Sno-Park permits go on sale November 1

OLYMPIA, Wash.—The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program reminds winter recreation enthusiasts that Sno-Park permits will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 1. The program simultaneously announces new regulations regarding permit purchases and display requirements.

Sno-Park permits allow visitors to park in specially cleared, designated parking lots with access to areas around the state for cross-country skiing, skijoring, fat-tire biking, snowmobiling, snow biking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing and other winter sports and snow play.

Starting this year, the Discover Pass will no longer be required along with the daily Sno-Park permit in Sno-Parks that are on State Park property. (Crystal Springs, Easton Reload, Fields Spring, Hyak, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee, Pearrygin Lake and Mount Spokane.)

 “The Winter Recreation Program often heard from permit holders about how cumbersome the old requirements were,” said Winter Recreation Program Manager Pamela McConkey. “This change in permit and pass requirements means less confusion for winter recreation enthusiasts.”

Last spring, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill eliminating the need for the Discover Pass to accompany the daily Sno-Park permits at Sno-Parks in Washington state parks. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Chris Corry (Yakima), was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on April 29.

Seasonal Sno-Park permit holders had already been exempted from displaying the Discover Pass at Washington State Parks Sno-Parks.

About the State Parks Winter Recreation Program

The Winter Recreation Program manages more than 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 811 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 120 Sno-Parks (plowed parking areas near snowmobile and cross-country ski trails) on public and private lands in Washington. The Winter Recreation Program is supported entirely by user fees, snowmobile registrations and a percentage of the state fuel tax. Follow the Winter Recreation Program on Twitter at @WaStatePks_WNTR and at parks.state.wa.us/winter.