Skiing inthe prairies: a greatway to spend yourwinter!
Saskatchewan isn’t known for its endless mountain ranges and deep powder, but a little gem only 45 minutes east of Regina in the beautiful Qu’appelle Valley almost guarantees to revive your love for winter!
On its opening day in 1972, Mission Ridge Winter Park looked much different than it does today: a quaint Daylodge looked out over two T-bar Lifts and one rope tow serviced eight runs. The resort relied on 100 per cent natural snow that was loaded and hauled off its namesake ‘ Mission’ Lake to be packed by a sixcylinder gas-powered Foremost Spider Snowcat.
Modern- day Mission Ridge began its evolution in 2001 with a 100-square foot addition to the daylodge followed by a 4,000-square foot lounge and rental shop for the 2009 season.
The long- awaited Tube Park was completed for winter 2019 and has since been expanded by adding a fifth land and an additional 50 tubes.
The most recent addition to the park was completed in summer 2020 with the completion of the new 5,500 square foot Mission Place which now houses guest services, resort daycare, rental shop, washrooms and business offices. The resort is now serviced by a triple chairlift and three modern conveyor lifts.
Mission Ridge now boasts an impressive 30 acres of skiable and tubing terrain groomed fresh daily. There are two separate beginner areas as well as two freestyle terrain parks with a range of beginner-to-expert features.
In addition to the multitude of structural improvements, Mission Ridge Winter Park has grown to employ over 100 staff and teaches a whopping 10,000 lessons per season. Fort Qu’appelle’s famous Bubba’s Pizza now resides in the Daylodge to create the ultimate dining experience—a far cry from the precooked burgers and fries you might associate with a ski hill cafeteria.
Remarkably with the vast improvements over the past 46 years of operation, Mission Ridge remains locally owned and operated. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or new to the sport of skiing or snowboarding, Mission Ridge Winter Park needs to be on the top of your family’s to-do list this winter season!