WINTERSPORTS -- The downhill ski resort operator at Mount Spokane State Park says it will ask the Washington Legislature for $2.23 million to update state-owned base area facilities.

“At a time when ski destinations are investing in significant upgrades to capture market share, we’re working with aging facilities that are inefficient, undersized, and in need of improvements to serve a growing number of visitors,” said Brad McQuarrie, general manager of Mt. Spokane 2000, the non-profit organization that contracts with Washington State Parks to manage downhill ski area operations. 

Skier visits increased from 22,250 in 1997 to more than 90,000 in 2013 at Mt. Spokane, McQuarrie said, noting that the ski area operates at bargain prices and has the largest ski school in the Inland Northwest. 

Mt. Spokane is requesting $2,224,500 from the Governor’s capital budget to:

• Design and build a 15,200-square-foot guest services building for ticket sales, a snow sports center, rentals, ski school and the childcare center.  It would accommodate conferences and meetings, concerts, weddings and other events at the state park.
• Improve Lodge 1, built in 1956, with infrastructure and ADA compliance upgrades.
• Update Lodge 2, constructed in 1961, with a new roof, windows and other repairs.

“This investment in facilities improvements and a new building will expand access to recreation and generate economic benefits to Washington State,” said Tom Reese, co-chair of Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Public Policy Committee, which endorsed the funding request as one of its top three capital projects to support in its 2015 State Legislative Priority Agenda.