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Looking for adventure this winter? Here are some safety guidelines, pass information, and tips for winter recreation in Washington State Parks.

Sno-Parks
The Winter Recreation Program manages Sno-Parks (cleared parking areas) in close proximity to groomed and backcountry trails. Snowmobile Sno-Parks are open to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation. Non-motorized Sno-Parks are only open to winter recreation sports such as cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snow play.

Pass & permit information
Sno-Park permits are available online from Nov. 1 through April 30.

Visitors to Washington state parks and state recreation lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources are required to display the Discover Pass on their vehicles.

5 key safety guidelines when riding in avalanche country:

1. GET THE GEAR: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them
2. GET THE FORECAST: Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.
3. GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY: One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don’t go to help your stuck friend. Don’t group up in runout zones.
4. GET THE TRAINING: Take an avalanche course.
5. GET THE PICTURE: If you see recent avalanche activity unstable snow exists. Riding on or underneath slopes is dangerous.

To purchase a sno-park permit in a Washington’s State Park click here.