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By Ramona Frances

For those who want to raise their heart rate and don't mind the chill of the mountain air, Badger Pass is open for skiing.

On Thursday, Colin Baldock, area operations manager for Badger Pass Ski Resort, said three out of five lifts are open: Eagle, Bruin and Badger.

"The snow is firm; it's hard packed but we 'snow-till' the upper inch to make powder. The temperature is in the mid to upper 30s," Baldock said. "On Friday night there is a 50 percent chance of rain and snow through Monday night. That's the forecast right now."

Badger Pass is beginning their 70th season of winter sports. But they have more to offer than ever before, said Baldock, and he wants the public to know what to expect.

"The pass and ski school with the same name opened in 1935," Baldock said. "It has a great family area. People who use the lifts come back to the same base area. People can watch their kids from the deck. They can see their kids get on the lift and the can expect them to funnel back around to the base area. The day lounge here is really nice."

Baldock began skiing many years ago in Australia and New Zealand and has taught skiing for 22 seasons on three different continents; Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the United States.

Baldock doesn't teach any more because managing the resort takes up all of his time.

Not everything is open at Badger Pass just yet, Baldock said.

"We don't have our tubing hill set up. When we get enough snow, we will do that," he said. Tube rental's are included in the price.

"We don't actually have sledding here on the mountain. We have tubes to rent. That's a big thing because people are looking for places for that. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate sledding here in the area."

The cross country skiing and snow shoeing areas are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The public can call the following numbers for information, 209-372-8430. For snow conditions call 209-372-1000. This number will prompt the caller to the Badger Pass snow phone. The cross country information line is 209-372-844. Ski tickets cost $38 for adults, $32 youth ages 13 to 18 years, $15 for children ages 7-12 and kids under 6 are free.

Childcare is available along with private and group ski lessons.

Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.