Nordic Issues October 2010

Washington Sno-Park reciprocity ends

The issues report for this month is on a subject dear (or not so dear) to all cross-country skiers’ hearts. Reciprocity between Washington and Oregon on sno-park permits has come to an end. Effective the coming ski season, Oregon skiers who decide to journey across the Columbia to ski will be required to have a Washington sno-park permit, whether or not they have an Oregon pass.

When did this happen? According to our neighbors to the immediate North, at the summer meeting of the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC) the topic of reciprocity between Washington, Oregon and Idaho was discussed, as it has been over the past several years. The WRAC voted in favor of terminating the agreements effective with the 2010-11 season. The recommendation followed a report by State Parks and Recreation Staff, which surveyed details of fee structures in a number of states with sno-park programs. The agreement between Washington on Oregon is not equitable and works to the detriment of the winter recreation program in Washington. Agency staff have also talked with their counterparts in Oregon and Idaho about plans to end the reciprocity.

The context for this decision is important. While a Washington permit costs $40 for a seasonal permit, $80 for a seasonal permit for special groomed areas, and $20 for a daily permit. Oregon charges $20 for a seasonal permit and only $3 for a daily permit. In Oregon permits are required at sno-park as well as all downhill ski area, which provides much a broader user base compared to Washington state where permits are only in sno-parks—a bargain for Oregon residents. Programs in both states are funded by user fees and certainly in Washington there is no prospect for funding from the legislature that would supplement user fees.

Also, with this month’s submission, I’m announcing my retirement as ONC issue chair.

Mitchel Auerbach, Nordic Issues chair