Winter Van Life: Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
When We Visited: April 2019, March 2020
We rode Mission Ridge in April 2019 using our Brundage Mountain season passes and again in March 2020 using our Loveland season passes. We scored a couple of powder days on our first visit, but our second visit was a bust. We only put in five runs because the conditions were sub-optimal. That’s okay, though. Not every ski day is a winner.
We love Mission Ridge because their overnight RV camping area is slope side.
I had the most fun skiing the advanced and expert terrain accessible from Chair 2.
Next time we visit, I want to hike and ski Bomber Cliffs.
And Windy Ridge.
Plan Your RV/Van Life Road Trip to Mission Ridge
missionridge.com
7500 Mission Ridge Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 663-6543
info@missionridge.com
Hours of Operation
Mountain Stats
- Snowfall: 200 inches
- Terrain: 2,000 acres
- Vertical rise: 2,250 feet
- More stats
Driving to Mission Ridge
The 3 miles driving up Mission Ridge Road until you arrive at the ski resort are windy and steep. For more information, see Mission Ridge’s Driving Directions page.
Parking at Mission Ridge
Mission Ridge has one large base area, so you’ll have a shorter or longer walk to Guest Services and the lifts depending on how early or late you arrive. They can get very busy on weekends and holidays. See their Parking Info page for parking tips.
Working Remotely at Mission Ridge
In 2019 and 2020, AT&T cell service worked well for us in the Mission Ridge parking lot.
Where to Sleep in Your Van/RV
Mission Ridge has 15 RV spaces for those with a paid reservation that must be made 24 hours or more in advance. The fee in 2022/23 was $35 per night. There are no amenities.
Mission Ridge also offers a separate overnight area for smaller RVs such as truck campers and vans for $25 per night. See their RV/Overnight Parking Policy for more information.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park – 17 miles in Wenatchee – Sites either have full hookups or no hookups. When we were there in March 2020, the coin-op showers were not very warm, and the building didn’t feel heated inside. There is a lot of goose poop here, so watch your step! AT&T cell service worked well.
If you stay here, check out the Apple Capital Loop Trail. There is easy access from the campground.
Wenatchee River County Park – 20.5 miles in Monitor – Sites have full hookups, water and electric, or no hookups. The park does not open until April 1st, so it’s an option if you’re at Mission Ridge for spring skiing. The showers here are much better than the state park, and they have laundry facilities. AT&T cell service works well. They also offer WiFi, which we didn’t use.
Blu-Shastin RV Park – 37.9 miles / 55 minutes in Peshastin – Mission Ridge recommends this RV park if they don’t have enough space. We have never been here, so we can’t comment on it.
Conveniences Near Mission Ridge
The local town of Wenatchee, about 25 minutes from the ski area, should have most everything you need. They have a few grocery stores, including Fred Meyer and Albertsons (Bothell). If you have a membership, there is a Costco. We also like Safeway (Riverbend Dr) in Leavenworth.
The apple is the state fruit of Washington. When you’re at the grocery store, pick up some of the many varieties I’ve only seen while visiting Washington.
If you need a pet store, we like Firehouse Pet Shop. Since Firehouse is downtown, you will only find parallel parking directly in front of the store, which could be a problem depending on your size rig. If you drive toward the river and railroad tracks, you might be able to find better parking.
Most places we visited in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 winter seasons were relaxed and quiet communities. A lot of people seemed in a hurry around Wenatchee. I almost got hit by a car in the Fred Meyer parking lot.
Sightseeing
If you have a chance, check out Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village, almost an hour from Mission Ridge.
Closest Ski Areas to Mission Ridge
- Badger Mountain Ski Hill – 34.2 miles / 50 minutes in Waterville
- Leavenworth Winter Sports Club – 37 miles / 60 minutes in Leavenworth
- Stevens Pass (Epic Pass 2023/24) – 71 miles / 90 minutes in Skykomish
