3/22/15 - Mission Ridge, 38F and sunny

"Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high of 38." Or so the NOAA/NWS point forecast read when I last glimpsed it on Thursday. In reality it was anything but that and the "dry side" resort didn't begin to live up to its name. Even with the odds in our favor ("over 300 days of sunshine"), we were treated to an experience more familiar to us we(s)t siders - gusty winds, low-to-no vis, and a mix of rain and wet snow for our afternoon stopover on our way home from the NE Cascades.

But some skiing is better than no skiing at all and it's always fun to go somewhere new. Sure, we couldn't see a thing from the summit, but I'm sure the views are million dollar and the fog was probably better for morale than a clear view of the surrounding barren terrain which is usually draped in a thick blanket of white this time of year. The wind up top was relentless, pummeling us with 40 mph gusts in our faces each lift ride back to the summit. The precipitation, which switched back and forth between rain and snow several times at the base, remained white (albeit wet) from midway up until tapering off about 90 mins before last chair. Lines were non-existent as were lift stoppages (at least while we were on them). We grabbed a late lunch at the midway lodge which, despite a large sign informing guests that they do not serve fries, offered-up an excellent bratwurst and pint of hoppy ale for less than you'd spend on a food alone west of the crest. Snow conditions were acceptable, albeit firm where the half-inch of newly fallen snow had been scraped away, from midway up and somewhat sloppy but still fast below midway.

One last thing of note, the sole employee selling tickets at the window when we arrived at noon was unable to find the $10 promotional ticket offer for Summit passholders on his computer. The cheapest he could do was a $13 "late arrival" ticket. Somewhat disappointed but wanting to get up and out of the rain, we shelled out the $3 more. Aside from that, I really dig the laid-back, friendly, mom-and-pop vibe of the place. I'll be back sometime when there's more snow and terrain to enjoy


38F and sunny, just like the forecast said


Brat and a beer? $8.79