Congratulations to Mission Ridge Ski Resort who are scheduled to kick off winter operations for the 2025/26 season on Thursday, December 4th. As of today, Mission Ridge is projected to be the first ski area in Washington to open for the year with Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass following closely behind targeting a Friday opening day. As we have seen in the recent past, ski resorts have made some surprise openings to edge out their competitors and claim first in state, so don’t be shocked if we see similar gamesmanship in The Evergreen State. Find full details on Mission Ridge’s opening day plans below.

@skimissionridge

We can’t wait to see you on the mountain this Opening Weekend! Watch this vid to get the key info before your first turns of the season, or view the full announcement at missionridge.info/4pBRoPi

♬ original sound – Mission Ridge

Mission Ridge Press Release:

We are thrilled to share that the 2025/26 season at Mission Ridge will officially kick off on Thursday, December 4th! A sustained stretch of cold temperatures allowed snowmaking and grooming teams to make tremendous progress across the mountain over the past week, even after an unseasonably warm and rainy start to November. 

To start the season, we will have a limited opening on Chair 1, Chair 2, and the Pika Peak Rope Tow, which will operate from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Terrain will be limited to Sunspot, Tumwater, Mimi, and the Pika Peak learning area. 

While stoke is high (and rightly so!), we encourage you to ease into the season and, as always, ski and ride with care. Keep in mind that early-season conditions exist: some areas will have thin coverage. On Opening Weekend and throughout the season, we urge all visitors to follow Your Responsibility Code and respect all rope lines and trail closures as they are there for your safety.

All resort services will be open, including the Chair 5 Pub, Ka-Wham Cafe, and Midway Lodge. The Rental Shop, Retail Shop, and Ski School will also be open. 

We’re also continuing our tradition of honoring local heroes through the Firefighter and Emergency Personnel Appreciation program. From Opening Day through December 14th, we’re inviting Firefighters, EMTs, and Law Enforcement professionals—including 2025 seasonal personnel—to enjoy free skiing and riding as a thank-you for their service. Click here to learn more. 

Looking ahead to opening day, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of snow with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 25 degrees. We’re absolutely stoked to welcome everyone back to the mountain and are more than ready to be sliding on snow again in just a couple days! 

For more details on Opening Weekend, please see the details below and check the Mountain Report Page each day prior to your visit.

Operations Info

Forecast

Thursday 12/4 – A 20 percent chance of snow after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25.

Friday 12/5 – Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday 12/6 – A 50 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Windy.

Sunday 12/7 – Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Mountain Operations 

12/4 (OPENING DAY) – Open 9am-4pm

12/5 – Open 9am-4pm

12/6 – Open 9am-4pm

12/7 – Open 9am-4pm

12/8-12/11 – CLOSED 

Lift Status*

Chair 1, Wenatchee Express (Chair 2), & Pika Peak Rope Tow are scheduled for operation. 

*Chair configuration may change at any time.

Terrain*

Early season conditions exist and limited terrain will be open. Low coverage exists in places. Please stay on open runs and respect all rope lines/trail closures as they are there for your safety.

Expected open terrain for 12/4-12/7: Mimi, Tumwater, Sunspot, & Pika Peak beginner area. 

*Run status may change at any time

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....