Non-Profit Organization : Mt. Spokane

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park: The Story of a Community Asset

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, founded in 1997 by an all-volunteer board of directors, who offer guidance to our professional management staff. The organization exists to provide a family-friendly ski area where customer service is a priority in part by returning all profits to the recreation area.

In The Community

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park has been a fixture in the local Spokane community since the 1930’s, when members of the Spokane Ski Club formed the first organized skiing on the mountain. In 1997, community volunteers again joined to incorporate the ski area as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since then, Mt. Spokane has been very proud to remain closely involved with many community organizations, donating services, man-hours, and in-kind gifts towards education, community programs, at-risk youth, health agencies, and countless other school, church, and non-profit groups. Want to partner? Send us an email.

History Of Mt. Spokane

Francis H. Cook

Spokane resident and businessman Francis H. Cook, also of Manito Park fame, purchased the summit of the mountain and started a road to the top in 1909

Mount Spokane Got It’s Name

Previously known as Mount Baldy and Mount Carlton, Mount Spokane got its name in 1912.

Became a State Park

Mt. Spokane officially became a state park in 1927.

Spokane Ski Club Purchased Over 500 Acres

In the 1930s the Spokane Ski Club, the Selkirk Ski Club, and the Spokane Mountaineers purchased over 500 acres to use for the construction of lodges, rope-tows, and ski jump hills.

Spokane Ski Club Formed

In December of 1931 the Spokane Ski Club formed and installed two rope pulls on Mt. Spokane and built a log cabin to accommodate skiers.

Construction of the Vista House

built in 1933 Mt. Spokane’s historic Vista House is located at the summit of the mountain, just a few steps away from the top of Chair 1.

Ski Patrol Formed

Mt. Spokane ski patrol was formed in 1938.

B29 Crash

November 13th 1947 a B29 bomber flying from Fairchild Air Force Base crashed on Mt. Spokane killing 5 and injuring 2 of the 10 man crew.

Lodge Burns

In 1952 Mt. Spokane’s brand new lodge burned down the day before its grand opening.

Lodge 1 Built

Chair 1 and Lodge 1 were constructed in 1956 following the fire that destroyed the first lodge.

Lodge 2 Built

Lodge 2 and chair 2 were constructed in 1961.

Chair 3 Built

In 1963 chair 3 was built and night lighting was installed.

Chair 4 Built

in 1972 Chair 4 was built, providing greater access for skiing Mt. Spokane.

Chair 2 Is Shortened

in 1977 chair lift 2 was shortened which allowed construction of chair 5.

Mt Spokane Ski Corp. is transferred to Mt. Spokane 2000

October 8th 1997 Mt. Spokane Ski Corp. is transferred to Mt. Spokane 2000 a not for profit corporation doing business as Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.

Ski Area Expansion

Plans to expand the Mt. Spokane ski area were approved in 2014.

Expansion Begins

Work to expand the backside by creating 7 new runs began in 2017.

On December 15, 2018, our new triple chair, Northwood, was opened to the public.