No Snow Job at Snoqualmie

Like most northwestern snow lovers this winter, Seattlest spent the season glancing longingly at our skis and snowboards hanging in the garage, sighing as we turned off the light and closed the door on the worst season in at least 25 years. Our Big S Pass did time as a coaster while we drowned our sorrows in Snow Cap ale.

But there’s hope at the end of the dry Snoqualmie snow tunnel. The mighty Summit just announced that they will be extending all Big S season passes from this year through the entire ’05-06 season.

Seattlest’s heart swelled with love for the Alpental backcountry when we read this from GM Dan Brewster:

“As you can well imagine, this represents a serious financial commitment on our part, but given the nature of this past season, we feel strongly that to protect the trust and loyalty you have placed in us, it is the right thing to do. It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we look forward to welcoming you back next year to a very snowy season!”

Crystal Mountain remains close-mouthed about their plans for season pass holders, while their cousin to the northwest, Steven's Pass, is offering a comparatively paltry price-lock on next season’s passes and a $75 credit towards any food or services purchased in April (replete with the creepy marketing-speak label of “Added Value Credit”). Granted, Stevens is at a higher elevation and was open many more days during the season, but following that logic shouldn’t they be in an even better position than the Summit to show some extra love to the dejected season’s passholders and keep them coming back next year? Perhaps parent company Harbor Properties doesn’t benefit from the deeper pockets found over at Snoqualmie’s patron Booth Creek.

Either way, Seattlest wishes everyone a 700-inch season next year.