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February 2024 by Dennis X.
I'm from Merced and Dodge Ridge is the closest Snow Resort to me. COME EARLY! If you're gonna find any kind of good parking, make sure you come early. I came early on a Saturday with my family and it was still hard to find parking. Prices are good. Purchase your stuff online first and your life will be way easier. Additionally, the lodge itself is cozy and full of life, plus comes with a full bar with tap beers and spirits! There are multiple slopes for folks of different skill levels, and the views are really good. There's also a small area for newbies and kids to practice to improve their skills. Go try it out! The indoor staff (bartenders, cafe staff, people helping you check in, etc) were absolutely amazing! The staff on the snow (lift operators, guys on snowmobiles, etc) clearly need a couple of lessons on providing better quality customer service. Not sure if I'd come back to Dodge Ridge, because the park is relatively cheap but it also brings a huge crowd and low-quality snow staff. I desperately want next time to be better but am hesitant to come back.
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February 2024 by Patrick S.
Recently tried Dodge Ridge instead of going to Tahoe and overall felt it was a good value. The one-day tickets were among the lowest cost in the Sierras, snow quality and grooming was very good, and the facilities felt clean and not overly crowded compared to many of larger resorts. The mountain is small but still has enough to fill a day without feeling repetitive. The major downsides we experienced were a very slow rental shop and slow lifts. You can mitigate the first by bringing your own equipment or renting elsewhere. The second is unavoidable, but given Dodge's comparatively lower costs, seems a reasonable tradeoff. Food and drink were a mixed bag (good soup, small but well-stocked bar, definitely skip the pizza). One other note, if you're coming from the Central Valley or Bay Area, this location is slightly closer and seems less susceptible to the traffic that plagues the trip to the Tahoe area. But the road up is not in great condition so plan accordingly if the weather looks at all questionable.
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February 2024 by Rory R.
I've been here and handful of times, so I know enough to say plenty about the entire resort, but I'll save that for another time. This review is strictly about my experience at the lodge. The team on the rentals side seemed competent and friendly enough, but I'm giving two stars based on my experience with the staffs at the ticket counter and the children's lessons check-in. Everyone I dealt with on my most recent visit there was aloof, borderline incompetent and seemed uninterested in providing any sort of customer service. The line for lift tickets was long and getting longer, but no one had any sense of urgency. Once we finally go our passes, we were then told to go to the incorrect area for lessons. I hope you're picking up that it was a frustrating morning. Maybe more training is needed, but you can't train an employee to care - they have to want to do that on their own!
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January 2024 by Anthony D.
Went here with a group of 8 in 01/2024. 5 of us were complete beginners at snow boarding so we took the 2 hour beginners lesson they offer and the gear rental. That had us covered for a day on the slopes and by the end of the day we all had the hang of it. For 140$ I would say we well got our moneys worth. Staff is helpful and friendly and answered questions we had. A lot of people but crowds were not an issue. Could not of asked for much more out of a snow resort. They have an upstairs area for food and plenty of warm places in doors to catch your breath. Also have great free water stations to stay hydrated.
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December 2023 by Michael K.
We do love skiing at dodge ridge. Season ticket holders for years. The last two years we have felt nickled and dimed. I appreciate the upgrades, but please give an option for an upgraded pass that includes hiking (in the summer) and tubing (in the winter). Not only is that more convenient for your most loyal customers, but it's better for your profitability. We would visit more often (especially in the summer) and spend exorbitant amounts on food (another pain point) if we could just buy one pass for all activities. Much of the staff agrees, but they say the "new board" doesn't listen to their suggestions. Today was a great case in point - we went to pick up our season passes (we live close to dodge ridge) and the kids wanted to tube for a bit. To do so, you have to fill out new waivers and pay $30 a kid. Just offer an "all activities" pass for a higher fee. We should be able to have the option of tubing without waiting in line, paying a daily rate, filling out a new waiver, etc -especially since we're up there so often. It seems
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September 2023 by Matt M.
Not even one high speed express chair, no snowmaking, LONG LINES for rentals, lift tickets, and chair lifts, mediocre at best overpriced food and drink, and a crowd from Southern Cali that litters, is disrepectful, and plays loud, obnoxious music, is the new vibe at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort. Some knucklehead who is "in charge" there even decided to place all the warning signs right in the middle of the ski slope and started marking all the obstacles even though the signs read "expect unmarked obstacles"?! The lack of snowmaking makes for a short season, the LONG chairlift rides and LONG chairlift lines means less vertical feet per day are possible. Purchasing a season pass here is always a gamble due to the complete reliance on Mother Nature to deliver the product. The grooming here varies from really bad to really decent, and the terrain (if it's open), is mostly intermediate. A black diamond at DR is a blue square in Colorado. Their marketing team tends to hype the conditions in an attempt to draw even more of a crowd, and I'm not sure why because the parking lot can't accommodate it (some days they actually turn folks away after they drove all the way up there!?). Boy, do I sure miss the ol' Dodge Ridge.
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August 2023 by Mia J.
I always make the 2.5 hour drive from my house in the snow and for bike season. Bathrooms are always clean. Friendly staff. I bring my 5 year old with me and she loves this place. Wish it was closer to home
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June 2023 by Isabella F.
I recently went solo-skiing and had a fantastic experience at Dodge Ridge Resort.Let's start with the snow conditions. I visited on a sunny Monday at the end of April, and to my surprise, there was still a generous amount of beautiful snow to ski on! Definitely a winter wonderland in the late season. The drive to the resort was an absolute treat, with stunning views and no traffic. Plus, here's a fun fact: Dodge Ridge Resort is the closest ski resort to the bay, making it a convenient getaway for all you snow-loving Bay Area folks. It may seem far away but I had cell service the whole time!Now, here's the cherry on top. I arrived around midday and scored an awesome deal--half-off tickets! Can't beat that, right? I wasted no time hitting the slopes and it a blast. I conquered all three runs at the bottom and let me tell you, the thrill of gliding through the fresh snow was pure bliss.When hunger struck, I made my way to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch break. And let me just say, they nailed it in the food department. I opted for an Impossible Burger, and oh my goodness, it was one of the best I've ever had! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. But here's the cherry on top--they also cater to diverse dietary preferences! Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options were available, ensuring everyone can enjoy a scrumptious meal on the mountain.Now, let's talk about the real MVPs--the amazing employees. Every single person I encountered at Dodge Ridge Resort was incredibly kind, warm, and helpful. From the lift operators to the friendly staff at the lodge, their positive attitudes and genuine hospitality made my experience even more enjoyable. It's refreshing to be surrounded by such wonderful people who truly care about ensuring you have a fantastic time on the slopes.As the snow melts away and warmer days approach, I already know I'll be counting down the days until the next snowfall. Dodge Ridge Resort has won my heart, and I can't wait to return for more snowy adventures and unforgettable moments.So, if you're looking for a laid-back and welcoming ski resort experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Dodge Ridge Resort. Grab your gear, hit the slopes, indulge in delicious eats, and soak in the friendly vibes. Happy skiing!
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April 2023 by P A.
The rating is for adult Level 1 ski lesson. We signed up for the lesson online. They charge a change fee of $20-60 if you don't change the lesson date three days in advance. We arrived 45 mins before the lesson. The check-in was at the lodge. The rental shop gave us shoes without any instructions to wear them even though we told them it was our first time skiing. We struggled with the boots and didn't wear them properly. The ski poles were not measured for our height. They didn't recommend we get the helmet for safety even though the helmet is included in the lesson package. The instructor, Mark, was condescending, from the start to the end of the class. He didn't give clear instructions. He paid more attention to the students who had skied before. He didn't teach the basics of how to get up after falling. A lesson with Mark will shatter your confidence. After two hours I didn't learn anything because Mark left me and another student alone. We heard other instructors yell at kids who were taking lessons in the same area. Dodge Ridge DOES NOT care about guest experience after they take your money. The lesson is very expensive for beginners as it includes a chairlift ticket which was never used after the lesson ended at 3 pm. The resort closes at 4 pm. There are many good YouTube ski lesson videos for beginners. Save your money and time and learn from the videos instead of the uncertified and unkind instructors at this resort.
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April 2023 by Tommy C.
Classic Sierra ski hill. Small mountain resort feel especially compared to the mega-corporate resorts in the Lake Tahoe area. Fewer pretentious Bay Area elites than North Star. Less Teslas in the parking lot. Less drunk tourists than Heavenly. Less table hoarding Tiger moms than Diamond Peak. Now the drawbacks. Less dining options. Not a lot of runs. Limited expert terrain. Slow chairs. At least the grooming has improved over the years.
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March 2023 by Leigh A.
TLDR - 2.5 hour drive from livermore, smooth drive not windy except for very last part, less overwhelming than tahoe ski resorts, $90-$100 lift ticket for adultsTHE DRIVE* left livermore at 615am, arrived at dodge ridge at 845am (2.5 hours)* drive is very easy, pretty much a straight shot east on 580 to 205 (through tracy) to 120 (through manteca, oakdale) to 108 (climb begins at sonora through mi-wuk). then you turn right toward dodge ridge and drive ~4 miles to the resort. in march, they plowed the road to the resort so no chains required. but i think sometimes this can be snowy/icy and they'd required chains* redeemed online lift ticket at window, got on the ski lift when they started at 9am* skied til 1:50pm* left dodge ridge at 2pm, arrived in livermore at 330pm (2.5 hours)* easy peasy lemon squeezeyPARKING* parking lot is small. there is an overflow upper parking lot with a flight of stairs* there are parking attendants who designate, with a sign, where permit/paid parking is required. the attendant told me they determine based on the day, and based on how busy it is* if you park BEFORE the sign, parking is free* it seems like people park anywhere (parallel, perpendicular). just no double parking. attendant told me there is always a spot to park, they will 'make space' for everyone.LODGE / MAIN DINING AREA* decent food, they had a grill (burgers, dogs), soup counter (chili, clam chowder with bread bowls), snacks, candy bars, drinks, coffee* FREE WIFI* bathrooms upstairs and downstairs* cell phone signal: 1 bar at lodge, 2 bars mid mountain, 3 bars at summit, although sometimes there's no signal on the backside of the mountainFAVORITE RUNS* i'm an intermediate skiier, so i'm all about BLUE* Ry's Run (Chair 3). Medium length run but a lot of fun.* Gold Nugget Bowl (single black, short) to Gold Nugget to Lower Gold Nugget (Chair 5)* Graceland to Amazing Grace (Chair 8). It's probably one of the longest runs top to bottom, so it can get tiring if your endurance sucks like mine* How to get from Chair 3 to Chair 7: High Road (blue). It traverses in a southwest directionCOST* $10 off if you buy online. $99-110 for adults. $39 for youth (6-12). * season passes about ~$600 (pays for itself after 5-6 days)* they sometimes offer 3-day packs for ~$270 (~$89 each day)
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January 2023 by Steve D.
We had fun at dodge ridge ski resort and all the staff was nice and helpful our only HUGE complaint was parking was horrible and unorganized To say the least and our only huge suggestion is get there EARLY I mean before 8am (opens at 9-4) otherwise you may not find parking AT ALL ! also if tubing they sell out quickly the day we arrive sold out before 11:30am for the day ! and getting out was also bad as only one lane in/out .
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January 2023 by Lisa G.
As a "Never Ever" ....meaning I have never skied in my life. This is my first true season on the mountain and I cannot rave enough about how beautifully they maintain the resort, ALL the staff is so friendly and helpful, the food and bar area is fun after a long day on the slopes. Cannot rave enough about how in love I am with my home mountain. 10/10 !!
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January 2023 by Maria C.
Staff full of impolite teenagers. It was our first time and we were a little lost about the renting equipment, the young guy from the renting boots and helmets was very rude cursing every time. Then three other young guys had the same behavior. It's ok if you don't like you job, just quit it and go be happy somewhere else! People are just trying to have a good time and spend their moneys on your resort. Everything else was great!
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January 2023 by Jessica T.
We celebrated New Years at the Dodge Ridge Ski Resort - and it couldn't have been a lovelier time. Snow kissed families and friends bundled up in their snow ware come in and out of the lodge with big grins. Dodge Ridge is a fantastic family friendly spot. People come from all over to enjoy this ski/snowboarding spot. If you're not an an experienced skier or snowboarder - like myself - the lodge is still a fun place to kick back. They have a friendly bar - that serves up snacks and drinks. If you're missing any gear for your outdoor adventures - they have a solid store, that sells everything from hip hats, snowpants, gloves, shirts, etc. They also offer rentals -when it comes to ski and snow needs and have a well maintained bathroom and locker area. The New Years show was early - from 3pm-6pm. Kids and adults alike were dancing. The Dodge Ridge staff even offered up some fun raffle prizes and later in the evening passed out some festive styraofoam light-up wands, before their dazzling early evening fireworks show. It was amazing listening to live music, while watching people descend down the majestic skip slope - from the big moon-lit windows behind the band. If you are looking for a fun family spot to enjoy the winter weather - I highly recommend checking out Dodge Ridge. They can def get busy - so be sure that you arrive early and/or be prepared to wait in a line of cars . Trust.
