Though one of the earliest national parks to be designated by Congress, Lassen Volcanic has never had a formal visitor center. The old ski chalet at the southwest entrance inadequately served that function. The Lassen Chalet was built to support a concession-operated downhill ski area. In 1992 the downhill ski operation was removed in keeping with NPS management policies and the Chalet was converted to a concession-run gift shop and snack bar during the summer months.

The Park has completed the design and compliance work for a visitor center to replace the Chalet. By May of 2007, the Park plans to begin construction on a new facility including:

• a reception desk where visitors can obtain information, permits, and reservations
• interpretive exhibits and displays
• an auditorium for showing a park film and holding special events
• book, map, and educational product sales
• a concession-run gift shop and restaurant
• public restrooms and drinking fountains
• first aid services
• after hours orientation displays in the vestibule

By the fall of 2008, the Park plans to have the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center open for services year-round. Kohm Yah-mah-nee is the Mt. Maidu name for Snowy Mountain (Lassen Peak).This facility will provide tremendous benefits to 400,000 visitors a year through increased accessibility and park orientation. As the project progresses, new information will be available on this site. Please come back again to keep up with these exciting developments!