[Schroder]

Could it be that the permit system actually attracts more people? It's difficult to get therefore it has to be the best place to go.

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[Randito]

[reststep]

I think they should do the permits by age. Divide it up into 5 year age groups. Anyone 100 or over would have first dibs. 95 to 99 would have second dibs etc.

[kbatku]

The "day of"permits make way more sense odds wise. Your odds of being drawn are what - thirty or forty to one and opposed to one in three trillion or so. If it works out - awesome! If not there are plenty of other places around Wenatchee to hike.

[l'Emmerdeur]

I just pulled the trigger on a permit application for my vacation at the end of August. It was more of a "What the heck" kind of thing along with some curiosity about the new online system. I've gotten solo permits a couple times in the past, under the old system. I always wondered if it favored solo/small group applications since it was probably easier to shoe-horn individuals into their overall capacity around the larger groups. Now it seems that every application could be treated as an 8-person, extended-stay group right up until the permits are printed and finalized. Definitely more convenient than trying to get a fax through to the ranger station on Day 1, and likely a lot easier on the rangers who no longer have to sort through with the annual "white-paper blizzard" on the floor of their office.

[kbatku]

FWIW you can only enter once per person, unlike last year when you could put in as many applications as you could afford. This should cut down the numbers quite a bit (I hope).

[thunderhead]

You should gain "preference points" with time like hunting draws. That way a failed application still counts for something if you apply again next year.

[Randito]

FWIW: I've been to the Enchantments three times One trip in July, one in June and one ski tour in April. All were quite enjoyable. The permit season doesn't start until May 15th -- if you are a capable snow traveler -- no permit is needed.

[Galadriel]

I’ve been entering the core enchantment lottery for over 20 years, but never won. At age 55 I dayhiked up Aasgard, through the core and down Snow lakes, but it only gave me a taste of its wonders. Now I’m 72, and figure I don’t have much more time. Last June, I dayhiked up to Snow. I passed a backpacking couple with a core permit, sitting exhausted along the trail near Nada. They said they weren’t going any further than Nada- They had no idea it would be this hard. I couldn’t help but feel the unfairness of life. But life is not fair, and I am trying again.

[HitTheTrail]

[Galadriel]

Not retired yet, still working in my own business which keeps me tethered, especially after Labor day and the beginning of fall season

[Cyclopath]

[Just_Some_Hiker]

[MesiJezi]

My wife and I got a core enchantments permit on our first try back in 2013, and while we didn't realize exactly how fortunate we were until later, we enjoyed every moment of the 5 days we spent there. I feel a little guilty knowing how many years some of you have been trying. I really hope you have better luck this year, Galadriel!