Since the Hurricane Ridge ski area opened in 1958, the words, "I have skied in the Olympics" have been printed on Hurricane Ridge lift tickets. The ski area is located in Olympic National Park on Hurricane Ridge. It is the furthest west ski area in the contiguous United States. It is one of only three ski areas located in a national park.   

The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club is a dedicated group of volunteers who run the ski area every winter. They also operate the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Education Foundation, a charitable 501(c)(3) corporation. According to Frank Crippen who is on the board of directors, handles the marketing and also runs the ski school, "Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club is dedicated to keeping winter sports: friendly, affordable and inclusive for all. We are a community-based and volunteer-run ski area, operated by, built by and ran for people just like you."

"The Hurricane Ridge Ski Area opened Jan. 1, 1958, with two rope tows relocated from Deer Park (a 1930s ski area) on Blue Mountain. These engines are still in use today. A Poma surface lift was added in 1971. Hurricane Ridge remains a small, family-oriented ski and snowboard area, supporting a ski school, ski team, Terrain Park and tubing area, and operated by a nonprofit winter sports club. The 1950s saw a resurgence of road and facility construction in national parks. In 1956, the National Park Service launched an ambitious program called Mission 66, so named because it was to conclude in 1966, the 50th anniversary of the Park Service. This resulted in a paved, two-lane road to Hurricane Ridge and the ski area was moved from Deer Park. For skiers, the move to Hurricane Ridge meant a much-improved road and better snow and slopes. While the rest of America has seen a vast expansion of ski areas and advances in chairlifts and facilities, Hurricane Ridge has continued its small operation of rope tows and a surface lift. Hundreds of young skiers have learned to ski on its slopes," from the history of the ski area written by Roger M. Oakes, past president, Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club.

True to their mission, the ski area remains affordable with prices of $13-$34, depending on how many lifts you choose. It is rustic with tow ropes and a Poma-style lift. Sledding is $10 an hour and includes tubes. The ridge offers a sledding area for small children, but all other sledding must be done with the club's tubes. There is a 10 percent military discount available.

At the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, the Mountain View Café is available as well as a gift shop. Downhill and cross-country skis and snowshoes are available to rent from the Hurricane Ridge Rental Shop. The Mountain View Café and rental shop are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday-Sunday as well as holiday Mondays from mid-December through March.

Hurricane Ridge can be accessed from Port Angeles, just follow the signs to Olympic National Park. Winter weather can change suddenly and the road to Hurricane Ridge will be closed during storms. Be prepared for winter conditions, and chains are required for all vehicles. For more information on the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club and skiing, contact 848.667.7669, or info@hurricaneridge.com or visit hurricaneridge.com. Make sure to visit the national park site for road conditions at nps.gov/olym.