Washington Ski Resort Rolls Out New Parking Reservation System for Next Season

Stevens Pass, Washington, is tweaking its parking system again, now planning to use reservations on most weekends and holiday periods next season (winter 26/27) with a mix of paid and free options.

“Over the past few seasons, we’ve tested different approaches and listened closely to guest feedback,” the ski resort’s general manager, Ellen Galbraith, wrote in a letter shared with locals. “This next step is designed to provide clear options, improve the arrival experience on peak days, help more guests spend their time on snow, and reduce park-out events.”

Stevens Pass highlighted three ways skiers can secure their spot with the plan, which debuts during the 2026-27 season and applies to all lots (this winter, Stevens Pass is offering a mix of reservation and first-come, first-served lots). 

First, they can reserve early and pay $20 for “peace of mind.” Early reservations are also available free to carpoolers with 4 or more passengers, or to an adult with two kids 12 and under.

Second, Stevens Pass will release free reservations on a weekly basis ahead of weekends and holiday periods. This is very similar to how Palisades Tahoe, California, manages its parking reservation system.

Finally, Stevens Pass noted that visitors can show up later and night ski, when available—on night ski dates, the slopes stay open until 10 p.m. While parking reservations aren’t required past 10 a.m., the resort expects that its lots will stay full into the afternoon during busy days, and suggests that those without reservations plan to arrive after 2 p.m. 

Parking remains free without reservations on non-peak weekdays. That includes powder days, as of now, the resort said.

Stevens Pass Reservation Dates

• November 27-29 (if the resort is open)
• December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-31
• January 1-3, 9-10, 16-18, 23-24, 30-31
• February 6-7, 13-15, 20-21, 27-28
• March 6-7, 13-14, 20-21

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The plan is similar to the one used by Palisades Tahoe, California, another mountain that’s tangled with crowds of skiers.

Across the ski industry, resorts like Stevens Pass—particularly those near major urban centers—have started relying on varying parking systems to avoid traffic jams and overflowing lots.

Stevens Pass’ announcement follows a back-and-forth on its parking program.

Last year, the ski resort shared plans to put a blanket $20 reservation system in place (aside from select groups), but changed course after facing backlash. The main differences between the new and retracted approaches are the weekly free reservations and the advance free reservations for carpoolers.

This time, the Stevens Pass said it has the right idea, but left room for further changes.

“We are confident this is the right next step for Stevens Pass to prioritize the parking and arrival experience, while offering greater flexibility and encouraging more sustainable travel during our busiest times,” a FAQ about the parking plan reads. “That said, we will always continue to learn, adjust, and listen to guest feedback to improve our operations.”

Despite the updates, the new plan prompted some frustration on social media. In a lengthy reply to Galbraith’s letter, one commenter noted that skiers in Washington have enough barriers to entry, and they didn’t want reservations at Stevens Pass to be another one. 

In response, Stevens Pass thanked them for their “thoughtful feedback.”

To read more about the resort’s new and current parking system, click here.