5 things you need to know before hitting the slopes in Western Washington

With the winter sports season just around the corner, it’s important for skiers and snowboarders to know what to expect from their favorite Western Washington ski resorts before hitting the slopes.

The coronavirus pandemic is more under control now than it was at this time last year, but a slew of state health and safety protocols enacted over the past several months means this season still won’t feel like seasons past.

“Everyone at Stevens Pass is excited to welcome guests back, and we’re expecting another solid season of excellent snowfall and pure Pacific Northwest powder,” said Sara Rosten, a spokesperson for the Stevens Pass ski resort, in an email. “But, of course, safety remains paramount.”

The key difference this year is that vaccines are now available for everyone over the age of 5. The state is still averaging more than 1,5000 new cases per day, but with 66% of the population vaccinated, you can expect turnout this year to look more like it did before the pandemic.  

For this article, the SeattlePI cross-referenced COVID-19 protocols at the area’s three most popular ski and snowboard destinations — The Summit at Snoqualmie, Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass — to create a comprehensive list of things you should expect so you don’t find yourself unprepared on a snowy mountainside.

Keep reading to find out what you should know before you go.

Bring your ski mask, and your other mask

Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 while in any indoor area at all three resorts. This is true for everyone regardless of vaccination status.

Your mask has to meet CDC guidelines, meaning it needs to be made of two layers of breathable fabric, must fit over your nose and chin, and must have a top inner wire that you can clasp across the bridge of your nose to prevent air from leaking out of the top.

Neck gaiters — commonly worn by skiers and snowboarders — must have two layers or be folded in a way that creates two layers over your airways. Scarves, ski masks and balaclavas are not substitutes for masks and must be worn over your mask.

Face shields, masks with valves or vents, N95 respirators and masks made out of material that isn’t breathable — such as vinyl — do not meet CDC guidelines.

Your mask can only be removed indoors while eating or drinking while stationary at a table. It’s recommended that you wear your mask outside, but it isn’t required.

If you’re vaccinated, bring proof

Proof of vaccination is not yet needed at Crystal Mountain or The Summit at Snoqualmie, but it is a requirement to do some things at Stevens Pass. All three resorts require their employees to be vaccinated and are encouraging their guests to get vaccinated.

At Stevens Pass, everyone over the age of 12 will need to show proof of vaccination to dine indoors at one of the many on-mountain restaurants. Reservations, which open one day prior, are also required. You can make a reservation using the resort’s Time to Dine service.

As proof, the resort is accepting:

• A CDC vaccination card, or a photo of one.
• An official vaccination mobile app, including all official U.S., European Union and foreign country mobile apps, digital passports and digital certificates.
• Third-party vaccination mobile apps: Clear Health Pass, IATA Travel Pass App, Verifly, VaxYes by Gogetdoc, and CommonPass.

Proof is not required to ski, snowboard or ride a lift at any of the three resorts.

Summit at Snoqualmie will not offer indoor dining at Summit West or Alpental, but may have food available for pickup that you can eat outside or in your car. Summit Central, Silver Fir and Summit East will still have indoor dining. The resort will also have outdoor dining options.

All indoor dining options at Crystal Mountain will operate as normal, but the resort has expanded outdoor options and guests can order to-go orders through the Crystal Mountain mobile app.  

Leave your cash at home

Summit at Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass are currently cashless. They will be accepting all major U.S. debit and credit cards and mobile payments.

It’s unclear if Crystal Mountain is cashless, but to be safe, you should be prepared to pay some other way.

Capacity limits are back to normal

All three resorts have removed their lift and chair capacity limits, which should lead to shorter wait times this year.

Crystal Mountain will continue using “ghost lanes” between wait lines to keep guests spaced out, and anyone uncomfortable with riding alongside people outside their household can request to be loaded alone.

Plan your mode of transportation ahead of time

Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass have made significant changes to their parking structures.

At Crystal Mountain, those without season passes must now pay for parking on Friday, Saturday and Sunday unless they’re in a carpool of four or more people. Payments can be made through the mobile app or at one of the on-site kiosks. Those in a carpool of four or more people will be verified on arrival by parking in a designated space and will not have to pay.

Free parking is included with a Crystal Mountain season pass but drivers must register their plate with the resort ahead of time. Parking is still free for everyone Monday through Thursday.

At Stevens Pass, parking in its premium, lettered lots (A-G) is now for carpools only on weekends and holidays. You must have three or more people in your car to park in one of those lots on those days.

If those lots are full, or you’re traveling with fewer than three people on a weekend or holiday, you can park in one of the resort’s two satellite lots. They’re located at Yodelin and the Nordic Center, which are one mile and five miles east of the summit, respectively. A free shuttle will take guests from those lots to the summit in regular intervals until 5:30 p.m.

Parking is free in all lots at Stevens Pass.

Summit at Snoqualmie has restricted the uppermost lot at Alpental (Lot 4) to season pass holders only. Passholders should be prepared to show their pass as they approach the upper lots. Only one pass is required per vehicle.