Summit at Snoqualmie, WA, Unveils Controversial New Paid Parking System, Charging Up To $55 Per Day

Summit at Snoqualmie, Washington, recently announced a sweeping overhaul of its parking policies, which will take effect on November 18. The resort is the latest to announce paid parking initiatives following a similar decision by Powder Mountain, Utah, last week.

• Related: New Season, New Costs: Ski Resorts Nationwide Implement Paid Parking Policies

The resort is rolling out a tiered system that will impact visitors differently based on their pass type and intended area use.

• Season Pass Holders: Will still enjoy free parking, with a simple vehicle registration process required. Each passholder can register up to two vehicles, but only one can be active at a time.
• Single-Day Ticket and Ikon Pass Holders: $5 per day for parking. Ikon passholders will receive a code after making their first reservation, valid for the days their pass provides access to The Summit.
• General Visitors and Backcountry Enthusiasts: A $55 daily fee for those without ski area tickets or passes.
• Night Owls: Permits are only required until 2 p.m., so night skiers and visitors arriving after that time can park for free.

Summit officials cite increasing visitor numbers and parking lot congestion as the primary drivers behind this decision. “More tourists, backcountry travelers, and general winter recreation visitors are utilizing our parking lots each year,” the resort explained on its website. However, with many popular trailheads accessible only via Summit parking lots, the $55 fee represents a significant barrier to entry for those looking to explore beyond resort boundaries.

• Related: Powder Mountain, UT, Introduces Paid Parking System Amid Significant Resort Changes

Violators will face a $55 fine for their first offense, with subsequent violations costing a hefty $200. However, if you’re quick to pay, that $200 fine can be reduced to $100 if settled within 10 days.

Resort leadership says they’re taking an active approach, promising to analyze parking data and feedback to fine-tune the program moving forward. But is this really about managing crowds, or is it a cash grab? The jury’s still out, but one thing’s for sure: at $55 a pop, Snoqualmie’s general parking rate is now one of the highest in North America.