STEVENS PASS WINTER 2026/27: A GUIDE TO THE 90th ANNIVERSARY SEASON
- Celebrating 90 Years of SPKA (If you know, you know)
- Ski and ride from sunup to sundown during night skiing operations
- Learn about updates to our parking program for this winter
- Stay a little longer in the nearby, charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth
Located less than two hours from the Seattle area and deep in the Cascade Mountains, Stevens Pass is rugged, real, and fueled by passion. This winter, Seattle’s home mountain celebrates 90 years of skiing and riding in the Cascades. From the iconic two-seat 7th Heaven chair and steep mountain terrain to crisp nights under the lights and high-fives in the lift line, generations have returned for the terrain, the weather, the traditions, and the community that gives this mountain a whole lot of heart. If you’ve been here before, you know that SPKA. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, our 90th anniversary season is the perfect time to find out.
90 YEARS OF STEVENS PASS
Stevens Pass began welcoming skiers in 1937. Nine decades later, the mountain remains a deeply personal place for generations of Washington skiers and riders. It is where first turns become long-lasting traditions, storm days become lifelong stories, and familiar faces return year after year. Throughout the 2026/27 winter season, Stevens will celebrate the milestone the best way we know how: new lines, big sends, 7th Heaven laps, après at the Foggy Goggle, riding under the lights, and camping in the RV lot. Look for anniversary activations and experiences throughout the winter, along with a dedicated celebration later in the season. While there is plenty of history to revisit, the 90th is also about what comes next as new generations discover the mountain, find their favorite lines, and become part of the community that has carried Stevens through nearly a century of winters.
CLOSE TO HOME, FAR FROM ORDINARY
Stevens Pass serves as the home mountain for skiers and riders throughout Washington, but guests do not have to be locals to feel at home here. Located along Highway 2 and less than two hours from Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Stevens is close enough for a day trip or an after-work ski while still feeling like a true escape into the Cascades. Its location also makes the mountain a natural part of a larger Pacific Northwest winter trip connecting Seattle with Skykomish, the Sky Valley, Leavenworth, and the surrounding Cascade communities.
ICONIC LIFTS, BIG MOUNTAIN TERRAIN
Across 1,125 skiable acres, Stevens offers terrain for a wide range of abilities, including approachable learning areas, a strong intermediate core, tree-lined runs, bowls, terrain parks, and advanced zones that have built a loyal following. High above the base area, the iconic two-seat 7th Heaven chair serves some of the mountain’s steepest terrain and preserves the old-school character that makes Stevens feel different. On the other side of the mountain, the Backside, also known as Mill Valley, opens into a different world of longer laps, bowls, glades, and expansive Cascade views. From progression-friendly terrain around Daisy and Brooks to laps from Skyline, Hogsback, 7th Heaven, and the Backside, exploring the mountain is part of the Stevens experience. No frills, all heart, and plenty of mountain.
SUNUP TO SUNDOWN AT STEVENS
At Stevens Pass, the ski day does not have to end when the sun goes down. During the core winter season, night skiing is planned Wednesdays through Sundays until 10 PM, conditions permitting. That gives guests more than 12 hours to ski and ride during night operations, whether they are extending a daytime visit, getting in turns after work, or arriving later when parking and travel may be easier. Once the lights come on, the mountain takes on a completely different personality. Snow glows beneath the lights, familiar runs feel new again, and music and base-area energy create a distinctly Stevens kind of winter night.
90 YEARS AND A WHOLE LOT TO CELEBRATE
Stevens Pass events are built around the mountain, the people who ski and ride it, and the traditions that bring the community together. This winter’s developing calendar will build on returning favorites while introducing anniversary moments throughout the season. Full details will be released closer to winter, but planned highlights include:
- Dew After Dark: Night skiing, music, giveaways, and mountain energy under the lights.
- Friday Night Lights: Community-led terrain park sessions and a distinctly Stevens way to spend a winter Friday night.
- Avalanche Dog Meet and Greets: Meet members of the Stevens Pass avalanche rescue team and learn about the important work they do on the mountain.
- Women in Powder: Opportunities for women to build confidence, progress their skills, and connect with a larger community of skiers and snowboarders.
- Pride: A welcoming celebration of inclusion, community, and belonging in the mountains.
- Demo Opportunities: Chances to test equipment and connect with local and regional outdoor partners.
- Spring Celebrations: Music, food, drinks, giveaways, and classic end-of-season fun.
Anniversary celebrations and experiences will be layered throughout the winter, giving guests more than one opportunity to celebrate 90 years of Stevens Pass.
PARKING AT THE PASS
With finite parking and a lot of passionate skiers and riders heading to the mountain, planning ahead is an important part of making the most of a Stevens Pass visit. New for the 2026/27 season, reservations will be required before 10 AM on most weekends and holiday periods, with a mix of free, paid, and carpool reservations available. The majority of parking will continue to be free, especially for guests who ride together.
- Carpool: Free reservations will be available for vehicles with four or more people or one adult traveling with two children ages 12 and under.
- Reserve Ahead: Guests who cannot carpool can secure a $20 paid reservation in advance.
- Reserve Closer to Your Visit: A limited number of free reservations will be released weekly ahead of peak weekends and holiday periods.
- Check Back: Plans change, and canceled reservations may return to the system.
- Arrive Later: Reservations are not required after 10 AM, although parking may remain at capacity into the afternoon. Parking is almost always available after 2 PM.
- Plan for Night Skiing: Afternoon arrivals and night skiing offer another way to enjoy a full mountain experience while avoiding the busiest morning arrival period.
- Visit Midweek: Parking remains free and first-come, first-served on non-peak weekdays, with no reservation required.
Guests should review the current parking calendar, reservation information, road conditions, and operational updates on the Stevens Pass parking page before traveling. Parking reservations will be available at ParkStevensPass.com.
CAMP AT THE BASE
For some guests, staying awhile means staying right at the mountain. Lot F is home to the Stevens Pass RV lot, where overnight camping has become a winter tradition of its own. Guests can settle in beneath the Cascade peaks, swap stories with fellow skiers and riders, and wake up ready for another day on the mountain. RV-specific reservations are required, and availability is limited. Visit the Stevens Pass RV camping page for reservation details and seasonal updates.
STAY AWHILE
Stevens Pass is an easy day trip for many Seattle-area skiers and riders, but why rush home? An overnight stay creates more ways to experience the mountain and the surrounding Highway 2 corridor. Guests can arrive for an afternoon and night ski, settle in nearby, and return for a full mountain day the following morning. To the east, Leavenworth offers a festive winter setting with lodging, restaurants, breweries, shops, and Bavarian-inspired mountain-town charm. To the west, Skykomish and the Sky Valley offer cabins, small-town stops, and accommodations closer to the Puget Sound side of the pass. Whether you stay east or west, Stevens can serve as the centerpiece of a flexible Cascades winter itinerary. Pro tip: Stop at The Alps Candy Store between Stevens Pass and Leavenworth for a sweet treat, or several.
MAKE YOUR WINTER AT STEVENS PASS EPIC
Washington skiers and riders have several ways to make Stevens their home mountain this winter. The Stevens Pass Select Pass offers access during off-peak times, along with night skiing access from 3 PM onward every night it is offered, including restricted dates. Epic Pass options provide broader access to Stevens Pass and destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, just a few hours north of Seattle. Eligible Pass Holders also receive Epic Mountain Rewards, including 20% savings on qualifying food and nonalcoholic beverages, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals, and more. Epic Friend Tickets make it easier to bring friends and family along with savings of up to 50% on lift tickets. Grab your friends, plan the carpool, and make this winter one to remember. Learn more at EpicPass.com.
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Dates and Hours
Target Opening Day: Friday, December 4, 2026, conditions permitting.
Hours of Operation: 9 AM to 4 PM, or 9 AM to 10 PM during night skiing operations.
Night skiing is planned Wednesdays through Sundays until 10 PM during the core winter season, conditions permitting. The full operations calendar will be released closer to winter.
Operations are weather and conditions dependent and subject to change. Guests should always check StevensPass.com or the My Epic app for the latest information, including lift and terrain status.
Elevation
Base elevation: 4,061 feet
Highest elevation: 5,845 feet
Ski Area
Stevens Pass offers 1,125 skiable acres of terrain and is home to 52 trails and three terrain parks.
Trail Difficulty
Beginner: 11%
Intermediate: 54%
Advanced: 35%
Lifts
Stevens Pass is served by 14 lifts, including the iconic two-seat 7th Heaven chair.
Snowfall
Stevens Pass averages 460 inches of snowfall each year.
MEDIA RESOURCES
For interviews, archival materials, images, and b-roll for editorial use, please contact:
Sara Lococo at slococo@vailresorts.com
Website: StevensPass.com
Instagram: @stevenspass
Facebook: Stevens Pass