* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up to 2 inches and ice accumulations between a light glaze and one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...Stevens Pass, Holden Village, Leavenworth, Stehekin, and Plain. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 1 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
New Year’s Day 2026 brings a mix of anticipation and excitement to Mission Ridge Ski Area. 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.
Wind
Humidity
After a mild overnight low of 31.1°F, the snowpack rests at a modest 5 inches — only 61% of the seasonal average — making the base a bit thin for early January. However, powder-hunters can rejoice: the extended forecast is promising, with a whopping 15 inches of snow expected over the next five days. While today’s 24-hour outlook shows only a light dusting of 0.1 inches, the upcoming storm system could dramatically improve conditions heading into the first weekend of 2026.
Despite a slow La Niña start and early-season delays, Mission Ridge is charging ahead with big developments. This season marks the debut of Washington’s first bubble chairlift, offering skiers a warm, wind-shielded ride to the summit — a timely upgrade following December’s fierce windstorms that left parts of the state battered. Mountain-goers should note that an active landslide near the resort is being monitored, though operations remain unaffected. With sunny skies often breaking through the clouds and a major snowstorm on the horizon, Mission Ridge is poised to shift from a modest start to mid-season magic.
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's North Cascades are seeing the most significant snow totals this week, with Beaver Pass forecasted for 33 inches over five days and nearby Easy Pass and Brown Top expecting 32 and 30 inches respectively. These sensors are in proximity to Mt. Baker Ski Area, which is likely to benefit from this incoming snow. Marten Ridge and Thunder Basin, also ... Read more