Mission Ridge is officially kicking off the 2025/26 Washington ski season on Thursday, December 4. After an unusually warm and rainy November, colder air finally settled over the Wenatchee foothills long enough for snowmaking crews to get the mountain ready. It’s shaping up to be a classic east-side start to winter.
If you’re heading for early PNW turns, here’s what to expect on opening day.
What lifts and runs will actually be open?
Mission Ridge will operate from 9am to 4pm Thursday through Sunday with a small but reliable lineup of lifts:
- Chair 1
- Chair 2
- Pika Peak Rope Tow
Runs available for opening weekend include Sunspot, Tumwater, Mimi, and the Pika Peak learning area. It’s a typical early December setup and a solid warm-up zone for skiers and riders shaking off the off-season.
Snowmaking helped, but early-season hazards remain
Even with strong snowmaking, the mountain is still in early-season mode. Expect thin coverage, exposed obstacles, and firm patches in spots. Mission Ridge is asking skiers to ride with care, follow Your Responsibility Code, and respect all closures.
If you have an older or rock-friendly pair of skis, this weekend is a good time to use them.
Cold temps mean more snow and more terrain soon
Central Washington is locked into a colder pattern, which should help preserve the new snow and allow grooming teams to push into more terrain. With many Cascade ski areas still waiting to open, this gives Mission Ridge a strong jump on the broader PNW ski season.
Before heading up from Wenatchee or anywhere else in the region, check the Mission Ridge Conditions Report for updated lift status and grooming notes.
Why Mission Ridge is the early-season go-to
Mission Ridge often shines in December thanks to its colder, drier weather compared to the west side of the Cascades. Even when storms are warm, the ridge’s snowmaking gives Washington skiers a reliable early start.
A few quick tips for your first visit of the season:
- Get there early because parking fills fast
- Expect surfaces to change throughout the day
- Dress for wind on the ridge
- Keep plans loose in case more terrain opens
Looking ahead to the next week
Mission Ridge kicks off the 2025/26 PNW ski season on December 4 with limited but fun early-season terrain. It’s a solid chance to warm up the legs, enjoy the Wenatchee Valley views, and ease into winter. Ski smart, watch for thin spots, and check the Conditions Report before you drive up.
One thought on “Mission Ridge Opens Dec 4: What Skiers Need To Know”
Comments are closed.