source lake uphill dog park trail

Those are legit points, GravityMK, but I don't think anyone is making an "I can do whatever I want" argument.

IMHO since the land is publicly owned, as opposed to completely private, the ski company has a duty to allow uphill traffic in a safe and regulated manner. An approach that seems to be managed effectively at a multitude of ski areas across the country.

I'll also be the first to admit this is a completely theoretical argument for me. I don't ski at Alpental and if i did I'd buy a ticket!

Re-read what I said above -- especially the part about some other downhill skier might have fallen in downhill track and be blocking the trail.

OK, sure I can see why you would apply that to support your argument and view...
However, that was clearly written with "ski runs" in mind, not a ski out traverse trail that was created to provide a gravity fed return that is meant to bring "down hill skiers and snowboarders" back to the base.

The reality is, people are playing on parts of it with children on sleds, etc, hiking up against the flow with infants in backpacks etc. Why would you place either a skier or hiker in position that could ruin each others day not to mention life?

Those are legit points, GravityMK, but I don't think anyone is making an "I can do whatever I want" argument.

Not in so many words - however it has come up here and in other places and it's also sometimes a prevailing attitude of people that are walking up with little or no awareness. My response is also driven by personal experience with a problem (since the beginning of the season) that is getting worse. The last thing i want to see or hear about is people getting hurt (or worse) in a situation that could be avoided.

I park there occasionally to tour. I also have (and have had for a decade) a season's pass for the Summit, so I don't feel like I'm taking advantage of anyone by parking there or using the shuttle if I start at the Commonwealth TH and finish at Alpental.

What time is the first skier coming down the narrow part of the return track? Anything accessed from the lower gate would be on the wide, groomed track. It doesn't seem like there should be much of a conflict before about 10am. Can't we get our collective asses out of bed a little earlier for a tour and be to Source lake by 10? Who sleeps in on a ski day anyways?

Obviously that doesn't help the family/sledding situation, but where are those people supposed to go? Ski areas are the about the only free places to park up there and there's not much low hanging (and free) fruit for kids sledding.

Perhaps a parking pass for ski pass holders would be in order to help with some of this?

As much as I am loathe to admit it, i think this is the most logical path to help mitigate the rising conflict.  

In fact, if the summit was managed by its ownership directly i think you would have seen this happen already as it makes me wonder if Boyne's operating lease is set up to properly incentivize them to take such steps.

and before anyone gets their panties in a twist, i'm not advocating for excluding non lift riders from parking but rather charging a higher rate to account for the revenue lost when all lots are full and 15-20% of available spots are occupied by non patrons.

There really isn't anywhere to park at the pass to access the standard touring spots that isn't ski area parking - Commonwealth, Snoqualmie Mtn / Phantom, Source Lake, etc.