Seattle ski area forced to cancel future plans after heavy ski-enthusiasts’ public opposition

Seattle, Washington – Stevens Pass Ski Area decided to drop its controversial parking policy for the next 2025-2026 winter season in a remarkable turnaround, choosing to remain with its current parking framework. Located east of Seattle, the ski resort first suggested a reservation-only parking plan with a $20 weekend and peak time charge. The resort said on Instagram, nevertheless, that in response to strong community opposition it would keep providing a combination of free and paid parking options similar for the entire season.

The now-abandoned strategy would have signaled a major change in how people accessed the mountain. Proposed regulation would have kept parking on weekdays outside of peak hours free; weekends and specified busy times would have needed advance reservations. Many regular consumers who felt penalized for not carpooling or arriving later in the day found this policy particularly controversial since it appeared to favor late comers over early morning enthusiasts.

“We’ve decided to maintain the 2024-2025 parking model for the 2025-2026 winter season,” Stevens Pass said on Instagram. “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.”

Courtesy of Stevens Pass Ski Area

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On social media channels, where users expressed appreciation and relief for the ski area’s attention to their issues, the decision was commended.

Free parking stays accessible on a first-come, first-served basis in several lots including C, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, Yodelin, and the Nordic Center under the maintained parking model, applicable on weekends, peak times, and every day of the week. Reserved parking remains an option in about 33% of the total parking spots for individuals looking for a specific place; it is available in lots G, A, B, and E during the same peak hours.

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Stevens Pass’s community-oriented strategy goes beyond parking rules. The resort plans to end its current season with many community activities, including a community fair planned for April 12, 2025, and a Springfest with a pond skim on April 13, 2025. Earlier in the month, the ski resort also marked its annual Pride Day and held an instructional avalanche dog demonstration, so highlighting its dedication to not only recreational but also educational and inclusive initiatives.

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This change in parking rules not only shows Stevens Pass’s passion to the satisfaction of its guests but also emphasizes the need of community input in guiding operational decisions. The resort’s decision to give accessibility top priority and keep flexibility in its parking capacity guarantees that it stays a friendly place for both casual guests and passionate skiers.