Stevens Pass is introducing a new wrinkle for skiers and snowboarders: Reserved parking.
The ski area is holding 20 spots next to the stairs in Lot A for anyone who makes an online reservation ahead of time — and pays $40.
To use the system, which will only be in effect on weekends and holidays, you have to sign up online by noon of the day ahead, and you have to get to the mountain by 11 a.m., or they’ll release your spot.
Stevens Pass general manager John Gifford said reserved spots were something the ski area had toyed around with for a few years.
"It’s something we’ve had guests ask for," he said.
He’s not expecting many people to use the service right away, but thinks it may catch on later in the season. Other ski areas charge for covered parking, or offer season parking passes in a special area, but Gifford said he didn’t know of any other ski areas with advance reservations for daily parking.
The new program doesn’t mean there’s no parking at Stevens Pass. The ski area’s eight parking lots have 2,700 spots and haven’t filled up this season, and only once last season. Of course, some of the lots are a long walk from the ticket office.
Stevens already charges $10 ($5 for cars with four or more people) on weekends for the two closest parking lots. The remainder of the parking spots are free. The ski area also operates a shuttle bus from Sultan that costs $5 for a round-trip ticket.
"(The shuttle) is the best thing for all of us," Gifford said. "It’s convenient for guests and they don’t have to worry about icy roads."
Call the ski area at 206-812-4510, or go to its Web site at www.stevenspass.com for more information.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
