UPDATE - 12:15 p.m.: We are closed today. The power has been restored, but it would still take some time to get the chair lifts up and running. We will be open again tomorrow.

A tree fall in the Squilchuck State Park area this morning knocked out power to Mission Ridge. We will be closed until at least noon, and possibly all day while power crews attempt to restore power. The tree-fall is in a difficult to access area.

Heavy snow (11" overnight at Mission Ridge) coupled with strong winds likely caused the fall.

Well, it’s that time again. “That time” to get your skis waxed and core shots filled, “that time” get off the couch and get up to the mountain (it’s open by the way!), “that time” to enjoy the amazing snow conditions at Mission Ridge, and “that time” to tell me you’ve already done those things and have more days skiing already than I do. It’s also “that time” for Mission Ridge Media to release the first EMISSION webisode of the 12/13 season.

If you haven’t checked out any prior videos in the EMISSION Web Series, be sure to!  This web series has evolved over the past few seasons, and if you’ve been watching, we hope you’ve enjoyed the ride.  This season we will feature more great athletes, ideas, visions, people, stunts, powder,and stories that will make you develop a deeper appreciation for this amazing mountain and its people.

Emission 3.1 - “Snow-Mo” follows the night-shift snowmaking crew as they battle weather and issues that naturally arise while making snow.  They did what it took to get the mountain open early and were extremely successful in doing so.  Not only did the mountain open on time, but it opened with more runs and more snow coverage than it had seen in many years.

Mission’s sophisticated snowmaking system comprised of 19 snowguns and a 18 million gallon reservoir are run by a crew of 8 people split up to work two 12-hour shifts.  This means Mission is snowmaking all day and all night, as long as the temperatures are cold enough.  Jon Wax, Mission Ridge’s snowmaking manager shared some of the many intricacies of the job for this episode.  He said, “We have to do our jobs well, so others can do their jobs.  Without snow, nobody at the mountain can work, and ultimately, people aren’t skiing and boarding.”  It was clear that the snowmaking crew takes pride in the fact that much of the mountain operation relies on them.  

Enjoy watching as this hard charging crew of returning veteran snowmakers get the job done, all for your enjoyment!  If you see these people around, tell them thank you.  Even give your thanks when that foot of naturally dry powder blankets your favorite run, because that foot of natural snow is likely falling on a perfectly covered base laid down by this group of dedicated snowmakers.  

Video and Article by Jared Eygabroad/Mission Ridge Media 

Mission Ridge and The Summit at Snoqualmie are happy to announce a new partnership unique among Washington’s ski areas: unlimited free midweek skiing at both ski areas for season pass holders.

Mission Ridge season pass holders can show their pass for free skiing at Summit’s three areas operating midweek: Summit Central, Summit West and Alpental.

“This partnership gives our season pass holders a fun midweek option for exploring different terrain and parks,” Mission Ridge General Manager Josh Jorgensen said.

Similarly, The Summit at Snoqualmie Big S Gold, Unlimited and L-T-D pass holders can show their pass for free midweek skiing at Mission Ridge, as well as a free Sunday “bonus day” lift ticket on weekends when they purchase a full-priced Saturday lift ticket.

“We’re extremely happy to partner with Mission Ridge to extend greater value and opportunity to our collective passholders,” commented Dan Brewster, General Manager of The Summit.

The reciprocal agreement is valid through April 7, 2013, with one blackout period: Dec. 26, 2012 to Jan. 2, 2013. To redeem, simply show your 2012-13 Mission Ridge season pass at any Summit ticket window on midweek days to get your lift ticket. 

Check out all the other benefits of owning a Mission Ridge season pass. Purchase yours online or by calling (509) 670-2351. 

Last weekend's snowfall (up to 12" in places) has given Mission Ridge an excellent overall early season snowpack and coverage area, allowing us to open chairs 1, 2 & 3 this Friday. In previous years we've opened with just chairs 1 & 2 because of limited early season coverage.

Low overnight temperatures are giving us the ability to make more snow and build up base levels on our main runs. The forecast also calls for more snow early Thursday morning. We're hearing rumors that pockets of wind-blown waist deep powder have been found up high. Check our Friday morning grooming report for a complete list of open areas.

We will be open this coming Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 23-25, with lifts running from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. Check our limited terrain ticket prices for this coming weekend. And see our operation schedule for the season. We will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only until Dec. 14.

While most or many of the runs those chairs service will be open, we ask that skiers please honor any roped off areas. Some areas still do not have enough coverage for safe skiing & riding.

Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort will open this Friday, Nov. 23. The ski area received 13 inches of new snow over the weekend on top of a successful week of snowmaking, making for excellent early season coverage.

"Our ski patrol has called this the best early season coverage at Mission Ridge in recent memory,” said General Manager Josh Jorgensen.

The mountain will open with Chairs 1 & 2 (the Liberator Express quad) in operation, and possibly Chair 3 depending on additional snowfall throughout the week. Current forecasts call for snow overnight and through Tuesday on the mountain.

Lift ticket prices will be discounted to reflect the partial opening.

Link Transit will have SkiLink running. Check SkiLink for schedules.

Mission Ridge plans to be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. until, Dec. 14, when seven-day-a-week holiday operations begin.