Washingtonians love their snow, and winter trailheads can get busy! From cross-country skiers and snowshoers to families playing in the snow, sled dog teams, and snowmobilers, Sno-Parks are bustling with excitement.
With so many people exploring the winter landscape, there’s a lot for visitors to navigate: Which trails allow which activities? What passes are required? How do you share the trail safely and respectfully?
That’s where the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust’s Winter Trailhead Ambassadors come in.
About the Program
This winter, volunteers will be stationed at popular Sno-Parks near Snoqualmie Pass on Saturday mornings. Ambassadors welcome visitors, help them find the right trails, share snow-specific etiquette, provide information about the State Parks Winter Recreation Program, collect data, and even help sell Sno-Park passes, all while enjoying fresh mountain air and gorgeous winter scenery. The program will run from late December through early March, as weather allows.
Volunteer shifts will be three-hour blocks on Saturday mornings from late December 2025 through early March 2026, depending on the arrival and melting of snow. To help the program run smoothly, we ask each volunteer to commit to a minimum of two shifts per season. Available dates and locations will be posted below, on our events calendar and will be shared directly with volunteers.
Volunteers work in pairs and must complete a one-hour online training before their first shift, where they learn:
- What the Trailhead Ambassador program is
- What visitor needs and challenges we’re helping address
- Groomed trail etiquette
- How the Winter Recreation Program works and how it’s funded
- How to sell winter recreation passes
- Friendly strategies and scripts for engaging winter visitors
- Site-specific details for each Sno-Park
- What to expect in a shift, including setup and support
Ready to get started? Fill out the interest form below and you’ll receive more information and access to the online training.
Winter 2025–2026 Volunteer Locations
Below are the Sno-Parks where Winter Trailhead Ambassadors will serve this season. All are located along the I-90 corridor near Snoqualmie Pass, in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, a favorite winter playground for visitors from across Washington.
Gold Creek Sno-Park
Gold Creek is a beloved destination featuring space for snow play and the easy, scenic Gold Creek Pond Trail (1.7 miles). This spot is a favorite among snowshoers and families with kids or first-timers. It also provides access to 23 miles of motorized trails with stunning views of the Central Cascades.
This area is currently closed outside of winter due to a major habitat restoration project, making this a rare chance to explore the site while it’s open. As a Trailhead Ambassador, you can help visitors enjoy this beautiful spot responsibly so it can stay accessible to the public for more winters to come.
Crystal Springs Sno-Park
Crystal Springs is one of the busiest multi-use Sno-Parks in Washington, offering access to 51 miles of both motorized and non-motorized trails. Visitors come for everything from casual sledding to snowmobiling, and it’s also home to the only dedicated sled dog trails in the entire state!
With so many activities happening at once, volunteers play a big role in helping everyone understand which trails match their activity and how to share them respectfully.
Cabin Creek Sno-Park
Cabin Creek is a popular non-motorized Sno-Park offering 25 miles of trails, including access to the Mt. Amabilis backcountry. Nordic skiers especially love this location for its beautifully groomed tracks and quiet winter atmosphere.
The South Loop area is open to snowshoers and families seeking snow play, with views of the Yakima River nearby.
Trailhead Ambassador Shifts
Please be sure to submit the interest form and complete the online training prior to signing up for shifts.
Why Should You Get Involved?
Every year, Washington’s trails and public lands are facing increased pressure from the region’s growing population while public land management staffing and budgets continue to shrink. Becoming a Trailhead Ambassador is a great way to directly give back to the outdoor places you love while meeting new people, gaining new skills, and spending time in beautiful places! We strive to make the program fun and easy for anyone to participate. Here are a few reasons you may want to get involved:
- A fun new spin on our classic Trailhead Ambassador program – this time with sparkling snow and lots of cocoa!
- A meaningful way to support Washington State Parks, directly helping generate revenue that keeps winter recreation sites groomed, plowed, and open.
- A chance to get outside with purpose, beat the winter blues, and enjoy stunning mountain scenery.
- Level up your skills, confidence, and outdoor knowledge. Our short online training gives you all the information you need; no prior experience required. You’ll gain transferrable skills through this experience, and have the opportunity to network with land managers and outdoor recreation organizations.
- A simple, well-supported volunteer experience. No previous winter experience needed! We train you, pair you with a buddy, and provide everything you need for a successful shift.
“I volunteer with a few organizations, and I think the Greenway’s Trailhead Ambassador program is one of my favorites! I’m excited for next year!”
About Washington State Sno-Parks
The Winter Recreation Program at Washington State Parks coordinates Sno-Parks across the state. Sno-Parks are cleared parking areas in close proximity to groomed and backcountry trails. Snowmobile Sno-Parks are open to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation. Non-motorized Sno-Parks are only open to sports such as cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snow play.
The Winter Recreation Program is funded through the sale of Sno-Park Permits. Proceeds from permit sales are used exclusively to maintain and improve non-motorized Sno-Park facilities. The permits pay for snow removal, sanitary facilities, trail grooming, trail signs, mapping, parking lot construction, education, enforcement, equipment, and Sno-Park program administration.
Visitors engage in a wide range of winter recreation at Washington’s Sno-Parks, including:
- Snow play (sledding, snowball fights, building snow forts and snowmen, etc.)
- Classic and skate cross-country skiing
- Backcountry touring
- Snowshoeing
- Dog sledding
- Snowmobiling (also called sleds)
Photo Credits: Crystal Springs (snomads); Cabin Creek (the Kongsberger Ski Club)