It's a white Christmas miracle on the slopes of Mission Ridge Ski Area this December 26, 2025. Mission Ridge Ski Area is located in Wenatchee, Washington, and offers over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, 36 designated runs, and a vertical drop of 2,250 feet.
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Despite a historically weak start to the season across the Pacific Northwest, Mission Ridge has defied the odds—and the drought—by being Washington’s only open ski resort. With overnight temperatures hovering around 31°F, snow conditions remain soft and skiable, though coverage is thin with a 5-inch snowpack—just 73% of the seasonal average. Still, the mountain is buzzing with energy as eager skiers carve down groomed runs under clear skies and chilly air.
While only a light dusting (0.1") is expected over the next 24 hours, a promising 15 inches is forecasted by early next week, potentially transforming the landscape and expanding terrain access. The buzz continues off the slopes with the debut of Washington’s first bubble chairlift at Mission Ridge—a game-changer for comfort and uphill capacity. Meanwhile, other resorts across the state remain closed, awaiting the delayed arrival of La Niña conditions. Mission Ridge not only offers skiing, but a rare chance this season to bask in sunshine above the clouds. Keep your eyes on the forecast—powder days could be just around the corner.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Upper Wheeler.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Mission Ridge Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Mission Ridge Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Mission Ridge Ski Area is located in the Wenatchee Mountains, which are part of the Cascade Range in Washington state, United States. The resort is situated on the east side of the Cascades, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ski area encompasses several mountain aspects, including north-facing slopes that receive abundant snowfall and offer excellent skiing conditions.
Some of the prominent mountain features at Mission Ridge include:
1. Mission Peak: The highest point at the ski resort, offering challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
2. Bomber Bowl: A popular bowl skiing area with steep pitches and deep powder, perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
3. Chair 1 Ridge: A scenic ridgeline with a variety of runs catering to all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
4. Bomber Cliffs: A series of rocky outcrops and cliffs that provide exciting challenges for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Overall, Mission Ridge Ski Area offers a diverse range of mountain features and terrain, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.
The resort is known for its diverse terrain, with something for everyone, from beginner to expert skiers. The best trails at Mission Ridge are Poma Face, which is a black diamond run with steep pitches and tree runs, and Bomber Bowl, a wide-open bowl with deep powder. An interesting fact about this resort is that it was originally a military training ground during World War II. For beginners, the resort offers a variety of green runs, with Chair 2 offering the best beginner runs. The best apres ski bar is the Chair 5 Pub, located in the main lodge, offering drinks and food in a cozy atmosphere.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 6 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 4910 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1393 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 2000 Acres |
Established | 1966 |
Run Count | 36 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow likely, mainly after 4pm. mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Mission Ridge Ski Area is expected to receive up to 15.23" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Washington ski country is seeing some impressive snowfall totals today, especially around Mt. Rainier and the North Cascades. Cayuse Pass reported a massive 291" in the last 24 hours, while nearby Paradise (Mt. Rainier) recorded over 200". These numbers are likely anomalies or snow model errors, but even conservative estimates confirm significant new snow. Morse Lake, also near Crystal Mountain ... Read more