Mission Ridge snowpack damage from snowmobiles

So if the snowmobilers are skiers -- then what is their agenda or motivation or reason for doing this? Feel free to speculate, it's the internet!

Why screw up the snow for skiers (including themselves)?  Or are they lift skiers, but not skiers who would tour at Mission Ridge after it closes?

In years past I've seen this happen and I knew who they were, it's not speculation. I guess it could be people who don't ski and I don't know, but this is a pretty small community and everyone knows each other somehow. I have no idea why someone who snowmobiles and skis would do this, maybe they can't imagine anyone hiking to ski. I skin up through the ski area to access back country areas adjacent to the ski area when the snow line starts to recede.

I talked to a snowmobiler several years ago who said that they were always chomping at the bit for Stevens Pass to close so they could high mark some of those steep runs. I'm sure it's the same at Mission Ridge. Being on National Forest land I wouldn't think it would be illegal to access those slopes after the season is over, unless, perhaps, it would be considered trespass by the ski area. You could ask the ski area..."Machine Athletes" are a lower form of life...unless it's a machine I have use for. I own a powerboat and I know sailors hate me when I buzz by. Up at Whistler, a huge number of backcountry skiers and boarders use snowmobiles for access. Then there are the helicopters and snowcats for access. A couple of months ago I was cross country skiing in nice powder up near Lake Wenatchee in a designated "cross country skiing only" area. Half way in, the whole area was ruined by deep snowmobile tracks and I was really pissed as well. Conflicting uses really conflict. I think it's seldom personal, but often insensitive.

I doubt it is intentional 'vandalism' as noted earlier.  With the warm weather and very soft snow you get deep ruts in the snow w/o even trying.  If this is illegal the folks hopefully will be caught and dealt with.  I hear that Stevens Pass allows snowmobiling after the season ends so you should not assume that all ski areas are off limits.  

Well I called the Wenatchee River RD LEO and asked about this. He's glad I called and is going to get back to me in regards to the legality, he really wasn't sure. He said he's never been asked this question before. I'll report back when I get his response.

So the WRRD LEO got back to me and snowmobiling in the Mission Ridge Special Use permit area is illegal at anytime, year round except for the purpose of mountain operations. Steven's Pass frontside is the same, illegal at any time. The Mill Valley drainage is open after the Nordic Center and Backside close because of historical usage. Please report any violation to the Wenatchee River Ranger District, ask for Dan Ritter. Try to get pictures of the offenders and the tags on their machines.

The boundary of the SUPA is not the same as the ski area boundary, it extends beyond the ridgelines and encompasses the entire upper Squilchuck basin. Mission Peak and the ridge to the NW are inside the SUPA almost to the site of the old lookout. These areas are signed no snowmobiles.

That's some real good public outreach by the sled community...