Mount Spokane details coming soon

People hoping for details on the expansion of downhill skiing on the west side of Mount Spokane may not have to wait much longer.

A plan to expand the ski area was expected to be released before Christmas, opening a month-long public comment period.

Old Man Winter slowed things up.

“It’s been delayed because of all the good fortune falling on the mountain right now,” said Chris Regan, environmental program manager for Washington State Parks.

The so-called epic ski season at Mount Spokane postponed release of detailed proposals and environmental impacts of expanding into virgin forest on the west slope of the mountain.

Those charged with finalizing the expansion plan were distracted by the tantalizing snow.

“We have probably had one of the best Christmas stretches I’ve ever seen,” said Brad McQuarrie, general manager of Mount Spokane.

Board members of Mount Spokane 2000, the nonprofit that runs the ski area, are working with Washington State Parks to ready the proposal for release to the public.

Regan said that could happen this week.

Mount Spokane 2000 favors limited expansion on the west side of Mount Spokane, McQuarrie said.

He said that’s the best option economically and environmentally.

Other options included leaving the mountain as is, improving the existing facilities and developing the entire backside.

Both the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife oppose any expansion on the west side of the mountain.

The DNR’s Washington Natural Heritage Program described the parkland as “a valuable conservation asset of uncommon quality.”

Other groups oppose expansion, including the Spokane Mountaineers, The Nature Conservancy and The Audubon Society.

“It’s going to ruin the visual beauty of the mountain,” said Jeff Lambert, conservation chair for the Spokane Mountaineers. Without seeing the plan, he said he’s concerned trees will be clearcut and the view will be wrecked with “big flashes of runs, possibly with lights at night.”

Supporters of expansion say the additional ski terrain would be a boon to business: The slope proposed for expansion receives less direct sunshine, making for better snow and possibly prolonging the ski season.

Mike Ramsden, president of the Spokane Ski Racing Association, said he’s excited for the expansion.

During a recent bad snow year, the mountain closed for the season in January.

“It will provide more reliable skiing and earlier skiing and later skiing,” Ramsden said.

Mount Spokane Board Member Pete Fortin said growing the ski area would be good for business and good for skiers.

“One of the biggest benefits is it opens up an area that’s intermediate to advanced intermediate and provides more terrain to most of the skiers who ski Mount Spokane,” he said.

The Mount Spokane Ski Patrol supports the expansion for safety reasons.

As the area has grown and the mountain has improved its facilities, the existing runs have become congested. Skiers have made their way to the undeveloped backside of the mountain.

Ski Patrol Member Bill Melvin said the expansion would improve rescue efforts easier.

“Being undeveloped, it’s hard for us to get back there,” he said.