Pinecrest, CA – Dodge Ridge will be opening access to its second summit next winter thanks to a new T-bar surface lift being installed at the California ski and snowboard resort this summer.

Dodge Ridge President and CEO, Sally Helm, this week announced the installation of the new Doppelmayr T-Bar to be named T643, which represents the next step in the Dodge Ridge Master Development Plan. It completes the 1998 chairlift 8 expansion and is the kick off to the future lift infrastructure including a new chairlift 1 and high speed detachable.

“We’re excited to move forward in our development plan,” said Helm, “and this is an important step for what’s to come in the next few years.”

T643 will position skiers and riders above and beyond chairlift 8 at second summit with new access to additional advanced skiable acreage. The new addition will double the length of three expert ski runs above Granite Bowl and will also offer advanced skiers and riders the accessibility to explore more of the mountain including backcountry areas beyond the resort’s boundary open to out of bounds pass holders registered with Dodge Ridge Ski Patrol.

The name T643 celebrates the record setting snowfall total of 643 inches this past 60th anniversary season at Dodge Ridge. The half million dollar investment is currently underway and will be fully operational for the upcoming 2011-12 ski and ride season.