The making of Mission Ridge Wenatchee

Mission Ridge is a hub of winter activity in the Wenatchee Valley. But the Ridge hasn't always been the Ridge, and it hasn't always been quite so successful!
The idea for a ski area in the Squibhuck or Stemilt area began developing in 1961. After many surveys and much discussion, a final decision about location was made in October 1963 – and "Wenatchee Mountain" was a go.
The group that was promoting Wenatchee Mountain, Inc. began to focus their time and energy into acquiring permits for land, water rights and road access.
The name "Mission Ridge" was chosen to replace 'Wenatchee Mountain." In 1964, the Forest Service gave the green light for development of the ski area. Meanwhile, preparations were being made for chair lifts and a volunteer ski patrol.
Magnus Bakke, formerly a construction superintendent for the National Forest, was brought in to engineer the ski, runs and trails. Bakke also supervised the clearing of trees and other construction for Mission Ridge.
Mission Ridge manager Wilmer Hampton and the board were making every effort to open the ski - hill before the 1965-66 ski season.
The pieces didn't come together, though, before that season. Construction continued and the Ridge's upcoming opening was broadcast around the state.
Finally, after much planning and organizing, Mission Ridge opened on December 11, 1966, to about 1,500 people, At the time, only Chair 1, Chair 2 and two rope tows were in operation.
Mission Ridge was functioning well – it offered a ski school, a fully trained ski patrol staff, and plenty of excited skiers.
There was just one small problem — not enough snow! But the Ridge and its loyal patrons didn't lose hope.
The board soon realized the need for another lift and further expansion. In 1967, Chair 3 was added and in 1971, Chair 4. The Ridge continued to attract ski enthusiasts from around the state and began to cater to ski racers.
After being unable to open in 1976 due to lack of snow, the
board decided it needed to take further action. In 1978, snowmaking equipment was installed on the lower slopes to keep them covered during periods of low snow.
Since then, Mission Ridge has continued to make improvements — through good snow years and bad snow years. It has seen a couple different owners in the last 10 years, but with a new high speed quad —the "Liberator Express" — installed in 2005, things are looking up for Mission Ridge.
The making of Mission Ridge was a challenge, but the final product is a shimmering recreational wonderland.