Storm Impacts, Recovery Efforts, and a Look Ahead
[photo above: numerous trees down on Sitkum]
This past week has brought a remarkable and challenging stretch of weather to our region. At Mission Ridge, we experienced driving rain from the summit to the base, unseasonably warm air, and prolonged winds that reached every corner of the mountain. Communities across the Northwest have been dealing with even more difficult hardships, and our hearts are with everyone navigating the widespread damage and disruption caused by these storms.
These conditions have not only erased what early-season snowpack we had—bringing us back to zero inches of natural snow, but have also caused significant loss in the areas where we were able to make snow, including on Mimi and upper-mountain terrain.
This storm has left substantial cleanup work across the resort. Several hundred trees came down throughout the area, including over 100 trees across designated ski runs and trails. We also experienced damage to resort infrastructure, including roof and gutter damage, broken windows, and the loss of a power pole in the Base Area. In addition, several large trees are currently resting on the Chair 4 lift line, and the removal of these trees will require specialized crews, heavy equipment, and potentially even helicopter assistance.
[photo above: our crew works to clear up two downed trees on a trail]
Our staff, their families, our guests, and many of our passholders have been directly impacted by this storm as well. As we work through this challenging period, the resilience of our community remains at the forefront of our minds.
Since Thursday, our crews have been working nonstop to assess damage, clear fallen trees, and secure the resources required to remove the trees on the Chair 4 lift line. At the same time, we are mindful of the widespread regional impacts and the strain on contractors, utilities, emergency services, and essential response teams throughout the Northwest. We are committed to moving forward as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of pulling critical resources away from where they are most urgently needed.
As of this morning (Monday, December 15th), it is once again raining from top to bottom, and temperatures have remained far too warm for snowmaking. While the forecast shows the potential for snowmaking temperatures returning Wednesday, true sustained cold appears unlikely until Friday night. There is a chance of snow on Thursday, but also a chance of rain each day leading into it. We are preparing for yet another round of significant weather and continuing cleanup from last week’s powerful storm.
[photo above: a snowcat carries a snow gun up Mimi]
Operational Outlook
To preserve the snowpack we do have and continue critical cleanup, Mission Ridge will remain closed through Friday, December 19th.
We will target Saturday, December 20th as our earliest possible reopening date, conditions permitting. However, conditions remain extremely dynamic, and all dates are subject to change based on weather, terrain readiness, and safety considerations.
Operations from December 20th through December 24th will remain TBD at this time. As soon as we can confirm lift and terrain readiness, we will put lift tickets and other products back online. Until then, we have removed all products for these dates from our website.
Guests who purchased tickets, rentals, or lessons for December 18th or 19th will be issued refunds automatically.
Night skiing, originally scheduled to begin December 19th, will now tentatively begin on Thursday, December 26th, conditions permitting.
Christmas on the Mountain
Regardless of whether skiing and riding are able to resume on December 20th, we will move forward with Christmas on the Mountain activities. We’ll post full details later this week so families can plan ahead—we’re excited to bring some holiday joy to the mountain no matter what the weather brings.
Chair 5 Pub
The Chair 5 Pub will be open Friday–Sunday regardless of whether the mountain is open for skiing. Updated hours will be posted later this week.
Retail Shop
The Mission Ridge Retail store will be open Friday-Sunday as well regardless of operations to help everyone finish up holiday shopping and prep for the winter season. Hours will be confirmed later this week as well.
A Sincere Thank You
We want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with kind words, optimism, and support. Your messages mean more than you know. While this storm has been extraordinarily challenging, we remain optimistic and determined. We are doing everything we can to restart the 2025/26 winter season and get everyone back out on the mountain.
Our hearts are with our local communities and with everyone across the Northwest as we all work to recover from these storms. Please continue your snow dances—and just as importantly, continue looking for opportunities to help your neighbors.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Mission Ridge as soon as conditions allow.
— The Entire Mission Ridge Team
Uphill Policy
Uphill Policy is currently CLOSED.
