Mission Ridge, WA Launches First Quad Lift With Hoods (Bubbles) in USA PNW

The upgraded chairlift uses the existing line but now with new stations, new towers and new chairs - Pic Credit Mission Ridge Over the weekend the Pacific North West (PNW) got a brand new hooded chairlift with bubbles that go over the riders. The upgraded Wenatchee Express is the newest quad chair in the region and also might be the coolest ride for alot of washington riders. Mission Ridge ski resort located just above the town of Wenatchee, WA debuted the new chairlift to much fanfare of the local riders who all enjoyed the ability to stay warm whilst riding up to the highest part of the resort. The upgraded quad chair takes riders to the summit elevation of 6,820 gives them long winding run options down to base village from the right side of the chair, those looking for a thrill should go to the left where double black diamonds await. Using the existing chairlift line they have upgraded to new stations, new towers and new chairs. This now puts Mission Ridge ahead of other resorts in the area especially during those freezing Pacific North West blower storms. Here is the statement from Mission Ridge“We are excited to announce the Wenatchee Express chairlift opened for the first time Wednesday, February 17th! The new high-speed, four-person chairlift replaces the old Liberator Express chairlift in the same position but features chairs with plexiglass bubble covers, a shorter ride time, and loading/unloading from inside the new top and bottom terminal buildings. The chairlift is unique in the Pacific Northwest and will be a one-of-a-kind experience for snowboarders and skiers in the region. This chairlift is going to be a dramatic improvement for Mission Ridge, our Passholders, and our guests. We have always had amazing natural beauty and exceptional skiing conditions, but this lift is going to be truly transformational.The new Wenatchee Express chairlift is over a mile long with a vertical rise of over 1500 feet. The installation included new tower locations, new top and bottom terminal buildings, and a new maintenance shop/chair parking garage connected to the bottom terminal. This chairlift has been designed to minimize wind effect in order to increase guest comfort and deliver consistency of operations during inclement weather. The bubble covers, lower elevation of the lift towers, and loading and unloading the chair inside buildings will all contribute to a high-quality, unique guest experience.Removal of the old chairlift began last May when many other resorts across the country were announcing the cancellation and postponement of the chairlift and other infrastructure improvement projects due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID pandemic. Owner Larry Scrivanich’s willingness to move forward with this project really demonstrates his ongoing commitment to Mission Ridge and this community. Not only will this lift have an amazing impact on guests at Mission Ridge for many, many years to come, but this project also has had a dramatically positive impact economically on the Wenatchee Valley during this very difficult off-season. A staff of over 30 was kept fully employed over the spring, summer, and fall when Mission Ridge normally has 10-15 employees in the offseason. Local contractors from the Wenatchee Valley were also sought out whenever possible to help with the build.In addition to the opening of the Wenatchee Express, Mission Ridge is also announcing additional operational days and nights to the spring calendar. The Ridge has extended daily operations through March 21st and added four more evenings of Night Skiing on March 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th. We truly appreciate all the support, encouragement, and patience from our Passholders, guests, and community throughout this project. We are adding in these days and nights to say thank you to everyone and to make sure there is as much opportunity as possible to enjoy the Wenatchee Express and the terrain it accesses this season.“