Washington Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1, and people should expect to see an increased fee. The last time fees were increased was 2009.
“Washington state Sno-Park users enjoy a high level of service, including cleared parking lots, groomed ski, skate-ski and snowmobile trails, regularly sanitized bathrooms and avalanche beacon check stations in some backcountry areas,” a news release from Washington State Parks reads. “The new prices reflect the rising cost of these operations, as well as replacement of aging equipment, including grooming machines.”
This year, seasonal permits will cost $50, up from $40; annual snowmobile permits will cost $50, also up from $40; special groomed trail stickers will cost $70, up from $40; and a daily Sno-Park permit will cost $25, up from $20.
Discover passes are not required at Sno-Parks.
According to Washington State Parks, the 2020-2021 season was so busy, staff opened a new Sno-Park near Winthrop, three temporary snow-play areas near Cle Elum and a groomed sledding hill in Southwest Washington.
“This quick response helped to ease traffic, parking congestion and safety hazards, particularly along the I-90 corridor,” state parks reported. “The Winter Recreation Program anticipates a similar level of usage this season.”
