OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Time to slip on the boots, skis, snowboard, snowshoes and/or the warmest cold-weather gear and head on up to the ridge.
Located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road, the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Area offers numerous activities for those seeking good winter hikes, downhill and sledding/tubing fun, breathtaking views and more.
Weather dependent, the road generally opens to uphill traffic at 9 a.m. and closes to uphill traffic at 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
For the 2018-19 winter season, the road is scheduled to be open Fridays through Sundays through March 31 and open during winter break (Wednesday to Jan. 1, closed Christmas Day, which is Tuesday). In addition, the road is scheduled to be open for Monday holidays Jan. 21 and Feb. 18.
Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area plans to open the 2018-19 season Saturday, said Frank Crippen of the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club, which operates the Hurricane Ridge Sports Area.
Activities are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The area has two rope tows and a Poma lift for beginner to advanced skiers, but the Poma lift and tubing will not be available until later in the season.
“They will be added as soon as snow and time allow,” Crippen said.
As of Wednesday, Hurricane Ridge had 41 inches of snow.
For fees, the club’s ski school offers three-week and drop-in ski/snowboard lessons, plus toddler-age lessons and private lessons for one person or more (six maximum).
Passes — both season passes and reduced cost tickets for just the bunny lift, the intermediate and bunny lifts or the Poma and all lifts, plus tubing fees — are outlined on the club’s website at www.hurricane ridge.com.
The club is offering free lift tickets to fourth- and fifth-graders for the 2018-19 season. Parents/guardians should bring proof of enrollment to the ticket window to receive a free ticket. Homeschoolers can bring proof of age.
For more information about the ski school, call 848-667-7669 or email to skischool@hurricaneridge.com.
There’s more to do up on the ridge than skiing and tubing, however. Snow permitting, families can join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk. Walks are offered at 2 p.m. weekends and holiday Mondays.
They last 1.5 hours and cover less than a mile; snowshoes and instructions are provided.
Cost for snowshoe walks is $7 for adults, $3 for youth 6-15 years old, and free for children 5 years old and younger. Group size is limited to 25 people.
Sign-up begins at the Hurricane Ridge information desk 30 minutes before the walk.
Reservations for a morning walk for school or community groups must be made in advance by calling 360-565-3136.
There are also 10 dedicated trails at Hurricane Ridge, from the popular 3.2-mile (round-trip) Hurricane Hill to the 3.8-mile (one-way) Klahhane Ridge to more easy-going, one-mile-or-less routes such as Cirque Rim, Big Meadow and High Ridge; see www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-area- brochure.htm for more trail details.
Food, beverages and restrooms are available at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, where ridge users can enjoy a picnic at more than 5,000 feet above sea level.
According to the National Park Service, Hurricane Ridge Road opens at 9 a.m. but times might vary depending on weather and road conditions.
All vehicles, including those equipped with four-wheel drive, must carry snow chains to proceed up Hurricane Ridge Road beyond the Heart o’ the Hills toll station.
None of the ski area passes or tickets includes entrance to Olympic National Park. Fees are $30 per car, or an annual pass for $55.
All vehicles must be off the ridge and below the toll station by 5 p.m. The park service encourages visitors to call 360-565-3131 for a 24-hour recording of current road and weather conditions.
Olympic National Park advises Hurricane Ridge visitors to carpool and park close to other vehicles in available parking.
The ridge’s parking lot fills early, causing long delays at the Heart o’ the Hills entrance station.
Authorized businesses provide shuttle service to Hurricane Ridge.
For information, inquire at the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center by calling 360-452-2363 or go to www.port angeles.org.
