Yosemite National Park, CA – An ongoing drought of snow has coupled with unseasonably warm weather to force at least three northern California ski areas to turn off their lifts and one cross-country resort to hang a closed sign on their trail network.
Badger Pass, in Yosemite National Park, Dodge Ridge ski area east of Sonora, and Donner Ski Ranch near Lake Tahoe have each announced this week that they will cease ski and snowboard operations pending additional snowfall. Additionally, Tahoe Donner has closed for cross-country skiing.
“It’s been gorgeous here, but the nice weather is causing the snow to melt away,” Badger Pass officials posted to Facebook. “In consideration of guest safety, resource protection, and guest experience, Badger Pass will temporarily close after business on Monday, January 19, 2015. We plan on reopening as soon as we receive the appropriate amount of snow. So keep doing those snow dances! We will reopen.”
“Due to unseasonably warm temperatures Dodge Ridge will be on a brief hold starting today, Tuesday, January 20th until the next winter storm delivers enough snow to resume operations,” states an announcement that now appears on Dodge Ridge’s website. “Forecasters anticipate a weather pattern shift in the last week of January, opening the storm door and bringing back winter weather.”
Donner Ski Ranch also used their website to notify customers that they were suspending operations. “Donner Ski Ranch will be closed this week due to the warm, snow-free weather impacting the Sierra Nevada,” officials have posted. “We will re-group and try our best to re-open the slopes Saturday, January 24.”
Nearby Tahoe Donner’s cross-country network has likewise suspended operations pending new snowfall.
“We regret to inform you after doing our best to keep trails open for skiing and snowshoeing, the … ski area will be closing today … due to limited snow and icy conditions,” Tahoe Donner’s Sally Jones said in a Monday afternoon statement. “When more snowpack allows, the facility will reopen and all programs, clinics and events will resume as scheduled.”