PENDLETON, Ore. – In order to alleviate safety concerns raised by the Spout Springs Mountain Resort (Spout Springs), the Forest Service is working toward an agreement with Spout Springs to make modifications concerning administration of the parking lot north of Highway 204. Once Spout Springs opens for the season, the north parking area would become day use parking only for all vehicles, including the area designated to allow for truck/trailers parking.
This agreement responds to safety concerns expressed by Spout Springs regarding their ability to obtain liability insurance needed to open for winter operations.
The north parking area is within the Spout Springs Mountain Resort Special Use Permit and is utilized by ski area customers and other winter recreationists. The parking area is managed in partnership with Spout Springs and the Forest Service and is part of Oregon’s Sno-Park program.
“Our objective is to have Spout Springs operate their downhill and cross country operations during the 2018 and 2019 ski season, while providing for the safety of all users,” said Walla Walla District Ranger Mike Rassbach. “To address the issues identified by the resort, I have agreed to designate the north parking area for day use only during their winter operating season. We understand this is a change from previous years and thank the public for their cooperation to help us have a safe and successful winter season.”
Sno-Park use would continue to be available on a first come-first serve basis and require an ODOT snow park permit from Nov. 1- April 30.
“I know this will impact folks who have planned to use this area for overnight parking” said Rassbach. “We are committed to providing multiple use opportunities for all forest visitors, while also balancing the needs of the ski area.”
Alternative overnight parking for truck/trailers is available at neighboring Sno-Parks, including Morning Creek, Woodland, and Andie’s Prairie. Additionally, vehicles without trailers can continue to park overnight at the south parking area (located on the south side of Highway 204).
Forest officials would assess the effectiveness of these changes in addressing safety issues raised by the resort at the end of the season. Comments or concerns regarding the parking area modifications are welcome and can be submitted to Walla Walla District Ranger Mike Rassbach at 509-522-6293 or mrassbach@fs.fed.us.
Spout Springs Mountain Resort is located on Umatilla National Forest System lands and operated under a Ski Area Term Special Use Permit (SUP) setting terms and conditions that guide the operation of the ski area. Additional information about Spout Springs Mountain Resort is available at http://www.spoutspringsskiarea.com/.
