Meany Lodge
Visitors to Meany
Meany Lodge will be open for day use on weekends this winter!
COVID-19 precautions mean this will be a winter unlike others, but the snow is calling! Meany will be offering its unique rope-tow assisted backcountry experience with far smaller crowds than other ski areas.
During the winter season, Meany offers a range of activities including ski / snowboarding facilities, ski lessons, snowshoe treks, and cross country skiing.
Operating in the age of COVID-19
Following the the Mountaineers COVID-19 policy and the Washington State guidelines, we have developed plans to operate while managing the risk of COVID transmission. These plans mean that this year will be unlike any other at Meany, and we ask that everyone show each other extra patience and empathy.
For details on how Meany will operate this year, please see our Winter Weekend information page.
We are mountaineers -- it's in our creed that everyone in the group is responsible for doing their part to keep the group safe from all risks, including COVID-19. All participants are expected to have and wear a mask for the tow in and out, when inside, or whenever gathered in a group. Participants are expected to keep their distance from people outside their quarantine pod. Anyone feeling sick is asked to cancel and will receive a full refund.
Meany Lodge itself will be closed - only the bathrooms will be open. All guests will be coming in on the 8:30am cat run from the parking lot and returning on the 4:30pm cat run back out to the parking lot. There will be no overnight guests in the Lodge this year. People interested in snow camping on the campus should contact chair@meanylodge.org.
We will be offering a simple hot lunch served in open shelters and hot drinks from the Cafe Ox on the ski hill.
This year, Meany will be most enjoyed by those ready to spend the day outside, with limited opportunities for rewarming.
Everyone must pre-register on the website to ensure our group size remains within the limits established by the Governor and to enable contact tracing should it be necessary. We regret we cannot accommodate drop-ins.
Ski and Snowboard Lessons
We are offering ski lessons. Please sign up for the clinics listed on the calendar. We're looking for volunteer snowboard instructors - contact Jen Simerson if interested.
Unfortunately, the need to keep distance between our instructors and students means we are unable to offer lessons to first-time skiers or those unable to stand on their skis and glide. Meany is famous as a place for young kids and those who have never worn skis before to learn to ski -- please do come next year!
Driving Directions to meany Lodge
Coming to Meany Lodge when it is winter time? (typically November 15th to May) Here are the winter driving directions to Meany Lodge
UpcomING Events
- Day Use on Saturdays and Sundays from Jan 2 - Mar 7. Please see the calendar or the registration button above to sign up.
- Spring Carnival - March 6, 2021 - The last winter weekend of the year - a super-special fun weekend of racing, outdoor events, and entertainment for all ages. We may add an extra, late departure so we can launch fireworks on Saturday night.
- Patrol Race - 3/13/21 - First scouted & raced in the 1920's & 30's, the patrol race follows an 18+ mile ski route between Snoqualmie Pass and Stampede Pass. Registration closed on Dec 31, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the race will operate differently this year - please see the linked page for more information.
Important Details
- Transportation to Meany is via SnowCat or snowmobile only, so dress warmly! For 2021, there is only one ride in per day, leaving the Crystal Spring Sno-Park at 8:30am. Plan to arrive 20 minutes early to load the SnowCat and remember there is no cell phone coverage. We plan to leave the Lodge by 4:30 pm and have you back to your car before 6 pm. There will be some seats available on an after-lunch departure for those wanting to head home early.
- In 2018 the State of Washington redesigned the Crystal Springs Sno-Park. If you haven't visited recently, please see the new parking instructions for Crystal Springs Sno-Park.
- Parking Permit - Crystal Springs sno-park (map) requires you purchase a state-issued sno-park permit before you arrive. You must purchase one of the following combinations: An annual Sno-Park permit WITH "groomed trails sticker" OR a day use Sno-Park permit.
Hint: Visiting 3 or more days? If so, the annual pass + groomed trails sticker is cheaper. - Packing for Meany - Our SnowCat does breakdown. Please be prepared to hike nearly 3 miles with your belongings, which should be transported via backpack.
- Winter Driving - Be safe; winter travel can be dangerous.
LODGE STAY RATES, RESERVATIONS AND POLICIES
Day Use Fee includes: Snowcat ride, hot lunch and snacks, day of skiing/riding/snowshoeing.
2021 Day use fee for Mountaineers members : $35 adult and $15 youth
2021 Day use fee for Guests: $40 adult and $20 youth
For the 2020-2021 Season we will not offer a season's pass, as there is too much uncertainty to be sure you'll get good value from it. Please consider donating to the Mountaineers.
Please contact us for rates for private rentals and Mountaineers events.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I need a parking permit to Visit Meany?
A: During the winter: Yes. Crystal Springs SnoPark is a state managed snow park area and requires a either (option 1) a sno-park annual pass with a groomed trails sticker, or (option 2) a one day pass. During the Summer and Fall you can drive all the way to the Lodge where parking is free.
Q: When does the TomCat (aka, a snow cat) depart for Meany Lodge?
A: TomCat's schedule is posted on our winter weekends detail page.
Q: Where can I find out more about Meany Lodge's fascinating history?
A: Check out the Meany Lodge History page.
Q: Are private groups allowed at Meany?
A: Yes! If you are looking to hold a secluded seminar or a rustic day/weekend retreat, whether it be Northwest Trackers, Sierra Club, a school function, a family reunion or even a wedding, rates are per person for day use or room & board. Contact us for special rates for non-profit group use.
Q: Is there a map of the cross-country trails?
A: The snowrec.org website for Crystal Springs has a nice geopdf of cross-country ski and dog-sled trails in the area.
CONTACT
- General: chair@meanylodge.org
- Lessons and Winter Sports: jen@simerson.net or maud.de.bel@gmail.com
- Lodge: 360-886-1217. Note that this number is only monitored when the lodge is open.