Organizations Support Summer Mountain Bike Trails at The Summit at Snoqualmie

Today, Washington Wild joined 17 other conservation and outdoor recreation groups who signed onto a comment letter to support the proposed trail building and permitting of lift‐serviced mountain bike operations at The Summit at Snoqualmie (The Summit).

As ski resort communities are increasingly affected by unpredictable snowpack and worry about climate change impacts to their winter operations, many are looking to their alternative options in the off‐season. Mountain biking is a fast‐growing sport, and there is a growing awareness of the positive economic, recreation, and tourism benefits that lift‐serviced mountain bike operations bring to resort communities.

Photo Courtesy of Chad Black

The Summit has worked with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to layout conceptual trail alignments that are designed to avoid streams, wetlands, and sensitive habitat, as documented in the Summit at Snoqualmie Master Plan EIS. The design process for this project included ecological impact reviews to ensure the best possible rider experience while protecting natural resources. Most trails are located within already designated ski area runs, where environmental impact is expected to be minimal. No Wilderness or lands outside of the long standing special use permit area are affected by this proposal.

Over the past three decades, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has honed its skills to build trails sustainably, ensuring minimal to no sedimentation impact to streams. They are committed to working with the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest to develop the proposed new trail systems using best possible sustainable and construction practices to best protect the Pass’ wildlife habitat and ecological resources.