Industry News
Stevens Pass Ski Resort in Washington has reversed its decision to implement a paid parking reservation system for the 2025-26 winter season following significant community feedback. The resort will maintain the current hybrid parking model used this season, which combines free and paid parking options on weekends and peak days, emphasizing reservations and carpool incentives.
- Related: Stevens Pass, WA, to Implement Paid Parking Reservations on Weekends and Peak Days Next Season
The initial plan, announced in February 2025, proposed requiring $20 reservations for most vehicles during peak periods before 10 a.m., with exceptions for carpools of four or more people, single adults with two children under 12, ADA guests, and those booking lessons. However, this move sparked a backlash from season passholders, and visitors who felt the additional fees were unwarranted given the high cost of skiing at Stevens Pass.
General Manager Ellen Galbraith addressed the reversal in an April 5 update: “We’ve decided to maintain the 2024-25 parking model for the 2025-26 winter season. This means we’ll continue offering a mix of free and paid parking on weekends and during peak periods, with a focus on reservations and carpooling incentives. We will continue to reinvest all paid parking revenue into the parking and arrival experience.”
Under the maintained system, free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in designated lots during non-peak weekdays. Reservations will be required for other lots during peak times, but carpooling incentives will allow certain groups to park for free. Revenue from paid parking will fund improvements such as regrading lots and adding vault toilets.
Stevens Pass is also wrapping up its current season with several community events, including avalanche dog demonstrations, Pride Day celebrations, a Community Fair on April 12, and the popular Springfest pond skim on April 13.
The resort has seen 402″ of snowfall this season and has an 88″ base, which is around 85% of normal.
