Stevens Pass night skiing remains on hold as of March 2026, but not because of snow conditions. A nightly road closure on Highway 2’s east side has kept the floodlights dark since the season began. The resort stands ready to flip the switch the moment WSDOT lifts that 6 PM to 6 AM restriction.
When operations resume, you’re looking at one of Washington’s most impressive night skiing setups: 10 kilometers of lit terrain, six operating chairlifts, and seven straight hours of skiing Wednesday through Sunday. This guide covers current status, pricing breakdowns, terrain details, and strategies from regulars who’ve mastered the mountain after dark.
Whether you’re weighing Stevens against Snoqualmie or planning your first twilight run, here’s what you need to know.
Current Status & Timeline
Highway 2’s east side remains under nightly closure (6 PM-6 AM) while WSDOT completes repairs from December 2025 storm damage. Stevens Pass general manager Ellen Galbraith confirmed the resort is “ready to open night operations very soon after” the restriction lifts.
Many staff members live on the mountain’s east side, making evening operations impossible without nighttime road access. WSDOT says completion is expected “shortly,” but the timeline depends on weather conditions.
How to stay informed:
- Check StevensPass.com for operational updates
- Follow WSDOT’s Highway 2 status page
- Monitor @StevensPass social channels
This marks the first extended night skiing closure in recent memory. The December atmospheric river forced 100+ staff evacuations and delayed the season opener to December 29.
Night Skiing Operations (When Open)
Hours & Schedule
Stevens Pass runs night operations Wednesday through Sunday, typically mid-December through early April.
| Day | Night Skiing Hours | 2025-26 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday-Sunday | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM | TBD |
That’s seven hours of skiing—matching the day session’s 9 AM to 4 PM window.
Terrain & Lifts
- Illuminated terrain: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
- Acreage: Up to 450 acres
- Operating lifts: 6 chairs
Lifts running at night:
- Brooks Express (high-speed quad)
- Hogsback Express (high-speed quad)
- Skyline Express (high-speed quad)
- Kehr’s Chair (fixed-grip quad)
- Daisy (fixed-grip quad)
- Tye Mill (triple chair)
Closed at night: 7th Heaven Chair and Double Diamond Chair. The backside stays dark, limiting expert terrain but keeping operations focused on the front side’s most popular runs.
The floodlit setup illuminates everything from groomed boulevards to tree-lined steeps, with enough ambient spillover that headlamp-equipped skiers venture into semi-lit zones off-piste.
Pricing & Tickets
Night skiing delivers better value than day tickets—especially with advance purchase.
| Ticket Type | Weekday (Wed-Fri) | Weekend (Sat-Sun) | Same-Day Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (15+) | $69 | $79 | $85 |
| Youth (7-14) | $59 | $59 | $59 |
| Child (0-6) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Pass Holder Benefits
Epic Pass holders: Unlimited night skiing with zero additional fees. Stevens Pass Premium ($639) and Stevens Pass Select (~$430) also include full night access.
“Ski With a Friend” discount: Epic Pass holders can bring friends for up to 27% off through the Epic Pass website or ticket window.
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy advance tickets (save $6-10)
- Go weekdays ($10 cheaper than weekends)
- Leverage Epic Pass for best value
- Watch for College Night discounts (Thursdays)
Important: Even online purchasers must visit the ticket window upon arrival for physical pass pickup.
Planning Your Trip
What to Bring
Standard ski gear plus these night-specific additions:
- Headlamp: Essential for off-piste skiing, recommended for tree zones
- Extra warm layers: Nights run 5-15°F colder
- Clear/low-light goggles: Yellow or rose-tinted lenses work better under floodlights
- Hand warmers: Chairlift rides feel longer in the cold
Arrival Strategy
Parking at Stevens flips from nightmare to breeze after dark.
Timing:
- Lots fill by 9 AM weekends (day skiing)
- Open up after 1 PM as day visitors leave
- Crowds peak 5-7 PM
- After 7 PM: Nearly empty slopes
Travel: Budget 2-2.5 hours from Seattle via Highway 2. Check WSDOT for chain requirements.
First-Timer Tips
Start with groomed runs off Skyline Express or Hogsback Express—floodlights illuminate these runs like stadium fields. Terrain parks stay fully lit. Lodge closes at 9 PM, but lifts run until 10 PM. Lift lines after 7 PM? Nearly nonexistent.
Terrain Breakdown
| Skill Level | % of Night Terrain | Best Lifts | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | ~15% | Daisy, Tye Mill, Skyline | 0-5 min |
| Intermediate | ~55% | Skyline, Hogsback, Kehr’s | 0-10 min |
| Advanced | ~30% | Brooks, Kehr’s | 0-5 min |
Beginners: Groomed greens and blues off Skyline and Hogsback. Base area served by Daisy offers gentlest slopes.
Intermediates: Full buffet of groomed cruisers, mogul fields, tree runs, and terrain park access. Top Phlight terrain park stays lit with progressive rail setups.
Advanced: Brooks Express and Kehr’s Chair serve steeper pitches. Off-piste tree skiing possible with headlamp near Tye Mill (regulars’ favorite).
Night vs Day Skiing
| Factor | Day (9 AM-4 PM) | Night (3 PM-10 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 7 hours | 7 hours |
| Terrain | Full mountain | Front side only |
| Lift Lines | Moderate-Heavy | Light-None |
| Parking | Full by 9 AM | Easy after 1 PM |
| Ticket Price | $85-110+ | $69-85 |
| Crowds | Peak 11 AM-2 PM | Peak 5-7 PM |
| Best For | Expert terrain access | Value & laps |
Bottom line: Same duration, dramatically fewer people. If your goal is maximizing vertical feet, night skiing is unbeatable.
Stevens Pass vs Competitors
| Resort | Distance from Seattle | Lit Terrain | Nights | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevens Pass | 130 mi / 2.5 hrs | 10 km | Wed-Sun | $69-85 | Best terrain, Epic Pass value |
| Snoqualmie | 50 mi / 1 hr | 8 km | Daily | $40-70 | Convenience, frequency |
| Crystal | 85 mi / 2 hrs | None | N/A | N/A | Day only |
Choose Stevens if: You hold an Epic Pass, want superior terrain, and Wed-Sun works for you.
Choose Snoqualmie if: Quick after-work sessions matter more than terrain variety.
Reddit users consistently rank Stevens’ night skiing above Snoqualmie’s for quality. Some Colorado transplants claim it rivals Keystone.
Special Events
Dew After Dark
Select Thursday nights (Jan-Mar). DJ music, MTN DEW samples, branded swag. No extra fee.
College Night
Every Thursday (typically Jan 15 – Mar 11). Discounted rates with valid college ID (20-30% off).
Youth Programs
Seasonal coaching for ages 7-18, Wednesday-Sunday evenings. Consistent instruction in lower-pressure environment.
FAQ: Stevens Pass Night Skiing Questions Answered
Is Stevens Pass night skiing currently open?
No. Night skiing is closed due to Highway 2 east side closure (6 PM-6 AM). Operations will resume once WSDOT lifts the restriction. Check StevensPass.com for updates.
What time does night skiing start?
Typically 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, mid-December through early April.
How much does it cost?
$69-85 for adults depending on day and purchase timing. Youth tickets run $59. Kids 6 and under ski free.
Can I use my Epic Pass?
Yes. All Epic Pass variants include unlimited night skiing at no additional charge.
What lifts operate at night?
Six lifts: Brooks, Hogsback, Skyline, Kehr’s, Daisy, and Tye Mill. 7th Heaven and Double Diamond remain closed.
Is it good for beginners?
Absolutely. Groomed runs off Skyline and Hogsback offer excellent visibility under floodlights. Discounted evening lessons available on select nights.
Stevens or Snoqualmie for night skiing?
Stevens offers superior terrain (10km lit) and snow quality. Snoqualmie is closer (1 hour) and operates nightly. Epic Pass holders get best value at Stevens.
Do I need advance tickets?
Not required, but recommended to save $6-10. You’ll still need to visit the ticket window even with online purchase.
What should I bring?
Standard ski gear plus headlamp, extra warm layers, hand warmers, and low-light goggles.
Best time to arrive?
After 7 PM for empty slopes. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Parking opens up after 1 PM.
Ready to Experience Stevens After Dark?
Stevens Pass night skiing stands out as Washington’s premier after-dark option. Ten kilometers of floodlit terrain, six chairlifts, and seven hours of operations Wednesday through Sunday deliver the best night skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
The road closure is temporary. When those floodlights fire back up, you’ll find one of the most underrated skiing experiences in the region—fewer crowds, excellent conditions, and a mountain that transforms after sunset.
Next steps:
- Monitor StevensPass.com and WSDOT for status updates
- Buy tickets online in advance for best rates
- Consider an Epic Pass if you plan 5+ sessions
- Go midweek for quietest experience
- Arrive after 7 PM to have the mountain to yourself
When those lights come on, Stevens Pass delivers something special. See you under the stars.
