Community Rallies for Badger Mountain: Mission Ridge Benefit Raises Thousands for Snow-Starved Ski Hill

In the wake of a historically dry winter that left its slopes bare and its gates locked, a tiny but beloved piece of Washington’s skiing heritage has received a critical lifeline.

On April 17, Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort hosted a benefit dinner that raised over $7,000 to support the Badger Mountain Ski Area. The funds arrive at a pivotal moment for the volunteer-run hill, which was unable to operate for even a single day during the 2025-26 season due to a severe lack of snowfall.

Located near Waterville in North Central Washington, Badger Mountain sits at a relatively low elevation of 3,145 feet. While it typically relies on a January opening, the "exceptionally mild" winter of 2025-26 provided little more than a dusting of snow.

For an operation run entirely by volunteers from the Waterville Lions Club, a season with zero revenue creates significant financial strain. Ongoing maintenance costs, insurance, and equipment preparation don't disappear just because the snow does.

The ski area has one T-bar, two rope tows, and offers sledding. The resort has a relatively low elevation, of 3,145 ft (959 m), therefore the ski area does not usually receive adequate snow until January. The ski area has one small lodge with a kitchen and fireplace.

Recognizing the importance of the small hill to the local "winter culture," Mission Ridge organized the mid-April benefit to bridge the financial gap. The evening proved to be a resounding success:

• Dinner Sales: Raised $4,000.

• Raffle: Generated $3,000 through items donated by Mission Ridge.

“This was a special night for our community,” said Tony Hickok, Chief Marketing Officer at Mission Ridge. “Badger Mountain plays an important role in the winter culture of North Central Washington, and it was clear throughout the evening how much people care about supporting its future.”

Hickok emphasized that the energy in the room reflected the valley’s deep-rooted passion for winter recreation. “Supporting places like Badger Mountain means supporting the future of skiing and snowboarding in our region,” he added.

Founded in 1939, Badger Mountain is a throwback to the roots of the sport. It is famous among locals for offering what it calls the "Lowest-Priced Lift Ticket in North America." As recently as January 2025, a day of skiing at Badger cost just $15.

Volunteers with the Waterville Lions Club expressed deep gratitude for the infusion of funds, noting that the $7,000 will be used to offset operating expenses and ensure the facility is ready to spin its lifts the moment snow returns next winter. Most importantly, the support helps the club maintain its mission of keeping skiing affordable and accessible for local families.

In a press release Wednesday, Mission Ridge thanked the attendees, donors, and volunteers who made the benefit possible. While the 2025-26 season will go down in the books as a "lost winter" for Badger Mountain, the community's response has ensured that the 87-year-old ski area won't be melting away anytime soon.