OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing or hot chocolate with a view — a white Christmas weekend awaits at Hurricane Ridge.
Hurricane Ridge Road is closed today but is scheduled to reopen at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Weather permitting, the 17-mile access road to the North Olympic Peninsula’s playground will remain open daily through Jan. 3.
Organized skiing and snowboarding opened this year on Dec. 19.
The Poma lift will not be running this weekend, but the two rope tows will be.
“We do plan on running Saturday and Sunday,” said Craig Hofer, Hurricane Ridge mountain manager.
All-day lift tickets for the intermediate and bunny runs are $20.
Half-day tickets for $18 are available after 1 p.m.
Rarely open so early
It’s difficult for Hofer to predict how big the turnout will be, since organized skiing and snowboarding is rarely open this early.
“It’s been a dozen years since we’ve opened before Christmas,” Hofer said. “As I remember, in the past it’s been real good.”
Barb Maynes, Olympic National Park spokeswoman, expects a large crowd at the ridge this weekend.
“Our busiest times do coincide with school breaks and holidays,” she said.
The National Park service has seen a spike in attendance this year as more and more families, counting their pennies during a recession, spend their vacations closer to home, Maynes said.
Hurricane Ridge needs another 2 or 3 feet of snow for the Poma lift to open, Hofer said.
The storm that blew through the region last month packed so much wind that a consistent base never materialized. The 100 mph winds left piles of snow in some places, with scarce amounts in others.
“We need a big snow with no wind,” Hofer said.
Miles of backcountry trail are available for cross-country skiers and snowshowers. The remote routes are unmarked and ungroomed.
Snowshoe walks
Ranger-led snowshoe walks are scheduled at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through March 28. Walks are also planned for New Year’s Day and Monday holidays.
Snowshoe walks take about 90 minutes. To register, stop by the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center information desk. Space is limited.
A voluntary $5 donation helps the park provide the walks and repair and replace snowshoes.
Sledding and tubing is not allowed at the Sunrise Snowplay Area because of the potential for serious injury, park officials have said.
The Small Children’s Snowplay Area, located just west of the visitor’s center, remains open for young thrill-seekers 8 years old and younger.
A ski shop at the visitors center offers rental skis and snowshoes. The visitor’s center also has a snack bar.
Hurricane Ridge Road may close on short notice in severe weather or if conditions become unsafe.
Road conditions are updated on the park’s 24-hour hot line at 360-565-3131.
All drivers are required to carry chains.
A seven-day Olympic National Park pass costs $15 and can be purchased at the Heart O’ The Hills entrance station.
An annual pass costs $30.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladaily news.com.
