TL;DR
Stevens Pass, located in Washington, has been struggling with overcrowding issues due to the increasing popularity of the Epic Pass. To combat this problem, the ski area is now promoting carpooling by giving preferred parking to vehicles carrying four or more people. This move is not only environmentally friendly but also beneficial for the ski area. With the preferred parking spots being close to the base area, it's an excellent incentive for individuals looking to avoid a long walk from their car. This initiative is a step in the right direction for promoting sustainable tourism and reducing the impact of skiing on the environment.
Stevens Pass, located in Washington, has been facing overcrowding issues in recent years due to the increasing popularity of the Epic Pass. As it's the nearest option for pass holders who reside in Seattle, the ski area's 2,800 parking spaces are consistently overwhelmed on weekends and holidays. To tackle this problem, Stevens Pass is promoting carpooling by allocating preferred parking to vehicles carrying four or more people. Lots A and G, which are close to the base area and desirable for those seeking to avoid a long walk from their vehicle, will be reserved for cars with four or more passengers. This offer appears to be a decent incentive to encourage some individuals to carpool on the weekend. Kudos to Vail Resorts for promoting carpooling in this way instead of charging for it, especially considering the negative feedback they received for their actions in Stowe, VT. Let's hope that more skiers and riders embrace carpooling, as it is not only better for the environment, but also beneficial for the ski area. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy traveling to the ski resort with a group of friends? It's the perfect way to get excited for a day on the mountain.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
