Central California

[Viva]

Ooooh, this sounds like a plan. Probably Sunday.

[Ottime]

Nice. BV rules. Prices are not outlandish (KW was $72 when they had one lift and 1.5 short runs open) and solid information about what will, and what will not, be running. If I was day tripping, BV would be my spot for sure.

[~mikey b]

Ooooh, this sounds like a plan. Probably Sunday.

Let's hook up. We'll likely have another seat or two if you want to meet up and carpool.

[~mikey b]

Looks like Krystal Kartwright is out, but young Owen and I will be there, along with a few other Dodge Ridge monkeys.

[~mikey b]

DR race team has been hitting the Bear Valley WROD lately. Skiing has been fun and the vibe at BV is always good. Young Owen and I will be there with the rest of the DRRT monkeys Fri and Sat.

[~mikey b]

Bear Valley conditions

[skiballs]

I got half a binding for you. Should work great in those conditions.

[~mikey b]

Agostini on Skiing: Dodge Ridge still waiting for opening day

By Ron Agostini

ragostini@modbee.comJanuary 14, 2014

http://www.modbee.com/2014/01/14/313...dge-ridge.html



Ski-resort operators, by definition, view the world through a bright-colored lens.

To them, the cup always is half-full rather than half-empty. If they struggle through a few bad years, they insist better times are ahead. The snow-dumping storm they desperately need will arrive because their patience can outwait any stubborn weather system.

That said, the 2013-14 season – the season that hasn’t yet started – has furrowed the brow of Dodge Ridge owner Sally Helm. When she was asked if there was a chance Dodge wouldn’t open at all this year, Helm hesitated.

“Why would you possibly think we wouldn’t open? she asked.

Helm had a very good point.

Dodge has cranked on its ski lifts every year since its opening in 1950. The late early Earl Purdy, the original owner until he sold to the Helm family in 1977, reported only one truly bad year – in 1963 when snow didn’t arrive until March.

Dodge’s average opening dates are the second week in December. That point was passed long ago, of course, but late-January startups aren’t unusual for the Valley’s most convenient ski/snowboarding venue.

But while most resorts have opened – though they operate at less than full capacity – the cozy resort near Pinecrest still waits. That ridge of high pressure, like an imaginary bubble, hangs over Northern California this winter and refuses to budge. A promising snowfall at Dodge in December has melted and the Christmas holidays have passed.

“We remain hopeful and optimistic and are ready at a moment’s notice,” Helm said. “If we got snow overnight, we would open the next day.”

Until then, Dodge Ridge’s 25-person fulltime crew continues to work while its seasonal staff of about 300 stay on hold. The Helms have rejoiced and agonized over the whims of Mother Nature for nearly 40 years. Minus a water source, Dodge possesses no snowmaking capacity. It is dependent on snowflakes falling from the sky.

The Dodge archives tell the story of lean seasons happening every 10 to 15 years – the January opening in its inaugural season, the 1963 drought and other short seasons that Sally Helm remembers in ’77, ’91, ’00 and ’12. What’s different is the close proximity of the dry years in ’12 and now.

Conversely, the ’11 season played out like a winter wonderland – a record snowfall prompting an opening before Thanksgiving and a record 152 operating days. Last year, major storms in December and February were enough to nurse Dodge through the season. Ultimately, skiers, snowboarders and all cold-weather enthusiasts understand – some years it’s steak, other years it’s bologna.

“It’s like being a farmer. We keep hoping for opportunities,” Helm said. “We don’t look at this at all as a tough year at Dodge. It’s all about timing for us.”

Elsewhere in the Sierra, ski resorts also look to the sky with anxiety. Many are open but are limited due to snow shortages. Bear Valley off Highway 4 east of Arnold has ignited only three beginner-level chairs – Cub, Super Cub and Kuma – near its mid-mountain lodge. Officials at Badger Pass at Yosemite National Park still hope for the storm that will allow them to open.

Tahoe resorts received a 3-inch dusting (Bear Valley got 2 inches) over the weekend, though everyone wished for much more. Arguably the venue that is doing the best is Northstar-at-Tahoe, which has opened 15 of its 20 chairs. Consider the ratios at other snow playgrounds – four of 15 at Kirkwood, 11 of 30 at Squaw Valley USA, six of 13 at Sugar Bowl, five of 14 at Sierra-at-Tahoe and 18 of 30 at Heavenly.

“Everyone is suffering in some way, even the places with a lot of snowmaking,” Helm said. “You feel like a fish out of water.”

[LightRanger]

You F/T or seasonal? I had been thinking about you, knowing Dodge hadn't opened yet.

[~mikey b]

seasonal - worked a bit in Dec....

[LightRanger]

Bummer dude. Noticed you selling a bunch of stuff in GS. Keep the chin up.

[~mikey b]

Yeah that's all extra shit - would be for sale either way

we're doing ok

skiing (and maybe race training) at BV this weekend - race at BV next weekend

thanks for giving a shit

[~mikey b]

[GiBo]

That's awesome! ^^^

Sent it to my dad. Really trippy to see only the old lodge.

And goddammit Mike, make it snow. I'm dying down here!

[~mikey b]

go to Bear, that's what we're doing - it ain't much but it's better than nothing

race team might be training at Bear again this weekend - either way, Owen and Krystal and I will be hitting it

[GiBo]

Moke and Moke West all day?! I dunno man. I'm tempted just to get out, but damn.

[~mikey b]

I know...
Multiply that x3 days for me.
I pretty much have to be there anyway.
I told Owen we're training for Alaska.

[SailCat]

Snorttt.. uggh

bringing back my childhood. I've ridden all of the lifts in that clip, thanks for the history.

[~mikey b]

Race boy!



Skyler's 9th birthday

[~mikey b]

http://youtu.be/PxfwUsBBkzI

[~mikey b]

trying to keep the good vibes going

Bear Valley is hosting the Rasmussen Classic slalom race this weekend. Come watch young Owen and the rest of the DRRT monkeys take on China Peak, Badger Pass and Bear Valley racers.



ALSO

There is a Jib Jam event on Saturday, to take place of the postponed skier/boarder cross race that was scheduled for this weekend.



Registration runs from 9-10:30 am in the Sunroom. All the fun starts at 11 am near the Kuma Chair. Entrance fee is only $10 (for all ages). Half of the entrance fee collected goes for prizes! As always, helmets are required for this event.

Sponsored by Skullcandy, neff and Mountain Lion Sound System.

AND for the adults

http://www.bearvalley.com/plan-your-...r/wine-dinner/

The Creekside Chefs are planning a multi-course dinner that will come together in a harmonious event when paired with the delectable taste of a Newsome Harlow wine. Bear Valley Lodge is thrilled to have Owner-Vintner, Scott Klan on hand to deliver an educational component to the evening with his own special, enjoyable style. As a seasoned winemaker and consultant, participants of this wine dinner will have the opportunity to learn from Scott’s vast experience of soil, grapes and wine making in the Sierra Foothills.

The owners of Newsome Harlow pride themselves on paying attention to the details to produce really good wine. We guarantee this is a dinner you are glad you sat down for. See you in the dining room!

[~mikey b]

2nd place U10

[Ottime]

FKNA. Congrats Owen!

[~mikey b]

Bear Valley was awesome Saturday.

Badger Pass opened Saturday. No report.

Hiked and skied Dodge Ridge Sunday. Fantastic up high.

DR will open Thursday. Chairs 5,7,8 and tbar

[~mikey b]

Also

Rib cook off Saturday night here. Bring ribs and a prize to compete. Winner takes all.