Note: This content was produced by the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, which publishes a monthly print supplement in The Chronicle focusing on economic news and commentary.
One final hurrah took place this weekend at the White Pass Ski Area as it opened for a final weekend from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The ski resort, located along U.S. Highway 12 on the Yakima/Lewis County borderline, was sold and is under new ownership. The new owners enjoyed significant snowfall and a snow-happy April made it one of the best seasons in memory.
An article in the Yakima Herald-Republic stated the season will go down as the second-best year in the company’s history. The new owners plan to double the size of its mid-mountain lodge while adding more buildings for guest services.
New General Manager Rikki Cooper announced new season pass sales details.
“White Pass is a home away from home for many of you, and we want to make sure that our core customers can continue to purchase a season pass despite growing interest in visiting our gem of a ski area,” she stated in a press release. “I recognize that the increased interest must be balanced so that we do not invite too many people to the party and dilute the quality experience we have come to expect. With these goals in mind, White Pass will be limiting the number of Unlimited Season Passes available.”
She said the resort will no longer exceed the number of guests from the 2021/22 season.
“I know we all miss the good old days of deciding to take the family skiing on a whim on Saturday morning, but our growing customer base makes that memory all but impossible to resurrect,” she said. ”Increasing profitability while sacrificing customer experience is simply not in the best interest of our customers or ultimately, of the company.”
She said advanced reservations will help the resort manage the hill and not have to turn families away who might have driven three hours or more.
