The happiest season of all is in full-swing. Mission Ridge Ski + Board Resort has opened its lifts, and skiers and snowboarders of all levels are hitting the slopes at Wenatchee’s closest mountain. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Mission Ridge offers a view of the Columbia River and fresh powder on the drier side of the state. It’s a slice of winter heaven!
The ski area is a staple of the community in Wenatchee and boasts some of the best skiing in the state, with fewer crowds than other mountains. Plus, Mission Ridge hosts a variety of fun events throughout the season, including the upcoming Rails and Ales, a rail jam contest on the streets of downtown Wenatchee.
Last year, Mission Ridge installed the PNW’s first bubble lift. The Wenatchee Express is a high-speed, four-person chairlift that features chairs with plexiglass bubble covers, a shorter ride time, and loading/unloading from inside the new top and bottom terminal buildings.
The stunning scenery is not the only thing you can catch a glimpse of at Mission Ridge. The elusive winter sasquatch has made the mountain its home! In 2019, three Wenatchee artists installed a 11-foot-tall yeti at the top of chair two, constructed with steel tubing and covered with a thick layer of rusted chains. Depending on the weather, he’s a brown sasquatch or a snow-covered yeti.
Check out what else Mission Ridge has to offer this season:
- Daily operations from now until March 20.
- Night skiing galore. 45 nights total! In January and February, Wednesday through Saturday nights are open for night skiing, with a couple Sundays and four nights in March. Mission Ridge has been steadily increasing opportunities for those to come up after school or work. The Twilight Pass allows for unlimited skiing and riding from 2 pm to close every day of the 2021/22 winter season.
- The Mountain Music Series: Every Saturday, Mission Ridge brings live tunes up from local bands to the Chair 5 Pub and the KaWham Café, offering drink and dinner specials. Starting up again in February, catch tunes after a day of catching gnar!
- Mission Ridge will host Rails and Ales 2022 on February 25 from 5-8pm on Orondo Ave downtown. This annual rail jam contest brings competitors and visitors from all over Washington. With a beer garden and live music, this event is much-awaited every year.
Beginners and experts alike can find something to love up at Mission Ridge this season. Check out MissionRidge.com to learn more about passes, ski lessons, transportation to the mountain, events and more.