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More Snow Jobs

January 11, 2007 at 9:45 AM | 0 Comments

It finally snowed in New York. Well, it did but not for long, and it didn't stick. But for a place posting temps in the 70s last weekend, it was quite a feat. We're still not sure how the ill-fated Northeast ski season is going to pan out, but seeing some snow is a good sign for those still holding their breath.

They're not having the same problems out west. At Mission Ridge in eastern Washington, winds have been cranking at over 100 mph the past few days, bringing fresh snow and lift closures to the 36-trail, 2,250-ft. vertical drop ski area. Once the storms die down, the snowcats will be back out grooming the 52"-67" of packed powder already on the ground.

The sweet thing about Mission Ridge--besides the gnarly weather--is its size. No, it doesn't sprawl over multiple peaks or have Euro-style gondolas. But it's big enough to give you a great day of varied terrain at a "reasonable" $46. (There's also wreckage from an old World War II bomber in the middle of the mountain, which is something you don't see everyday. At least, we don't.) It's about three hours from Seattle, if you count on delays going over Stevens Pass but if the weather gets bad, you can ski there, too.

[Photo: quietserein]

Related Stories:
· It's Snowing! [NYM]
· Mission Ridge [Official Site]
· Jaunted's Skiing Coverage [Jaunted]