E-mail this article to a friend | Printer friendly format | Submit A Comment

By Ramona Frances

Photo By Tamela Ryatt Snowboarders and skiers are getting ready for the the latest storm, which is expected to bring as much as a foot of snow in the next 24 hours.

When the snow falls, the skiers will come.

With only a moderate amount of snow in the slopes, and a low number of skiers at the Central California ski resorts Christmas day, there was plenty of room to swish down the curved slopes of Badger Pass and Sierra Summit.

Gerri Russell from Coarsegold accompanied her family to Sierra Summit to ski on Christmas day.

"There was a moderate number of people there," she said. "It was really nice. The lift lines were not long, only two or three deep. Skiing was good, but they need more snow."

Russell may get her wish since the latest storm on the horizon is expected to bring as much as a foot of snow in the next 24 hours, something Badger Pass manager Colin Baldock is counting on.

Baldock said all lifts are in operation at Badger Pass.

"Snow conditions are from good to excellent on all groomed runs. Road conditions clear to about six miles out from Badger. Any auto with snow tires is OK, but people must carry snow chains at all times, even with snow tires," he said.

Eagle lift was out of operation last year. Charlie Sines of Badger Pass said it has been repaired, is open and running fine.

"We got some little flurries for a half hour or so and we are hoping for more," Sines said.

Baldock said there is about 15 to 30 inches of powder and packed powder and a winter storm is expecting to bring more than a foot of snow.

Badger Pass area is inside Yosemite National Park, six miles east of state Route 41 on Glacier Point Road.

Kids ski school is under way but snow tubing is not yet open. Badger Pass Resort is open at 8:30 a.m. Lifts are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and full day rates are as follows: adult, $38; child 7 to 12, $15, youth 13 to 17, $32; and senior, $32. Half day rates are also available.

There is no night skiing available at Badger Pass, the oldest ski resort in California. Frequent weather updates can be heard by calling 209-372-1000.

The Sierra Summit ski reports recorded message dated for Tuesday said skies are cloudy and snow is expected. Lifts are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mostly machine groomed snow is classified as good to very good. Snow chains are not required but recommended to have in vehicles.

Night skiing is available at Sierra Summit.

Lift tickets for adults are $35, youth 13 to 17 are $25 and children 6 to 12 are $10. Every Sunday is discounted to $20 for middle to high school students who have identification. Snow report for Sierra Summit is 233-3330. Resort number is 233-2500 or see www.sierrasummit.com.

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.