Another ski area is implementing parking reservations for next season.
Stevens Pass, located in Skykomish, Washington, about 82 miles east of Seattle, will require snowboarders and skiers to reserve parking in advance for weekends and peak periods.
“Addressing parking challenges has been a priority at Stevens Pass, and while no single solution can fully solve the issue, we’re committed to continuous improvement,” Ellen Galbraith, the general manager at Stevens Pass says in an Instagram post. “After continued learnings this season, we’ve decided to implement reservations next season for all alpine lots on weekends and peak periods until 10am, offering a mix of paid and free carpool options.”
There is one exception: carpoolers. Those who arrive on a weekend or a peak date with a car filled with four or more people, a single adult with two or more children, or those using ADA parking will be able to park for free. Guests who book lessons will also be able to park at no extra cost. Free parking without a reservation is available after 10 a.m. if space allows, but that’s not a guarantee.
A parking reservation will cost $20 for skiers who don't carpool on the weekends.
“We encourage guests without a reservation to arrive after 1pm, when additional spots are expected to be available,” Galbraith said. “I’ve been on-site nearly every weekend helping to manage traffic and have observed a reduction in congestion as reservations have staggered arrival times. Reservations also provide a more predictable and less stressful arrival.”
“Parking has been a top priority throughout my tenure, and I’m confident this change is the right step forward.”
Parking will remain free on weekdays that are not considered peak season. The money made from parking reservations will go back into parking improvements, like adding vault toilets to the lots and paving during the offseason.
The current Stevens Pass parking plan involves a combination of free and paid parking options, with incentives given to those who carpool. Free parking is open on a first-come, first-served basis in Lots C, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, Yodelin, and the Nordic Center as needed on weekends, peak periods, and every day of the week.
Reserved parking is available in 33% of total resort parking on weekends and peak periods in Lots G, A, B, and E. Those who do not arrive to their parking reservation by 10 a.m. will forfeit the parking spot.
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