STEVENS PASS, Wash. — Washington State Patrol says it had to step in and call tow trucks this past weekend after nearly 100 cars were abandoned on the side of Highway 2.
Troopers estimate at one point Sunday morning, as many as 100 cars were abandoned in the shoulder.
State Patrol said it was a severe safety hazard, so they began to tow.
According to troopers, people started sprinting down Highway 2 trying to reach their illegally parked cars before the tow trucks could get to them.
Backup at the summit is to be expected on weekends but this number of illegally parked cars is unprecedented.
“I know how frustrating traffic and parking can be up here, especially on weekends. Part of the problem is that Highway 2 isn’t exclusively for skiers - it’s a major state artery,” Stevens Pass general manager Tom Fortune said.
Parking has been a complain throughout the winter season, as have lift lines and staffing at the Vail-owned resort.
Passholders that KIRO 7′s Lauren Donovan talked to said management needs to do a better job of updating their website in real time.
Stevens Pass says the best place to get parking and terrain update is this Twitter page.
Management also said they’re looking into shuttles, reservations and lot expansions.
They also just hired a base operations director who will be devoted to making parking improvements.
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