Media Center

Press Releases and Photos > videos

December 22 - 25 - Four Days of Giving
$5 of every regular priced lift ticket (or upgrade your Savemart or Lucky ticket to donate) will be donated to one of five charity organizations of your choice from a selected five.


March 08 - 11 - Habitat for Humanity All Mountain Challenge & Fire Festival
Four exciting days packed with Alpine, Nordic and Snow shoe races for ages 30 and over, any age All-Mountain Challenge, Wine Tasting, Live Music, Brewfest and Fireworks!


March 17 - Society for Handicapped Children & Adults - Ski & Board-A-Thon
Get a free lift ticket by pledging your support for Society's Winter Skiing Unlimited Program providing access to snow skiing for children and adult with disabilities.

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)