Ski Area Profiles: Mission Ridge

Chase the sunshine to powder at Mission Ridge

By Mary-Colleen Jenkins

Photo at right: Skiing above cloud-level at Mission Ridge. Photo courtesy of Mission Ridge

Located just a short drive from Wenatchee, Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort is an easy trip from Seattle — and well worth the trip.

Skiers in Seattle can hit the road at 5:30 in the morning and arrive at the Mission ski area when the lifts open at 9. Lift tickets are already reasonable, at $53 for an adult and as low as $12 for kids under 6.

With a vertical rise of 2,250 feet, Mission Ridge is not such a little sister resort to Crystal Mountain (3,100 feet) or Snoqualmie’s Alpental (2,280 feet). Not only can Mission Ridge hold its own in terrain, but it also has more sunny days and dry conditions (think powder!) than ski areas on the west side of the state. When that early February gloom hits the Cascades, it’s worth chasing the sunshine over to Wenatchee.

Mission Ridge boasts four lifts that lead to 36 established runs on 2,000 acres of terrain. Long, smooth groomers are a blast for experienced and rookie skiers alike. The shorter, off-piste black diamonds offer a full-range of challenges for experts. Two beautifully sculpted terrain parks add variety for the more extreme boarders and skiers on the hunt for extra air.

With an average of 300 days of sun a year and that lovely dry air, skiers on the hunt for powder should keep Mission Ridge on their radar for storm chasing. The big storms at Mission offer loads of dry powder!

The expansive view of north central Washington from the top of Mission Ridge. Photo courtesy of Mission Ridge

Amenities

Mission Ridge offers lessons, rentals, ski repairs, childcare, and plenty of refreshments. The Hampton Lodge at the base houses the retail store, ski shop, and both an ala carte food court and a full-service restaurant serving excellent food and beverages, including local wines. Reluctant to head all the way down to the parking lot for food? Midway offers slope-side snacks and a selection of lunch options right next to the central lift. Après-ski, head into Wenatchee for classic pasta, and wood fire pizza at Garlinis Napoletana.

If You Go

Mission Ridge: www.missionridge.com
Wentachee Valley Chamber of Commerce: www.wenatcheevalley.org
Springhill Suites: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/eatwc-springhill-suites-wenatchee
Garlinis Napoletana: www.garlinisrestaurant.com

Mary-Colleen Jenkins is a freelance writer from Seattle.

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