Planning a ski trip to Alta this winter? Ensure a smooth start to your mountain adventure by utilizing the Car Space Booking Tool for parking reservations. Similar to checking snow conditions, verifying your parking status before heading out is crucial for stress-free access to the slopes every Friday through Sunday and during Holiday Periods from 8 AM to 1 PM.
Hassle-Free Parking with Alta’s Reservation System
Alta Ski Resort’s parking reservation system is designed to enhance your overall ski experience. By guaranteeing a parking spot, this system eliminates the uncertainty of finding parking upon arrival, particularly during peak times in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This proactive approach significantly reduces early morning traffic congestion that previously resulted from limited, first-come, first-served parking.
Beyond convenience, these parking reservations play a vital role in managing the number of skiers on the mountain. By aligning skier numbers with available terrain and lift capacity, Alta ensures a more enjoyable and less crowded experience for everyone.
Parking reservations are released every Sunday at 3 PM (Mountain Time) – remember to set a reminder to secure your spot!
When Reservations Are Required
Mandatory Reservation Periods: Friday–Sunday & Holiday Periods, 8 AM–1 PM
- Reservation Start Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
- Holiday Periods: December 20 through January 5, January 20, and February 17
- Reservation End Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Closing Day Reservations: Yes, reservations are required on Closing Day.
When Reservations Are NOT Required
- Monday through Thursday after 8 AM (excluding holiday periods)
- From Opening Day until December 12, 2024
- Daily after 1 PM
Understanding Paid Parking Reservations
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Online Purchase: Parking reservations are easily purchased through Alta’s online car space booking tool.
- Standard Rate: Reservations are priced at $25 per day.
- Discounted Rate: Purchase your lift tickets online and qualify for a reduced parking reservation rate of just $10.
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Free Parking for Passholders:
- Eligible Passholders: Qualifying Alta and Alta-Bird passholders receive complimentary parking reservations.
- Reservation Codes: Passholders will be provided with codes to book free parking through the car space booking tool.
- Code Reusability: Reservation codes can be reused once the associated reservation date has passed.
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Reservation Availability: All parking reservations are subject to availability, so booking in advance using the car space booking tool is highly recommended.
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License Plate Verification: Parking reservations are linked to your license plate and automatically verified upon arrival.
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Non-Reservation Fine: Parking without a valid reservation incurs a $150 fine.
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Weekly Parking Release: Alta releases additional parking inventory every Sunday at 3 PM (Mountain Time) for the upcoming weekend and holiday periods.
Early Morning Parking Options
- Daily Early Morning Reservations: Required for parking before 8 AM daily.
- South Flagstaff Lot Access: Early Morning Reservations permit parking from 6 AM in the South Flagstaff parking lot, ideal for dawn patrol skiers and early birds.
- Early Morning Reservation Costs:
- $25 per reservation: Friday–Sunday & holiday periods
- $15 per reservation: Monday–Thursday
- Full-Day Parking: With an Early Morning Reservation, your parking spot is secured for the entire day.
Please note: Parking reservation policies are regularly reviewed and may be updated to better serve the needs of Alta skiers.
Navigating Little Cottonwood Canyon Road Conditions
Utah state law mandates snow tires or chains in your vehicle from November 1st to May 1st. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) may also impose further restrictions on Highway 210, requiring snow tires, chains, or 4-wheel drive depending on conditions. Always check road conditions before you travel.
Follow UDOT Cottonwood Canyons on X >
Real-Time Highway 210 Traffic Cameras
Visual road condition updates are available via UDOT traffic cameras along Highway 210.
Wasatch BLVD & Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd Traffic Cameras
| Wasatch Blvd & LCC Rd Traffic Camera | Highway 210 @ Wasatch Blvd Traffic Camera |
|---|---|
| LCC Rd @ Old Wasatch Blvd Traffic Camera | Wasatch Blvd @ Bengal Blvd Traffic Camera |
UDOT Sign Traffic Cameras
| Mouth of LCC Sign Traffic Camera | LCC @ 3335 E Sign Traffic Camera |
|---|---|
| Town of Alta Sign Traffic Camera | Avalanche Warning Sign Traffic Camera |
Little Cottonwood Canyon Traffic Map | UDOT >
Understanding Traction Law
During severe winter conditions in Utah, traction devices are mandatory, including in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
AWD/4WD Vehicles: M+S or M/S Tires
- Acceptable traction devices include chains, snow socks, and similar.
- 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires are also permitted and offer superior traction in harsh winter weather.
2WD Vehicles: 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Tires on All Four Wheels
- Traction devices like chains or snow socks are also acceptable for 2WD vehicles.
Important Note on Overnight Parking
Overnight parking is prohibited in Little Cottonwood Canyon, except for registered lodge guests in designated areas and employee parking zones. Avalanche risks and watershed restrictions also prohibit overnight camping and dogs.
If you are lodging in Alta, a car is generally unnecessary. Most accommodations are ski-in/ski-out or provide convenient transportation services.
