At a Glance: Parking Essentials
- Reservations: Required on weekends and holiday periods (typically Friday through Sunday) for all vehicle entries.
- Paid Parking: The system operates seven days a week. Dynamic pricing is based on market demand and vehicle occupancy. (reserve now)
- Carpool Perks: Vehicles carrying four or more people often park for free, but drivers must still reserve their spots online during peak times.
- Bus Access: The UTA Ski Bus provides free service to Ikon Pass and season pass holders, no reservations needed.
- Traction Law: The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) strictly enforces the Traction Law. You must have 4WD/AWD or chains/snow tires in the canyon when lights are flashing. Rental cars are not exempt.
Understanding the Solitude Ski Resort Reservation System
Solitude uses a tiered parking management system. The main objective is to decrease the number of vehicles on the road rather than just collecting fees. The system applies primarily to the two main lots: the Moonbeam Lot (main day lodge access) and the Village Lot.
When Do You Need a Reservation?
The system requires visitors to reserve parking spots in advance during peak days, which include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Without a reservation, you will likely be turned away at the canyon mouth or the lot entrance. Mid-week days generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but you still need to pay upon arrival.
How Pricing Works
Fees follow a dynamic model. Expect higher prices for solo drivers on peak weekends and lower prices for carpools on weekdays. The payment system is cashless. If you do not have a pre-booked reservation, you will use a kiosk or a mobile app to pay once you park.
Experience Note: Download the payment application while you still have strong Wi-Fi in the city. The canyon area experiences irregular cell phone coverage, and trying to download an app at the base area can be frustrating.
The Carpool Hack: How to Park for Cheap (or Free)
The best way to reduce costs involves maximizing seat occupancy. The general rule of thumb is that a vehicle with four or more passengers qualifies for the best rates, often parking for free.
Validating Your Occupancy
Simply having four people in the car isn’t enough; you must prove it. Parking attendants will visually verify the number of people inside the vehicle upon entry. According to official Solitude Mountain Resort policies, guests need to book their spots through the online system during reservation days to guarantee availability. If you meet the occupancy requirement upon arrival, the system can adjust or validate the session, but always check the specific refund/check-in procedure for the current season.
Taking the UTA Ski Bus to Solitude
Skiers who want to avoid the stress of solitude parking entirely can utilize the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) ski bus service up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Why Take the Bus?
- Cost: The service provides free access to riders who possess an Ikon Pass or a Solitude season pass. You simply tap your pass on the card reader when boarding.
- Traffic Priority: During peak hours, police often restrict private vehicle access to meter traffic but allow buses to bypass the queue.
- Convenience: The bus stops at the Moonbeam or Village entrances, providing direct access without the need to walk from the back of a sprawling parking lot.
Where to Catch It
Main Park & Ride lots are located at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and nearby transit hubs in Midvale and Sandy. Check the UTA Route 972 schedule for exact times.
Warning: Arrive early. Park & Ride lots often become fully occupied by 8:00 AM on powder days.
Pitfalls to Avoid in Big Cottonwood Canyon
A reservation system does not safeguard you from every issue. Here are common mistakes visitors make when trying to reach the resort for a better ski experience.
Ignoring the Traction Law
Police actively issue citations to 2WD vehicles that do not have chains installed when the law is in effect. One spinning car can block the entire road, creating massive delays for everyone involved. If you are in a rental without snow tires, do not attempt the drive during a storm.
Underestimating the “Red Snake”
The infamous line of traffic, known locally as the “Red Snake,” can make your Saturday morning journey 45 minutes longer than expected. Even with a reservation, the road capacity is limited. Aim to be at the canyon mouth before 7:30 AM to beat the worst of the congestion.
Relying on Ride-Share
Getting a ride back down from the resort is nearly impossible. Uber and Lyft drivers rarely wait in the village, and many refuse the trip up due to road conditions. Stick to the bus or a personal vehicle.
Decision Framework: Drive or Bus?
Use this simple rule of thumb to decide your travel method for the day:
- Drive if: You have 3+ passengers, a vehicle with proper snow tires, and you can depart the city before 7:15 AM.
- Bus if: You are a solo traveler or couple. It saves money and avoids the need for a 4WD rental.
- Carpool if: You are solo but want to drive. Use local forums or apps to find carpool threads; sharing the ride splits the cost and helps reduce canyon traffic.
Your day at Solitude Ski Resort will be much more enjoyable when you plan your logistics in advance, spending your time skiing Honeycomb Canyon instead of staring at brake lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a reservation to park at Solitude on weekdays?
- Typically, reservations are not required Monday through Thursday, excluding holiday periods. However, paid parking is in effect 7 days a week, so you must still pay upon arrival using the on-site kiosks or mobile app.
- Is parking free at Solitude with 4 people?
- Yes, vehicles with 4 or more occupants generally qualify for free or significantly discounted parking. You must have the attendants verify your occupancy upon arrival to receive this rate, and a reservation is still required on peak days.
- Where does the ski bus to Solitude pick up?
- The UTA ski bus picks up at designated Park & Ride lots near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and at local TRAX light rail stations like Midvale Fort Union. It is best to check the official UTA website for the most current stop locations.
- Can I park overnight at Solitude?
- Overnight parking is generally prohibited in the main day-skier lots (Moonbeam) to allow for snow removal. Guests staying at the Inn or condos should use the designated underground or lodging-specific parking provided by their accommodation.
