Sno-Parks and Winter Recreation Parking
Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or snowshoeing, Oregonians enjoy winter recreation. While parking is allowed in designated areas, such as Sno-Parks, some snow-seekers find designated parking areas filled and create safety issues by parking on roadsides.
Here are some things to keep in mind when parking in winter recreation areas:
- Slow down and use all your best winter driving skills, especially in snowy conditions and upper elevations.
- Watch out for people next to the road – these areas are busy.
- Be extra alert for snow removal equipment. Vehicles parked at the side of the road prevent plows and other equipment from doing their job.
- Find a safe and legal place to park.
- Expect extra traffic congestion during holiday weekends.
Sno-Parks
There are about 100 designated winter recreation parking areas, known as Sno-Parks, in all mountain passes and at most recognized ski, snowmobile and snow-play areas. From Nov. 1 to April 30, parking in a Sno-Park requires a valid permit displayed in the lower left corner of your vehicle’s windshield.
During heavy winter storms, most of our plows are busy plowing snow on the highways. We will get to the Sno-Parks when time and resources allow us to do so.
The Sno-Park program was established in 1977 to help pay for snow removal in these designated winter recreation parking locations — however, highways have higher priority. There are three types of Sno-Park permits:
- An annual permit is $25.
- A three-day permit (valid for three consecutive days) is $9.
- A one-day permit is $4.
Sno-Park permits are sold at DMV offices and at many sporting goods stores, winter resorts and other outlets. These places may charge an additional service fee for each permit they sell.
Visit DMV2U under the Permits subheading to view a list of vendors selling permits. You can also purchase an annual permit at DMV2U. If you buy an annual permit online, a printable interim permit will be emailed to you immediately. The interim permit may be used for up to 14 days until you receive the annual permit in the mail.
For questions about how to buy a permit or information about becoming a Sno-Park permit vendor, contact DMV Business Regulation at 503-945-5052.
Sno-Park permits issued in California and Idaho are honored in Oregon, and Oregon permits (except for interim annual permits) are honored in those states. Parking in an Oregon Sno-Park without a permit may result in a $30 fine.
Parking outside a designated area carries potential penalties too. Under state law, non-emergency parking on state highways, including shoulders, is illegal in areas marked with no parking signs. Violators risk a ticket and a tow.
A list of Oregon’s Sno-Parks is available at TripCheck.com under the
Travel Center tab.