LOCATION
Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area is located in the Olympic National Park, 17 miles south of Port Angeles, Washington, one of only three remaining lift operations in the National Parks. Rising a mile high, Hurricane Ridge offers winter recreation and activities and features winter vistas unmatched anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. It is a small, family oriented ski area, offering to residents and visitors alike a quality winter sports experience, without the high cost or congestion of most ski areas. The Ridge boasts some groomed areas, but for the accomplished skier or snowboarder the steeps, bowls and glades are well worth the effort it takes to get there. With a summit elevation of 5,240 feet, the average annual snowfall is 400-plus inches.
DIRECTIONS
Olympic National Park is west of the Seattle area on the Olympic Peninsula. All park destinations can be reached by U.S. Highway 101, which circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula. From Seattle, Highway 104 and the Hood Canal Bridge connect you to the Olympic Peninsula and Highway 101 into Port Angeles. Turning south onto Race Street, watch for the sign, and make a slight right onto the Hurricane Ridge Parkway. The National Park charges an entrance fee, $15 per car, or purchase a yearly pass for $30. Weather dependent, the road generally opens to uphill traffic at 9am and closes to uphill traffic at 4pm.
WINTER SEASON FACTS
Winter season: Mid-December through March
Hours of operation: Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and some holidays
Average annual snowfall: 400 inches
Lowest base elevation: 4,800 feet
Highest elevation: 5,500 feet
Longest vertical drop: 800 feet
Rope tows: 2
Poma Lift: 1
Average winter visits: 5,000
Trails: 10
Terrain park: Yes, Natural hits, jumps and natural-type rails.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Hurricane Ridge operates a special 5-week ski & snowboard school with toddler, group and private lessons. An Alpine ski team trains at Hurricane Ridge and sends athletes to compete regionally.
AMENITIES
Downhill, cross-country and snowshoe rentals, as well as food and beverages and restrooms are available at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. There are no overnight accommodations at Hurricane Ridge. Check here for specific information from Olympic National Park on tubing or snowshoeing at the Ridge.
INTERESTING FACTS
Hurricane Ridge is the furthest west ski area in the contiguous United States and one of only three remaining ski areas in the U.S. located in a National Park. The other National Park ski areas are Badger Pass at Yosemite, and Boston Mills/Brandywine at Cuyahoga Valley, OH.