Sonora -
33 miles
Stockton -
94 miles
San Jose -
161 miles
Dodge Ridge Resort, a long-time favorite with skiers and boarders, has opened a conveyor-lift accessed snow tubing hill and snow play area known as River Otters Run. Now families can spread out, some taking to the ski slopes while others try out the tubing hill.
Open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Check their Website for weather updates: Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort
Children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride the tubes by themselves. Children between 36 and 42 inches can ride with a parent or guardian. Children under 36 inches in height can enjoy the snow play area with snow tools snow toys provided. Children under 42 inches must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who has also purchased the appropriate ticket. Those taking the tube hill can ride to the top on an easy-to-use conveyor lift.
6,600 feet
Drive up Highway 108 from Sonora. Take the Pinecrest exit to the right and soon afterward turn right onto Dodge Ridge Road. Follow Dodge Ridge Road up to the resort, about 3¾ miles.
Throughout the winter season a Ski Bus runs from Sonora (and points in between) to Dodge Ridge on weekends and holidays. Round trip tickets are $10 or for a family of 4, $25 (+$5 for each additional child). The bus leaves Sonora at 7:00 AM and arrives at Dodge Ridge around 8:45. Using the bus is a great choice, especially for anyone not wanting the mess with tire chains. Reservations are highly recommended.
Dodge Ridge Snow Tubing offers 2-hour tickets for its tubing hill for $30. Access to the snowplay area is $15 for the entire day. Everyone must have a ticket, children and parents.
Purchase tickets on site, first-come, first-served.
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 2-hour tubing sessions begin at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting
One of California's Sno-Parks is located about 7 miles farther up Highway 108 from the Pinecrest turnoff. The Sno-Park is especially popular with snowmobilers and some cross-country skiers, but there are no good sliding hills there. A permit is required to park at the Sno-Park from November 1 through May 30. Day permits are $15, season permits are $40.
Sno-Park permits can be purchased online with an additional $1.95 added to the price: Sno-Park Permits. Or permits may be purchased from local Sno-Park Permit Vendors.