The Mission Ridge Ski Area recognizes the enthusiasm of the public to be outdoors enjoying the mountains while participating in different activities. Since 2004, the ski area has experienced a rapid increase in winter snowshoeing, snowboard hiking and the use of alpine touring equipment as a means of uphill travel to access terrain in and outside the resort’s Permit area. This type of recreational use raises safety concerns during operating hours and during off-hours maintenance operations. Maintenance operations routinely occur on the mountain during all non-operating hours. Machinery can be found working anywhere on the mountain at any time. This policy mitigates safety concerns of recreational use during maintenance operations, while allowing recreational access to public lands.

Mission Ridge accepts no liability or responsibility for accidents that occur or as a result of uphill travel. RCW 4.24.210

WINTER UPHILL TRAVEL POLICY

Within the Mission Ridge Special Use Permit area, uphill travel is permitted only on designated routes under conditions that do not adversely impact grooming, snowmaking, parking, snow removal, maintenance or other ski area operations. Uphill travel is restricted within the Special Use Permit area during periods of avalanche danger or avalanche control. Uphill travel is restricted within the Ski Area Boundary on designated trails and runs two hours prior to opening for daily operations and while lifts are in operation. Specific routes may be closed at any given time due to safety or hazardous conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to; avalanche danger or control work, construction, snowmaking, grooming or maintenance operations.

Other Limits or Restrictions

1. No trespassing on Mission Ridge structures and developments during non-operating hours.
2. Within the Ski Area Boundary, and except as authorized, dogs are not allowed on designated trails and runs during winter operations.

 

Designated Routes

1.) Within the Mission Ridge Ski Area Boundary and to the summit of Mission Ridge, the designated route follows the Service Road (snow permitting otherwise ‘uphill right’ Mimi) behind Hampton Lodge to Midway. From Midway, uphill travel follows Bomber Run to North Bomber and Boundary Road. Uphill travelers must be visible (by wearing headlamps during hours of darkness) and yield to all downhill traffic whether person or machine. Uphill travelers must stay on the trail edge ‘uphill right’. Uphill travelers are subject to RCW 79A.45.030, Your Responsibility Code and other Mission Ridge rules and policies.

2.) Within portions of the Mission Ridge Special Use Permit, a backcountry route follows the Lakes Trail at the parking lot entrance to the west out behind the Bomber Cliffs to Mission Peak. This route can be done while lifts are in operation.

3.) Within portions of the Mission Ridge Special Use Permit, a backcountry route to the Stemilt Basin leaves the Mission Ridge parking lot to the south-east through the Outback to Section 19. This route can be done while lifts are in operation.

Backcountry travelers are encouraged to check in with the Mission Ridge Mountain Patrol when leaving the Ski Area Boundary. Mission Ridge requests that backcountry travelers park outside the Mission Ridge parking lot. Overnight camping is not permitted within the Mission Ridge Permit area. Overnight RV camping is permitted in designated zones in the base area.