Reservations required as Stevens Pass opens Friday for winter season

Stevens Pass officially opened Friday, Dec. 4, but reservations will be required for skiers, snowboarders, and anyone hoping for on-mountain access this winter.

Tips on winter driving from WSDOT and Washington State Patrol

Due to COVID-19, Stevens Pass and other area ski resorts have adjusted the rules in order to avoid crowding and limit the spread of the virus on the mountain and in public areas. This season at Stevens, face coverings are required to access the mountain, in all indoor spaces, in any line, in chairlifts and gondolas, and anywhere you’re unable to maintain physical distance from others.

Additionally, reservations are required and pass holders get priority access. Passes go off sale on Dec. 6. Lift tickets will go on sale Dec. 8, after pass holders reserve their days.

As the final major change at Stevens Pass, all transaction will be cashless — which includes purchases at hotels, restaurants (currently only open for grab and go), Ski and Ride School, and all points of sale. You can book and pay online in advance. Find more details about this winter’s experience at Stevens here.

Love this!
A moonlit @StevensPass turns to a pretty nice morning with some sun. #wawx #wasnow pic.twitter.com/F14t1qv05G

— Morgan Palmer (@MorganKIRO7) December 3, 2020

“This year, our commitment to safety takes on more importance than ever,” said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, which owns Stevens Pass. “We are fortunate that our core experience of skiing and riding takes place outdoors, across huge mountains, offering fresh air and wide-open spaces for our guests. However, to help protect our guests, our employees and our communities amid this pandemic, some changes will be required this season.”

Washington ski resorts opening with COVID rules

Other local passes are also updating their rules for COVID-19, including The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass, only about 50 minutes east off I-90, which also opened to passholders for the 2020-21 winter season on Friday Similar to Stevens, the Summit requires visitors to wear face masks. View the COVID-19 guide here prior to visiting.

Crystal Mountain, just 100 minutes from Seattle, is already open to skiing. Tickets, generally in the $100 range for adults, are available for specific days. Crystal has a few other bells and whistles for snow lovers, such as a ride on the gondola and space to park your RV to work from the mountain. Yes, there is WiFi in the parking lot! Crystal has posted its COVID precautions here.

MyNorthwest’s Stephanie Klein contributed to this report.