Mount Spokane transitions to winter
OUTGOING – The change from Discover Passes to Sno-Park permits is one of the transitions underway at Mount Spokane State Park as snow begins to pile up and road plowing begins.
Starting Monday, vehicles accessing the cross-country skiing and snowshoer parking areas will be required to have Washington Sno-Park permits. The permits can be purchased from a variety of vendors as well as online.
Season permits, which cost $40 per vehicle, are valid for a carload of passengers at most of Washington’s plowed winter recreation areas open to skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
However, an additional $40 grooming sticker must be attached to the Sno-Park permit when parking at groomed cross-country skiing areas.
At Mount Spokane, the sticker is required at the parking lot next to Selkirk Lodge at the nordic ski area, but not at the other mountain parking lots.
Outside of winter, vehicles accessing the park are required to display a Washington Discover Pass. The Sno-Park system is a separate account in state budgeting.
Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park customers do not need a vehicle pass – but only when the resort is open and operating. The ski area is the only Inland Northwest downhill resort that is not open for skiing this weekend. No opening date has been announced.
Grooming at the nordic trails won’t begin until at least a foot of snow accumulates, rangers say.
Nordic ski, snowshoe rentals available on mountain
OUTDO – A new rental service for cross-country skis and snowshoes will open Monday at Mount Spokane.
Fitness Fanatics, based at 12425 E. Trent Ave., will have a trailer full of gear to rent, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursdays-Mondays during the season. The trailer is next to Selkirk Lodge and the nordic trails.
Owner Robin Deruwe said Sno-Park passes and snacks will be sold and snowshoeing maps will be available.
The center will have classic and skate gear for adults and kids, as well as hats, gloves and waxes, she said.
Equipment can be reserved by calling the store, (509) 922-6080.