STEVENS PASS — Weather permitting, Stevens Pass Ski Resort plans to open its slopes Dec. 6.
Last year, the resort had to delay its projected opening day from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12 due to lack of snow.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the pass from Saturday through Monday, with 12 to 24 inches of snow expected Saturday night and Sunday.
“With a promising forecast over the next few weeks, we are excited about another fantastic season opening,” resort vice president and general manager Ellen Galbraith wrote in an email.
This winter, a new parking system will be in place to address past issues with lots filling up and turning away hopeful skiers and snowboarders.
At the start of the season, two-thirds of parking spots will be free on a first-come, first-served basis on weekends and peak periods, according to a press release from Vail Resorts, which bought Stevens Pass in 2018. On non-peak weekdays, all parking will be free.
But to avoid leaving parking up to chance, the resort will now allow guests to reserve a spot on weekends and peak periods. Cars with three or fewer riders can reserve a spot for $20, but “to encourage carpooling, reservations for vehicles with four or more occupants and/or those with a single adult and two children ages 12 and under will be free,” the Vail Resorts press release stated.
The Stevens Pass website reminds people that parking on the shoulder of U.S. 2 is illegal, and cars will be ticketed and towed.
Lift ticket prices go up Sunday. Right now, all access season tickets start at $666.
Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson. Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.
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