LT2026-007 WA STATE SKI & SNOWBOARD MUSEUM FINAL

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3| Impact Response 2.1: Why would tourists travel to Kittitas County to attend your event/activity/facility?* Visitors make the trip to Kittitas County because WSSSM delivers a destination experience that combines history, culture, and outdoor adventure in one of Washington’s most iconic alpine settings. 1. A Living History of Snow Sports WSSSM brings Washington’s ski and snowboard heritage to life through stories, artifacts, and immersive displays. Guests step into the early days of rope tows and wooden skis, trace the growth of resorts and equipment, and celebrate Washington’s Olympians. In 2025, the Olympic Exhibit was refreshed and expanded, highlighting athletes whose achievements shaped our state’s global reputation. This rare, curated look at regional snow sports history cannot be found anywhere else. 2. Perfectly Paired with Adventure Nestled at Snoqualmie Pass—less than an hour from Seattle—the museum sits amid hiking trails, ski runs, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Visitors often stop on their way to or from the mountains, or pair a visit with dining next door at Commonwealth or a local pint at Dru Bru. With new extended hours (Fridays & Saturdays 3–8 pm, Sundays 1–6 pm), the museum is now easier to fit into a weekend itinerary. In summer, thru-hikers from across the globe add a truly international feel to the guestbook. 3. Hands-On Fun for All Ages Unlike traditional museums, WSSSM encourages interaction. Each of the eleven permanent exhibits includes videos, stories, and interactive elements. Families return often to complete one of five themed scavenger hunts, winning retro prizes while learning about mountain culture. Kids love the video clips of Olympic races; adults connect with vintage gear that sparks memories of their own first turns. 4. A Vibrant Community Gathering Place WSSSM doubles as a hub for community and special events. It has hosted everything from REI mountaineering classes to nonprofit meetings, engagement parties, and museum-led socials. The annual Anniversary Celebration & Auction—most recently October 30, 2025—will bring together the community of Olympians, donors, and snow sports enthusiasts together to raise funds for exhibits and educational programs. 5. Part of Something Bigger Visitors know their time at WSSSM also supports a nonprofit mission. Every guest, donor, and event participant helps sustain a community-driven effort to preserve Washington’s unique snow sports heritage. Backed by more than 500 donors and strong partnerships with The Summit, Dru Bru, K2, Mervin and more, WSSSM is an established part of the community. 2500 character limit Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.* The Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum (WSSSM) has a proven track record of attracting tourists year-round. In 2025, we estimate that will have seen more than 7,000 visitors, our highest total to date. Surveys show that 97% traveled more than 50 miles, 13% came from out of state, and 12% stayed overnight—clear evidence of our role in supporting Kittitas County tourism. A major contributor to this success is our collaboration with neighboring Dru Bru, where events like the Summer Glow Run and the inaugural Winter Rail Jam bring hundreds of new visitors to Snoqualmie Pass. WSSSM aligns with these occasions by keeping museum doors open later, offering free admission and interactive scavenger hunts that extend the event experience. These strategies have drawn families, skiers, snowboarders, and curious travelers who might not otherwise step inside a museum. Beyond public events, WSSSM has also become a popular private rental space, hosting everything from REI and Edgeworks mountaineering classes to nonprofit meetings, birthday parties, and even a surprise engagement party. These gatherings bring in new audiences who often pair their visit with dining or overnight stays in the area. Together, these approaches demonstrate how WSSSM effectively attracts both casual drop-ins and intentional event-driven visitors, strengthening its reputation as a year-round destination that fuels tourism growth in Kittitas County. 2500 character limit Application Questions: Part 2