easily overpowering defending champions, Pinecrest Elementary (2:37.36). Gold Rush Charter (2:37.83), Soulsbyville Elementary (3:00.81) and Summerville (3:00.87) also participated.

Tobiah Powell, of Gold Rush Charter School had the fastest individual slalom time of 17.42, followed by Trevor Powell (17.97), Levi Graham (18.21) and Danny Kelsay (18.27) in the boys ski race.

The individual girl’s winner, Bianca Neih, of Twain Harte finished with at time of 17.89. Nieh was followed by Libby Rimmer (18.06) and Mackenzie Gast (18.39).

Danny Robles of Soulsbyville (21.56) and Gabby Roldan of Pinecrest (24.48) were the fast snowboarders on the race course.

Dodge Ridge Race Team Wins at China Peak

March 9, 2011—Pinecrest , Calif – The Dodge Ridge Race Team amplified its lead on the Central Series at China Peak this past weekend. The China Peak Race Team hosted a USSA Far West Central Series Super G and Giant Slalom race on Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, the J-4 division competed in the Super G, a speed event similar to downhill racing. Spencer Crist, 12, led the boy’s race with two event wins, finishing over four seconds faster than the closet competitor. Nick Pastenieks, 11, was also competitive with a third place finish. In the J-4 girl’s race, Emily Ryan and Emily Crist, both 11, finished second and third in both events; three other Dodge Ridge racers also finished in the top ten.

The younger competitors participated in the giant slalom race, a more technical discipline. Trevor Powell, 10, and Reagan Wallis, 9, finished first and second in the boys J-5 division, with Stash Perry, 8, racing up a division finishing fourth. In the girls J-5 group Rhea Hewett, 9, and Ava Law, 10, finished second and third respectively.

Also competing in the giant slalom, J-6 skiers Ethan Perry, 8, Luca Krueger, 8, and Brandon Hornstein, 8, swept the boy’s race. Sarah Bruno, 7, and three other racers placed in the girl’s race.

Four teams from Sierra Nevada resorts participate in the Central Series, including Dodge Ridge, China Peak, Bear Valley and Yosemite Ski Team. All four teams will attend other races in the series, the next being the Silver Ski Slalom at Badger Pass.

The Dodge Ridge Race Team provides the opportunity for qualified youth and teens to develop their skiing skills. For more information on the Dodge Ridge or the Dodge Ridge Race Team, please visit dodgeridge.com.

 

Dodge Ridge Partner's with The Society for Handicapped Children and Adults

March 6, 2011—PINECREST, Calif – Dodge Ridge hosted the Annual Ski and Board-a-thon benefitting the Society for Handicapped Children and Adults and the Winter Skiing Unlimited Program. The one day event took place on Saturday, March 5th at Dodge Ridge in Pinecrest.

The Society raised over $37,000 this year at the Ski and Board-a-thon, with proceeds going to the Winter Skiing Unlimited Program. The program provides opportunities for disabled children and adults to experience snow skiing with the assistance of specialized adaptive ski equipment.

Eight Saturday’s throughout the season, you can find these inspiring athletes taking to the slopes at Dodge Ridge. “The ski program Dodge Ridge offers through the Society for Handicapped Children and Adults has given us a blessing that we will cherish forever. Our grandson loves going up on the lift and he makes sounds of joy as he skis down the mountain, joy we’ve never seen him express in other activities,” said Ski Unlimited participant Roberta Petty.

Dodge Ridge strongly supports the Skiing Unlimited Program and the plethora of qualified volunteers that provide opportunities for these participants, it is a growing partnership.

The Society for Handicapped Children and Adults is a locally supported non-profit organization providing programs intended to improve the quality of life of individuals of all ages and disabilities who reside in Stanislaus County and surrounding areas.

For more information on Dodge Ridge or The Society for Handicapped Children and Adults visit dodgeridge.com or societyforhandicapped.org.

 

Powell qualifies for Junior Olympics

March 4, 2011—PINECREST, Calif – Trenton Powell of the Dodge Ridge Race Team has qualified for the Junior Olympic Championships to be held March 15th-20th in Squaw Valley. It has been three years since the Dodge Ridge Race Team has had an athlete qualify for the select competition.

The 14-year-old Pinecrest native was selected on Thursday by The Far West Ski Association, a Division of United States Ski Association. The selected athletes competed in nine J3 qualifying races throughout the season. The selection process incorporated the results from three slalom, three giant slalom, and three super giant slalom races. The racers were chosen by their top finishes in those combined races. “We were thrilled to hear that Trenton qualified for the Junior Championships, he has spent five years on the Dodge Ridge Race Team perfecting his race skills and has developed into an all-mountain athlete. He warrants the opportunity to race against the best,” said Head Coach Brian Jarratt.

Powell, the only representative from the Central Series will compete with his Far West teammates against other Western Region race teams from Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain and Central regions.

The Dodge Ridge Race Team also had several athletes at the J4 Performance Camp at June Mountain. The younger competitors received invitations to this select camp by previous race finishes throughout the winter. Spencer Crist was the top racer, finishing 7th and 8th in his two races. Emily Ryan and Libby Rimmer finished 14th and 18th respectively. Emily Crist also qualified for the event.

The Dodge Ridge Ski Team provides the opportunity for qualified youth and teens to develop their skiing skills. For more information on the Dodge Ridge or the Dodge Ridge Ski Team, please visit dodgeridge.com.

 

2011 Senior Winter Challenge at Dodge Ridge

February 23, 2011 – Pinecrest, Calif -- Dodge Ridge will host the 2nd Annual Senior Winter Challenge & Festival benefiting the Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County, Inc. The four day event is scheduled February 24-27 at Dodge Ridge in Pinecrest.

Available to participants across the country, athletes aged 50 years and older will compete in ten year age groups. The challenge consists of various events, including Slalom, Dual Slalom, Giant Slalom and 5K Nordic Race for skiers, snowboarders and telemark skiers. Visit the Dodge Ridge website (DodgeRidge.com) for early registration, call 209-965-3474 or register at Dodge Ridge the day of the event.

Several activities are planned throughout weekend. On Saturday February 26th, Dodge Ridge is hosting a Banquet Dinner to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Sponsorship tickets are now available, starting at $200. Sponsorship includes dinner, recognition and Dodge Ridge Lift tickets.

The weekend festival, open to the public, includes Wine Tasting, Live Music, Fireworks, and Kids games. A Sunday Festival ticket, available for $10 at the Family Lodge, includes the BrewFest and Taste of Tuolumne.

The aim of the 2011 Senior Winter Challenge & Festival is to show our support for Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County and their Parrot’s Ferry Housing Projects. “Our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity is all about community helping community, and all of us at Dodge Ridge understand the value of giving a hand up, not a hand out.” said Sally Helm, Dodge Ridge President and Chief Executive Officer.

For all information regarding the Senior Winter Challenge, please visit http://www.dodgeridge.com/site/SeniorWinterChallenge.php

Dodge Ridge will open Wednesday, Nov 24th!
50+ inches of new snow opens the season at Dodge Ridge

November 22, 2010 -- PINECREST, Calif. – This weekend's storm dumped 50 inches of new snow over the span of 2 1/2 days at Dodge Ridge, hitting record totals as the biggest November snow storm in the past ten years, with another 2 feet expected to fall by Wednesday morning. Dodge Ridge will be open for skiing and riding with a partial opening on Wednesday, November 24 with chairlifts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 running and 40% of the terrain accessible. Dodge Ridge also hopes to open chair 7 by Wednesday afternoon to further expand the opening day terrain. For opening day, Dodge Ridge will be offering discounted lift tickets of $39 for adults & teens and $10 for youth and seniors. On Wednesday winter enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy lessons at the Snowsports School featuring two new surface lifts in the Children's Learning Area, a cup of coffee in the North Fork Bistro, Holiday Shopping at Dodge Ridge Sport Shop's Thanksgiving Sale, our redesigned rentals equipment center, and a full breakfast and lunch at the Creekside Lodge.

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, Dodge Ridge anticipates that all 8 lifts will be running with 80% of the terrain open, early season conditions do exist, be sure to ski and ride with a buddy.

"With the best November snowfall totals in 10 years and consistently cold temperatures, Dodge Ridge has been blessed with the best early season conditions for skiing and riding," said Sally Helm, CEO and President of Dodge Ridge.

Join us on Saturday, November 27th for our movie premier of the newest Matchstick Productions film “The Way I See It”. We’ll be premiering the film in the Creekside Lodge here at Dodge Ridge at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at Dodge Ridge or at SNAC (Sierra Nevada Adventure Company) in Sonora.

 

Dodge Ridge Celebrates Sixty Years of Skiing and Riding
1950 - 2010 marks sixty years of history for Dodge Ridge

September 18, 2010 -- PINECREST, Calif. – Dodge Ridge first opened its slopes to skiers in 1950 with less than 50 seasonal employees, a single lodge, chair lift and rope tow. That year Earl Purdy, Founder of Dodge Ridge, joined the few pioneering ski resorts operating in Northern California. Dodge Ridge was purchased in 1976 by the Helm Family and guided by the Master Development Plan became a progressive and sustainable business for Tuolumne County by continually expanding its market and carrying out capital improvements decade after decade.

Today, Dodge Ridge consists of over 400 seasonal employees, 832 skiable acres, eight chair lifts, three surface lifts, two full service base area lodges, and one mid-mountain lodge. The most notable expansions began with the installments of chairlift 7 in 1985 and chairlift 8 in 1998, which subsequently tripled the skiable acreage available to Dodge Ridge skiers and riders. Then in 2007 a significant $6 million dollar base area investment was completed including the 16,000 sq. ft. Family Lodge. “The past thirty-five years has been both exciting and challenging,” said Frank Helm. “Challenges are nothing new to anyone in the ski industry but after thirty-five years, Sally and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. When I made my commitment to Dodge Ridge in 1976, I had a strong desire and personal commitment to grow Dodge Ridge. Now after years of hard work and dedication Sally and I are thankful to all of our friends, employees and guests who have helped and supported us along the way.…. this is truly a special year for Dodge Ridge.”

New for the coming 2010/2011 winter season, the Children’s Snowsports School will expand its Children’s Learning Area with two new conveyor lifts. These lifts will increase teaching capabilities and accelerate the child’s learning curve. In addition, as a commitment to continually support the helmet safety program ‘Lids On Kids,’ all Group Sales rental and lesson packages now include helmets along with all participants in our children’s programs ages 12 and under.

To help commemorate sixty years of skiing and riding, Dodge Ridge will host a variety of special events including the 4th Annual Family Winter Carnival and the 2011 Senior Winter Challenge and Festival benefiting the Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County. Both events will have a spectacular fireworks show and fun for the whole family. Log on to DodgeRidge.com to view our full schedule of events. Celebrate 60 years of skiing and riding with us everyday we’re open this season by buying your unlimited 2010/2011 season pass.

 

Frank & Sally Helm awarded CSDA Employer of the Year
Child Support Directors Association of California (CSDA) tips their hat to Dodge Ridge.

The CSDA Employer of the Year Award recognizes an employer (public or private; local, state, or national employer) that has improved the lives of children and families in California by promoting more effective child support enforcement.

Frank and Sally Helm -- owners of Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area and operators of eight campgrounds in the Pinecrest area in the summer months – are an excellent example of such an employer. They represent a family owned operation in Tuolumne County, doing business for 60 years, and they employ several hundred people during the winter months, as well as a number of full time employees throughout the year. The County recognizes Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area as a major employer of the area, and the Helms contribute regularly to charitable organizations and activities throughout the year.

Tuolumne County is a small county with a population of 57,000 which became subject to a significant increase in unemployment due to some of its major businesses closing or downsizing due to the economic downturn in 2009 – including closures of a mill and 2 national retail stores. Because of the economic downturn, Frank and Sally made a decision before hiring its employees this past winter season to hire those living in the surrounding area due to the economic down turn -- this is in contrast to previous years, when they hired a large number of international students in order to service a broader customer base. By doing so, they helped to promote and improve the lives of children and families in the local area by keeping the jobs local, thereby enabling families to support their children. Their employee orientation includes instruction on child support withholding and its importance, and employees regularly cooperate in being proactive with assisting in the collection of child support. Employees at the resort provide prompt wage verifications and are cheerful and helpful any time they are contacted about updates. Additionally, since Dodge Ridge's primary seasonal employment ends after the winter season, staff works with the child support agency to notify it when employment has ended for an obligor, and also to promptly reinstate the garnishment when an obligor returns back to work for them, making withholdings consistent with the orders. The Helms are a great example of an employer whose practices on an ongoing basis contribute to the improvement of the lives of children of the area.

~Tuolumne County Child Support Services Staff Member

 

456 inches of Snowfall Recorded to End the Season
Dodge Ridge closes for the 2010 season of skiing and riding on Sunday, April 18th.

April 16, 2010 PINECREST, Calif. – After recording 456 inches of snowfall for the season including an epic week of eight feet in seven days, Dodge Ridge will bring this season of skiing and riding to an end on Sunday, April 18th. “The snow conditions this season were some of the best in years,” said Director of Mountain Operations Jason Smith, “endless powder days and bluebird skies made it a record season for all of our skiers and riders.”

Unlimited 2010-2011 Season Pass are on sale now at the lowest price! Hurry this deal ends this Sunday, April 18th. To purchase, call 209-965-3474 during business hours, stop in or log onto DodgeRidge.com.
Take advantage of the $49 spring lift ticket deal on-line at DodgeRidge.com for the last weekend of skiing and riding at Dodge.

Springtime also marks the opening of the summer campgrounds. Pinecrest and Fraser Flat summer campgrounds are scheduled to open Friday, April 23rd weather permitting, reservations can be made on-line at www.recreation.gov. The Meadowview campground and Brightman complex are scheduled to open in the month of May.

DODGE RIDGE AND BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN TO HOST A SKI FREE DAY FOR ALL VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL IN CONJUNCTION WITH "WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY"

Bear Valley Mountain, in partnership with Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area, announced today that both resorts will honor all veterans and active military personnel on March 30th, “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” with a free ski day. All military personnel with proper ID will receive a free all-day lift ticket.

“We are proud to partner with Dodge Ridge to offer this program to recognize our veterans and all those who serve in the U.S. military. We are pleased that the State of California has taken a step to officially welcome our veterans ‘Home’ with this holiday and this free day is just a small token of our appreciation and gratitude for the years of selfless dedication and service to our country,” said Jon Mahanna, operations manager for Bear Valley Mountain and Vietnam Vet, Chapter 391.

The idea for this program comes as a result of Governor Schwarzenegger signing the AB 717 on September 25, 2009, establishing March 30th as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” Bear Valley Mountain and Dodge Ridge see this day as a time to recognize the men and women who put their lives on the line fighting for our country.

Family-oriented Bear Valley Mountain will operate Tuesday, March 30, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Other events planned for the month of March include $12 Tuesdays, Bear Valley’s annual Slush Cup Race, Village Jam, Wine & Jazz and Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day.
Dodge Ridge is open for skiing and riding 7 days a week from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Dodge is rounding out the season with a wide variety of events for the entire family including a Skier/Boarder-Cross Race on March 27 and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Pond Skim, Brewfest and Chili Cook Off on Saturday, April 3rd.

DODGE RIDGE AWARDED FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The 2009 Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau Annual Awards & Installation Dinner

July 23, 2009 PINECREST, Calif. – It was a special evening Wednesday night for the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau staff, guests, friends and supporters. They gathered together in the beautiful Dodge Ridge Family Lodge for the 2009 Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau (TCVB) Annual Awards and Installation Dinner. More than 70 people joined in on a night full of recognition, community support and laughter.

Dodge Ridge owners, Frank and Sally Helm, were recognized for their continuing work in developing tourism in Tuolumne County. Frank and Sally accepted the Tourism Development Award in the recently opened Family Lodge. “Frank and I are honored by the recognition and support of TCVB. The base area expansion has greatly improved our guests overall experience and with this, we hope to continue to attract new skiers and riders to the area,” said Sally Helm, CEO and President.

The $6 million base area expansion included a guest friendly arrival and unloading area, paved plazas for outdoor gatherings, an expanded preferred parking area with an additional 100 spaces, a remodeled rental center and the 16,000 sq. ft. Family Lodge that opened two years ago. Inside the lodge, guests find an expanded Children’s Snowsports and Snowplay Center, full service Ticketing & Guest Services Center, day-use locker rooms, and the North Fork Bistro complete with a fireplace and sun deck.

The Dodge Ridge Family Lodge is great for gatherings including dinners, parties, meetings, weddings or special events. Please call (209) 536–5307 for available openings and scheduling details. Dodge Ridge also operates eight campgrounds within 30 miles of Pinecrest, each of which offer unique summer recreation experiences. For additional information please visit our campgrounds web page at DodgeRidge.com or call (209) 965-3116.

 

2008 - 2009 Press Release Archive (click here for all the stories)