LT2025-014 WASHINGTON STATE SKI & SNOWBOARD MUSEUM CLTAC

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3| Impact Response 2.1: Why would tourists travel to Kittitas County to attend your event/activity/facility?* 1. Immersive experience in the rich skiing and snowboarding history of Washington State: The museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of skiing and snowboarding in Washington State. From the early pioneers to the modern-day Olympians and equipment, visitors can explore the stories, artifacts, and memorabilia that showcase the region's vibrant snow sports culture. One of our most popular exhibits is our real working rope tow! 2. Discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest: Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Washington State, the museum is located in an area known for its stunning natural beauty. The ski resort receives over a half million visitors every year with many more driving across the Pass. Visitors can combine a visit to the museum with outdoor adventures, such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, to fully experience the splendor of the Pacific Northwest. The summer months in particular are packed with hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail stopping by the museum. They are from all over the world! 3. Engage in hands-on exhibits: The museum provides interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the history and culture of skiing and snowboarding. With videos in each exhibit, visitors (and especially kids) can learn from watching and not just reading. We have 4 different levels of Scavenger Hunts at the museum and fun, retro prizes for the kids. Visitors love watching our videos. The Olympic ski races are among the most popular. 4. Events and Community Space: WSSSM is an ideal event space with lofty ceilings, concrete flooring, technical amenities, and great views. Organizations like REI and Edgeworks (using museum for multiple days per week in the winter for winter mountaineering classes), community meetings (for local non-profits and elected officials), birthday parties (a surprise engagement party) and other private groups and individuals have utilized the museum for their own events and meetings. And of course, we do our own educational and social events throughout the year. 5. Support a local non-profit organization: By visiting WSSSM, tourists can contribute to a worthy cause. The museum is a non- profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of skiing and snowboarding in Washington State. Every donation and visit help support our mission and ensures the continued preservation of our rich snow sports history. 2500 character limit Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.* WSSSM is busy year-round with tourists from all over the world. Many people suspect that we are only during the winter, but summer months are just as busy if not busier with tourists traveling across I-90. We have signage along Highway 906 inviting people into our free museum. Families, especially those waiting for tables at Dru Bru or Commonwealth, love to take children in to do the museum scavenger hunt and earn a prize. In addition to our regular hours, various organizations have rented out the museum to have classes and events. And finally, our events at the museum (like the very popular PacWest Banked Slalom Snowboarding Event) attract overnight visitors. They come up early for registration and a fun party at the museum and stay overnight to get a jump on the race on Saturday morning at Hyak. We are at capacity with this event drawing over 100 people over a several hour period. While we hosted fewer of our own events in 2024 than in 2023, we partnered with others to draw attention to the museum. After a successful advertising and media campaign, many people came to visit the new Snowboard Exhibit. Having a snowboarding focus is unusual for snow sports museums. 2500 character limit Application Questions: Part 2