Where to Find the Best Snow & Corduroy in the Northwest? Mission Ridge

By Jared Eygabroad

"The Best Quality Snow in Washington" was the concept behind this episode of the Emission Web Series.  Seems easy enough, right?  Just film some skiing and snowboarding and throw together an edit.  But no, we were in what seemed like a drought for a month or so.  I was worried each day about finding snow as I toted my camera to the mountain, but somehow, I still managed to find fresh light tracks due to the desert-like climate preserving the precious snow in and around the area.  Absolutely incredible.

 
Not only does Mission get the lightest natural snow in the Northwest that seems to remain perfect for weeks, but it also has the best grooming and snowmaking in the area.  While we were without snow for the end of January and beginning of February, I found a new love for the rolling slopes that were perfectly manicured each day by Mission's veteran groomers.
 
For the past 3 seasons, I had only focused my skiing on the untouched terrain that Mission has to offer.  However, when all the Northwest areas went dry, I found out there was no other place I'd rather be than Mission.  Every single run, I experienced soft, quality snow that made skiing FUN.  The snowmakers and groomers worked so well together during this time and so extremely hard to create a product that all the customers would enjoy.  They succeeded, and in turn, I found a new love for the courderoy.

 
So we had the two elements for the video, BOTH the highest quality "natural" snow and "unnatural" snow in the Northwest.  Still, we wanted another element.  That's where Gordon West, the third-ever General Manager of Mission Ridge, came in.  Not only had Gordon served as the the General Manager for Mission, but he had also served as the Ski School Director for more than 10 years beginning in 1966, the first year Mission opened its slopes to skiers.

 
Gordon West skis like I wish I could ski; hard, fast, and with perfect form.  Filming him was amazing, and hearing the stories about Mission Ridge from a legend was a true honor.  Since Gordon has been at Mission from day one, there was no one better to talk about "the best quality snow" in the Northwest.  If you see him up at the Ridge, make sure to say "hello" and "thank you!"  His efforts are a huge part of why Mission is successful, and why there will be a great ski area to enjoy forever.  Enjoy the video.