Uphill Travel Passes & Policies
Uphill Season Pass
Mt. Spokane offers uphill skiing access with a valid Uphill Ski Season Pass. The fees collected for this uphill access enable Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park to deliver essential services, including grooming, run maintenance, safety measures, and ongoing mountain development.
An Uphill Pass grants access to designated Uphill Routes during approved hours. Please note that an Uphill Season Pass does not include chairlift privileges. The Uphill Pass also provides an Early Hours Parking Pass.
Guests who possess a valid Downhill Winter Season Pass are not required to buy an Uphill Season Pass and are encouraged to utilize the Uphill Routes.
For an Early Hours Parking Permit, please visit Guest Services.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Do not start your uphill journey before 7:15 AM. The State Park opens at 7 AM and does not allow skier vehicles on the premises before this time. Downhill skiing is restricted to uphill routes only until 9 AM (Teakettle/B29/Jim's Gem). Winch snowcats are operational until 9 AM, and their winch cables can pose a serious threat to downhill skiers.
Uphill Rules & Guidelines
- Uphill parking permit must be displayed when parking at Lodge 1, between 7:15am–9am.
- No dogs allowed on ski terrain including uphill routes.
- Travel uphill only on the designated routes.
- Stay completely to the edge of ski trails.
- Observe posted signs, warnings, and trail closures. Always review daily report online.
- Watch for and yield to all downhill skiers and machinery.
- Be aware of dangers: winch-cat operations, grooming, snowpack instability, deep powder—all can be deadly.
- Do not stop in high-traffic zones, where you are likely to obstruct a trail, or where you are not visible to downhill traffic.
- All uphill travelers in the ski area are considered skiers and must know Uphill Skier policies, the Skier’s Responsibility Code, RCW 79A.45.030, and Mt. Spokane rules. Mt. Spokane is not liable for accidents during uphill travel. RCW 4.24.210.
- Dogs are only allowed in parking lots, and outside the ski area, they must be leashed and under control. Specific routes may close due to safety concerns like hazard trees or maintenance. Check the Mt. Spokane Snow Report for updates.
- Certain areas, like Hourglass, No Alibi, and Two-Face, may require winch grooming, creating hazards. Uphill travelers should wear headlamps in the dark and yield to all downhill traffic. You may not descend until 9am.
- Users can travel outside the ski area using Washington State Parks trails as per their policies. The standard ascent for skiers and snowshoers starts at Lower Selkirk Parking Lot, ascends Trail 131, moves along B
Designated Times for Uphill Travel
- All Operating Days: 7:15am–3:30pm (Grooming begins at 4pm each day)
- You may not descend on any groomed run on operating days until 9am.
- Non-operating Mondays: 7:15am–Dusk
- Non-operating Tuesdays: 7:15am–3:30pm (Grooming begins at 4pm)
Early Hour Parking Locations
Roadways at Mt. Spokane are cleared by the Washington State Parks. Abiding by parking guidelines allows access for necessary snow clearing.
- Early Morning Uphill Access, Lodge 1: Park facing snowbank adjacent to Lodge 1, between the two driveways to access uphill routes.
- Selkirk and Lower Selkirk/Snowmobile Lot:
State Parks requires a SNO-PARK Permit (Day Use or Annual). Call the Ranger Station at 509.238.4258 for more information.
Dedicated Uphill Routes
Uphill Routes
Teakettle Route
Starting at Lodge 1 stay left on Hourglass. Turn left onto B-29 catrack. Stay left and travel along Teakettle to the summit.
From Lodge 2 to Lodge 1
Use this short route to return back to Lodge 1 from Lodge 2.
Northwood Route
Stay right along Big Timber to Jim’s Gem, continuing to the summit along Yellowbrick Road.
