Inbounds Uphill Access Advocacy

When Skimo Northwest formed, we wanted to be more than a race company.  For the sport to flourish, we need not only races, but places to train.  If you look at any regional ski resort's current Uphill Policy, you'll find a confusing and wide range of allowances, times, and protocols.  In essence, it is difficult to properly tour uphill at most resorts, and we aim to change that.

The last four years we've worked with the Summit at Snoqualmie to help identify what issues they're concerned with regarding uphilling, communicate to them what uphillers are looking for, and suggest possible improvements to operations and marketing that benefit all stakeholders.  We believe that creating designated uphill lanes that are accessible during all operating hours for a reasonable season's pass fee is the way to gain reliable and continued access.  Uphilling inbounds can be compared to a rock climbing gym, with a lower barrier of entry than the backcountry, with accessibility, facilities, safety, and skills progression prioritized and a fee associated.  While progress can be hard to measure some years, we've been proud to see the Summit adopt an Uphill Program with continued daily access, multiple and interesting uphill tracks that can be linked up, parking prioritization, lessons, and events.

New for the '24/'25 Season, we are expanding our advocacy outreach to many other regional ski areas!  Locals who have a vested interest in their backyard ski hill have stepped forward as representatives of Skimo Northwest to work with the ski areas.  Thank you to the new members of the team!

If there are uphill issues you would like to discuss with your local representative or become more involved, please email us at advocacy@snowgoatskimo.com

Stevens Pass - Ben Peters
Mission Ridge - Grant Chong
Summit at Snoqualmie - Travis Nesse/Rich Bennett
Crystal Mountain - Michael Warner
Skibowl/Timberline/Mt Hood Meadows - Matt Hasenohr/Joe Marquez
Mount Bachelor - Lisa Green