Ready to ski? Don’t forget your Sno-Park pass

Skiing and snow boarding enthusiast can rejoice since Sno-Park permits are available for purchase since Nov. 1.

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, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing and other snow play, according to a Washington State Parks press release.

Sno-Park permits are sold in person and online from Nov. 1 through April 30 and must be displayed on the permit holder’s windshield during that timeframe. Sale revenue is dedicated to the Winter Recreation Program, the press release stated, and helps pay for trail grooming, snow removal, on-site sanitation, education and enforcement.

There are different types of permits;

• Daily Sno-Park permits - This permit is valid at any Sno-Park for one, two or three consecutive days as indicated on the permit. The cost is $20 per day. All Sno-Parks honor the one-day permit, and individuals who purchase a one-day permit are not required to purchase a special groomed sticker.
• Seasonal non-motorized Sno-Park permit – This permit is valid for the entire winter season at non-motorized Sno-Parks that are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, etc. Some Sno-Parks require a special groomed sticker to be paired with a season non-motorized permit. The cost is $40.
• Special Groomed Sticker – This sticker affixes to a season Sno-Park permit and is required for use at these non-motorized Sno-Parks; Cabin Creek, Chiwawa Loop, Crystal Springs, Hyak, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee and Mount Spokane. The cost is $40. Right now the Special Groomed Sticker is only available online or through REI Seattle. The sticker will be available through other vendors beginning in mid-November.
• Snowmobile Park Permit - Washington State snowmobiles are required to be registered annually through the Washington State Department of Licensing or a licensing agent. The $50 registration fee includes one Sno-Park permit, which much be affixed to the towing vehicle. Out-of-state visitors with snowmobiles need to purchase a motorized Sno-Park permit. Cost is $40.

To purchase a Sno-Park permit online, visit www.parks.state.wa.us/winter, or visit www.parks.state.wa.us/147/Sno-Park-Permit-vendors for a list of vendors.