Washington — After facing immense pushback by skiers for a plan to add paid parking reservations during weekends and holidays, Stevens Pass has made a surprising decision.
This past weekend, Stevens Pass announced an update to its parking policy. For the 2025-26 season, Stevens Pass will offer a blend of free and paid parking, with reservations also being offered in some lots. This plan incentivizes those to carpool or make a reservation
The initial plan for the 2025-26 season was for paid parking reservations during weekends and holidays for those who didn’t have four or more people in their car. On these date, reservations would have cost $20. Parking would have become free after 10 am at those lots.
While this plan wasn’t a complete cash grab, with it only occurring on weekends/holidays until 10 a.m., it did become the costliest option for season passholders in the Seattle area compared to what other ski resorts, like Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie, currently offer. After some guests threatened to not buy Epic Passes for the 2025-26 season, Stevens Pass decided to make adjustments.
In the Vail Resorts portfolio, the relationship at Stevens Pass between management and the guests is probably among the best in the chain. It’s clear that management listens there. Stevens Pass serves as a good model for not only Vail, but for ski resorts in general, for how to take feedback from guests. It’s not often that we see a ski resort abandon a paid parking plan, so guests at Stevens Pass should definitely appreciate what just transpired. Stevens Pass is also known by the acronym is SPKA for a reason.
Stevens Pass’s closing date for the 2024-25 season is scheduled for April 13th.
Image Credits: Zoshua Colah, Stevens Pass
