Summit at Snoqualmie, WA, Unveils Controversial New Paid Parking System, Charging Up To $55/Day - SnowBrains

Summit at Snoqualmie, Washington, recently announced a sweeping overhaul of its parking policies, which will take effect on November 18. The resort is the latest to announce paid parking initiatives following a similar decision by Powder Mountain, Utah, last week.

The resort is rolling out a tiered system that will impact visitors differently based on their pass type and intended area use.

Summit officials cite increasing visitor numbers and parking lot congestion as the primary drivers behind this decision. “More tourists, backcountry travelers, and general winter recreation visitors are utilizing our parking lots each year,” the resort explained on its website. However, with many popular trailheads accessible only via Summit parking lots, the $55 fee represents a significant barrier to entry for those looking to explore beyond resort boundaries.

Violators will face a $55 fine for their first offense, with subsequent violations costing a hefty $200. However, if you’re quick to pay, that $200 fine can be reduced to $100 if settled within 10 days.

Resort leadership says they’re taking an active approach, promising to analyze parking data and feedback to fine-tune the program moving forward. But is this really about managing crowds, or is it a cash grab? The jury’s still out, but one thing’s for sure: at $55 a pop, Snoqualmie’s general parking rate is now one of the highest in North America.