11:30 Conditions Update:Â
Snow has been falling on and off this morning and it was low-key dumping while I was out there. We’ll definitely have a couple inches by the end of the day if this keeps up. The upper mountain had the best conditions that I’ve skied this season so far – an inch and counting off soft, mid-density new snow atop soft corduroy that made it ski like it was a bit deeper. Refills appeared to be en route, though snowfall will likely taper throughout the afternoon. I also ventured onto the Chair 3 terrain where we are skiing on natural snowpack. Conditions are pretty good over there with flat, machine-compacted surfaces (though not groomed with a tiller due to early-season coverage). There are some areas where vegetation is poking through – lots of fun stuff to explore, especially with some new snow, but definitely suited for more advanced riders. Below Midway, the snowpack is firmer due to yesterday’s thaw-freeze cycle. Fortunately, the new snow is adding a more forgiving layer on top. It’s shaping up to be a super fun Christmas Day on the mountain.
9:30 Conditions Update:Â
Today’s forecast of 1-3 inches of new snow is starting to come to fruition, with an inch of fresh falling since 6am. As the grooming team finishes up, we could see the runs start the morning with a little bit of extra fluff atop the corduroy. This should keep things softer, especially if we see some continued refreshes. Â Snow showers remain on the cards until closing around 4pm, which will help maintain a Christmas-y atmosphere, give us a little extra dust to sink those edges into, and continue incrementally building our natural snowpack. It’s gonna be a great Christmas Day, and we’ll see you up here!
The Mission Ridge Christmas Story
‘Tis 6 in the morning, and all through Mission Ridge’s lodge-like house,
Not a creature is stirring, not even a Pika (which is essentially a really fat mouse).
The beer mugs rest on the bar shelves with care,
In hopes that fresh ale soon will be there.
The groomers are nestled all snug in their Cats,
Dreaming of corduroy lines and perfectly laid mats.
And the Snowmakers, though given but the narrowest windows to chase,
Are weaving their magic, gifting us a season’s start built from skill, grit, and grace.
Suddenly over the radio there arises a clatter,
So I set down my coffee to see what is the matter.
Away to the window I fly like a flash,
Throw open the shutters and lift up the sash.
The mostly cloudy sky hangs soft over the peak,
Whispering of snowflakes we hope soon will streak.
For the forecast is calling, with confidence stout,
That steady snowfall will linger as the day plays out.
One to three inches before four this afternoon
Should blanket the slopes and deepen winter’s tune.
The southeast wind, gentle, seven to ten,
Will shift to the south by afternoon then.
And temperatures steady near twenty and five
Will help keep the early-season corduroy alive.
Though nature’s own snowfall has been slow this year,
The Snowmaking Crew is working true miracles up here.
With limited windows, warm nights, and thin cold spells to roam,
They still build the foundation that lets us call Mission Ridge home.
And as groomers roll on through the quiet pre-dawn trance,
Cowboy Doug swears he sees Prop Man doing a midnight snow dance.
A hopeful little jig meant to summon flakes from afar,
Helping coax winter magic back over the Ridge like a star.
This Christmas morning brings only a trace of new snow on the ground,
But Lift Mechanics and Ops will have Chairs 1, 2, and 3 a-runnin’ at 11am for you to make many a round.
And Pika Peak, cheerful and bright,
Will be spinning later this morning, ready for learners’ delight.
Now with the holiday hours kept thoughtfully short,
From eleven to four we invite you to sport.
Start the day with family, warm kitchens, and cheer,
Then carve out some turns, for Christmas comes only once each year.
We hope your stockings are stuffed, your presents stacked like a fountain,
And we look forward to seeing you on the mountain.
Happy Holidays to you and yours from everyone here at Mission Ridge!
Operations Info
Forecast
12/25 – Snow, mainly before 4pm. High near 25. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Mountain OperationsÂ
- 12/25 – Open 11am-4pm
- 12/26 – Open Daily 9am-9pm
Lift Status*
Chair 1, Chair 2, Chair 3, & Pika Peak Rope Tow are scheduled for operation from 11am to 4pm.
*Chair configuration may change at any time.
Terrain*
Early season conditions exist and limited terrain will be open. Low coverage in places with marked and unmarked obstacles. Please stay on open runs and respect all rope lines/trail closures as they are there for your safety.
There is no snowmaking off of Chair 3, so these trails are open on natural snow only with ungroomed terrain. Only advanced skiers and riders prepared for variable conditions & coverage should ride Chair 3. As always, we urge you to ski and ride with caution and take it easy as you ease onto new terrain.Â
Snowmaking operations will continue whenever possible to expand terrain and improve coverage. This may include:
- Modified terrain availability
- Snowmaking equipment operating on open runs
- Variable surface conditions in areas where snowmaking is underway
Expected open terrain for 12/25:Â
Scheduled groomed terrain: Mimi, Tumwater, Sunspot, & Pika Peak beginner area will be groomed.
Scheduled ungroomed terrain: Upper portion of Tumwater, part of the Fun Park zone, Bomber Access Road, Kiwa (Upper Kiwa will remain closed), Java, &Â Lower Toketie
*Run status may change at any time.
Base Area Operations
Lift TicketsÂ
Ticketing/Season Pass office OPEN at 10am on 12/25.
Ticket Prices for Chair 1, Chair 2, Chair 3 and the Pika Peak rope tow: Day tickets are $85 for ages 25-69, $75 for ages 18-24, $55 for ages 13-17, $45 for ages 8-12, $9 for ages 7 & under and $25 for ages 70+ for tickets purchased in advance and online. Ticket prices have been reduced to reflect the limited opening of chairlifts and terrain.Â
*Due to the limited opening of terrain, other mountain reciprocals (49º North, Lookout Pass, & Loup Loup) will not be accepted from 12/24-12/25. Indy Pass and Powder Alliance visits will be accepted.
Food Service
Chair 5 Pub – OPEN 11am-4:30pm
Ka-Wham Cafe – OPEN 10am-2pm
Midway Lodge – OPEN 11am-2pmÂ
Rental Shop
OPEN from 10am-4:30pm
Retail Shop
OPEN from 10am-4:30pm
Ski SchoolÂ
OPEN 10am-4:30pm
For lesson availability, click here.
Uphill Policy
Modified Uphill Policy In Effect.
