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Maintenance and Operations Programs

 

Overview

The winter recreation parking location program, or the "Sno-Park" program, was created in 1977 to provide snow removal in designated winter parking areas. Oregon Department of Transportation with advice from the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee designates winter parking areas and sets the parking permit fee and priorities for snow removal.

Winter Recreation Advisory Committee

The Winter Recreation Advisory Committee is a seven member committee consisting of ski area operators, the general public and representatives from the Oregon Nordic Club, Oregon State Snowmobile Association and Pacific NW Ski Association. Committee members are appointed to serve 4-year terms. The current committee members are:

  • Mark Schumacher, Chair
  • David Fornker, Vice-Chair
  • Betsy Belshaw
  • Noel Johnson
  • Peter Johnson
  • Jeremy Riss
  • Ken Roadman

Sno-Park Permits

The Sno-Park Program is funded entirely by the sale of Sno-Park parking permits. There are three types of permits available:

  • An annual permit for $25
  • A three-day permit for $9 (good for 3 consecutive days)
  • A one-day permit for $4

Driver and Motor Vehicles coordinates the sale of Sno-Park permits.

Sno-Park permits are available at DMV field offices and from permit sales agents at winter resorts, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Sales agents may charge an additional service fee for each permit they sell.

Annual permits are also available at DMV2U. When purchasing an annual permit online, a printable interim permit will be emailed to you immediately. You can use this interim annual permit for up to 14 days until the annual permit is received by mail.​

Sno-Park Permit Information

Questions on how to buy a Sno-Park permit or information on becoming a Sno-Park permit sales agent contact DMV, Business Regulation, at 503-945-5052 or email SnoParkPermits@odot.oregon.gov.

Oregon accepts winter parking permits from California and Idaho for vehicles registered in those states, and those states accept Oregon Sno-Park permits (except the interim annual permit) as well.

For information on California and Idaho Sno-Park sites:

If you park in an Oregon Sno-Park between November 1st and April 30th, a valid permit needs to be displayed in the lower left corner of your windshield. Failure to do so may result in a $30 fine. Enforcement of the permit requirement may be provided by federal, state or local law enforcement agencies. If you receive a citation and have questions, contact the agency that issued the citation or the County court where the Sno-Park is located.

Sno-Park Locations

There are about 100 Sno-Parks throughout Oregon’s mountain passes and in most ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas. For a list of parking areas designated as a Sno-Park visit TripCheck.com.

For questions on activities available or for trail maps contact the land manager listed for the Sno-Park.

Adding a Sno-Park

Requests for a winter parking area to be in the Sno-Park program are reviewed by the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee before consideration by ODOT. This includes requests for a new parking area or the relocation or expansion of an existing Sno-Park.

Requests must be submitted by the land manager responsible for the parking area using the Sno-Park Application Form. The information given in the application must meet the Guidelines and Criteria for Sno-Parks. A site drawing showing the general layout of the parking area and vicinity map will assist in the review of the request and should be included with the application.

When a winter parking area is designated a Sno-Park, the Sno-Park program provides funding for snow removal. All other maintenance and development costs are the responsibility of the land manager. 

Contact Information

Phone: 503-986-3006

​The Snowmobile program provides for the identification and maintenance of snowmobile trails and for the enforcement of snowmobile operator and equipment requirements.

ODOT contracts with the Oregon State Snowmobile Association to administer this program. The OSSA coordinates with land managers to identify snowmobile ride areas and with volunteer organizations and contractors for grooming of snowmobile trails.

The program is funded through fuel tax and registration fees associated with Snowmobile use.



The Youth Litter Program involves youth in the clean up and prevention of litter along state highways. Crews usually have a crew leader and two or more crew members and are based in various locations in the state. Crews work primarily during the summer months.​

Crew leaders must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, and have a valid Oregon Driver License with an acceptable driving record. Crew members must be at least 16 years old and pass a criminal background check. All Litter Patrol workers must have or be able to:

  • A basic knowledge of spoken and written English;
  • Pick up and bag litter along highways;
  • Lift and carry filled bags;
  • Work in all types of conditions;
  • Work in a safe manner along highways with varying levels of traffic.

Litter Patrol workers are paid on an hourly basis. To be considered for a Litter Patrol job, please register online. Applications are generally accepted from mid-March until early July but this is subject to change based on the need and funding availability.

​Rest areas that are part of the state highway system are provided by ODOT to offer a stopping place for travelers to take a short break from driving.

Many ODOT rest areas are managed by the Travel Information Council. ODOT has arrangements with Oregon Parks and Recreation and other agencies for additional rest opportunities.

A list of these areas along with the ODOT rest areas and the features that are available at each is included on TripCheck​, ODOT´s travel information web site. ​





a highway maintenance crew smoothing a newly paved road 

Contact Information

Maintenance and Operations Branch
455 Airport Road SE, Building K
Salem, Oregon 97301
Phone: 503-986-7915

Program Contact

Phone: 503-986-3006