Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington has become the latest ski resort to introduce paid parking for the upcoming season. The good news for season pass and Ikon Pass holders is that they will not beholden to paying parking fees.
The only requirement for pass holders is that they will need to register their car plates with the ski resort in order for them to measure capacity with these new guidelines. Only guests that are buying lift tickets for the day, along with Wild Cardholders on Saturdays and Sundays. Money from the parking lot will be used “to fund free bus transportation from Enumclaw on peak weekends.” For weekend visitors that are only buying lift tickets, a good option could be carpooling. Those who drive in a car/truck with four or more people in it don’t have to pay for parking.
The reasoning for the decision comes from increased traffic over the past couple of seasons, and the only way to access the resort is from a narrow two-lane road through a National Forest. It is also located under two hours outside of Seattle and Tacoma, leading to large demand, especially on weekends. The reservation system, which was part of the ski experience at Crystal last season, will not be part of their 21-22 season plans.
In short, you only really have to worry about Crystal Mountains paid parking system if you are buying a lift ticket.
Image Credits: Crystal Mountain Resort
