Snoqualmie/Alpental Record of Decision

Unsolicited assumption time: :

Just because they received approval to move forward with this plan, doesn't mean that it will happen in the near future, or at all (under current or future ownership).

I think the question of timing has more to do with the owners long term plans for the property, available capital, and how they project said improvements will effect increased revenues, not to mention how long it will take the investment to pay for it's self.

As I read the document non of the proposed resort "upgrades" were permitted, each "enticing advancement in ski area technology" was withdrawn before a decision was made for or against by the NFS.

The new (replacement really) lift on the backside of Hyak will make getting home from Mt Catherine easier. I always find myself skating along in the dark.

The Internationale lift will certainly crowd the Alpy BC more though. Not sure how I feel about it. On the other hand, it will make access to the farther out touring faster, so trips to Pineapple Pass and Bryant might become easier to pull off.

It will definitely change the in-bounds dynamic on powder days. One could imagine C1 and Internationale opening first, with most of the hounds concentrating on the new lift. Then word will sprinkle over that C2 is open and everyone will head down and over, then the BC once those ropes drop. It could actually make it easier to score first tracks in the BC, by lapping the new lift and resisting the urge to head up to C2.

It will definitely change the in-bounds dynamic on powder days. One could imagine C1 and Internationale opening first, with most of the hounds concentrating on the new lift. Then word will sprinkle over that C2 is open and everyone will head down and over, then the BC once those ropes drop. It could actually make it easier to score first tracks in the BC, by lapping the new lift and resisting the urge to head up to C2.

I think this will be dependent on patrol snow control progression.