Spokane, WA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously 4-0 on Thursday to approve Mt. Spokane’s proposal to expand the ski area onto the mountain’s northwest face within the state’s largest park.

The commission’s chairman, Fred Olson, said safeguards were instituted in the plan to ensure the health of old growth forest below the new ski runs, which will occupy 279 sub-alpine acres. The ski area expansion was opposed by The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and an assortment of community and environment groups who organized as the Save Mount Spokane Coalition.

The ski area’s manager, Brad McQuarrie, said they’ll immediately begin the permit application process for the new chairlift and seven new ski runs. Ski area officials also hope to build a four-season replacement for the resort’s Lodge 2.