Our Take
Paid parking has turn out to be increasingly more widespread at ski areas throughout the nation, and on the floor, Summit at Snoqualmie and Alpental are simply following this considerably annoying pattern. Nonetheless, Snoqualmie’s upcharge technique for non-resort skiers and riders is sort of uncommon. Parking availability has been a difficulty within the area throughout peak instances, and it’s clear the resort is implementing this coverage to dissuade non-paying company from parking there.
For these snowboarding at Snoqualmie or Alpental, the brand new parking charges most likely gained’t be a dealbreaker. Season passholders and Flex Pack customers get free parking, whereas Ikon and day ticket holders pay an inexpensive $5 per day. Notably, these charges are nonetheless rather a lot cheaper than the $15-$30 that’s turn out to be regular within the business, though many competing resorts don’t cost for parking in any respect on off-peak weekdays.
For these with no resort go—whether or not visiting for snow play or backcountry entry—the $55-per-day state of affairs shall be an enormous hurdle. Snow play fans do have some alternate options. Three Washington State Parks-run Sno-Parks encompass Snoqualmie Cross: Asahel Curtis on the west aspect, and Gold Creek and Hyak on the east. These Sno-Parks can be found for a $25 day go or a $50 season go, which provides a extra inexpensive (albeit nonetheless considerably dear) choice.
For backcountry skiers, this parking coverage is notably restrictive. The one accessible lot in Alpental Valley, Lot A7, is open for backcountry use however fills up quick, with carpooling strongly advisable to protect area. Sadly, there is no actual workaround for the excessive parking price—backcountry skiers will both want a resort elevate ticket, a $55 parking go, or to rethink their plans to entry Alpental’s backcountry terrain.
Will probably be fascinating to see how this experiment works for the Summit at Snoqualmie, as they are saying they are going to be fine-tuning this system shifting ahead.
Contemplating a visit to Washington state this winter? Try our Summit at Snoqualmie and Alpental mountain critiques, in addition to our complete Washington state ski resort rankings.
