The UTA Ski Bus provides seasonal public transportation to resorts across northern Utah. It is a convenient, affordable way to reach resorts whether you live in the Salt Lake Valley, Ogden, or Utah County.
Why ride the Ski Bus?
Protects Our Winters – Yes, that's a plug for POW, a solid organization I believe in. Riding mass transit to ski reduces private vehicles on the roads, thus lowering carbon emissions. The truth is, we aren't going to have much luck telling people to stop traveling, but riding public transportation can make a positive difference. If one skier rides the UTA Ski Bus from Salt Lake City to Alta instead of driving solo, a typical round trip avoids roughly 10 to 11 kilograms of CO₂ (about 24 pounds) of tailpipe emissions. That is just one person. On a busy powder day, a ski bus can represent hundreds of kilograms of CO₂ avoided compared to the same people each driving alone.
Saves Money – At most, riding the Ski Bus will cost $5.00 each way ($2.50 for qualified reduced-fare riders), making it an affordable alternative to driving your own vehicle or renting a car if you're visiting from out of town. Additionally, several ski passes include free fare on the Ski Bus.
Comfort and Convenience – Ski Buses have dedicated ski/snowboard organizers, can be accessed from most major hotels, and many locations have covered shelters. Some shelters are even heated, such as Snowbird's Cliff Lodge stop.
Here is a comprehensive guide to riding the Ski Bus for the 2025–26 season, including routes, fares and helpful tips.
The UTA Ski Bus serves:
- Solitude Mountain Resort
- Brighton
- Snowbird
- Alta Ski Area
- Snowbasin Resort
- Powder Mountain
- Sundance Mountain Resort
What routes go to each resort?
- Route 972: Solitude and Brighton – CS3 provides an additional trip as well
- Route 994: Snowbird and Alta - CS1 and CS2 provide additional service as well
- Route 675: Snowbasin
- Route 677: Snowbasin from Layton
- Route 674: Powder Mountain
- Route 880: Sundance
- Additionally, the Park City Transit System provides shuttles throughout Park City
The Ski Bus - It's How the Locals Roll
Riding the bus also means we can kick back and get our heads in powder space - by listening to kicking tunes or chilling with a good read. No stress, just a ride to the front door of the lodge! But don't just take my word for it...here's what a few of my colleagues have to say about riding the bus:
"The ski bus is my jam. I usually take a book, but always end up talking to the person next to me. And did you know these buses can put on their chains with the press of a button?" Brandon Ott, Marketing Director, Alta Ski Area
"Never been a fan of driving up the canyons, especially in snowstorms. That's why the bus is perfect for people like me. You just hop on and leave the driving to the pros! Local tip: Sit closest to the door. Last one on, but first to the powder!"—Dillon Green, Founder of Digital by DG
"In my 17 years of skiing, I had never taken a Ski Bus to a resort. Taking the bus sounded difficult and boring. After actually giving the bus a chance, I found it to be less stressful and more enjoyable than driving." - University of Utah Student
How to Ride the Ski Bus
Now that I've (hopefully) got you thinking about the bus, how do you ride it? Here are some basic tips:
- Ski Buses have dedicated ski/snowboard organizers and many stops have covered shelters. Some are even heated, such as Snowbird's Cliff Lodge stop.
- Ski buses run from the canyon bases, so you will ride either FrontRunner, TRAX, or another bus to that stop, then transfer for the ride up the canyon. Because the canyon routes run more often, this new system is equally fast as the old system.
- Because the UTA system includes multiple routes, buses, and trains (TRAX), there are multiple ways to ride depending on your location. Look at the overview map to get a general idea of the routes and then visit the UTA website for the most up to date information.
- If you have a season pass, ask your resort about getting a free Ski Bus Pass. The canyon resorts have signed on to support the service by offering Ski Bus passes.
- If you don’t have a pass and need to pay cash, bring exact change or purchase a UTA FAREPAY card. The drivers do not provide change, which means your ride could be more expensive if you only have bills. You can pay with exact change, a pass, a contactless credit card, or your UTA FAREPAY card.
- Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early. All bus stops are marked by a sign that lists all routes that stop at that location, plus a Stop ID number. The Stop ID number can be used for the Ride Time system, which can help you find out when the next bus is coming. Just look for the number to the right of the word “LOCATION,” then text the Stop ID number to UTA-UTA (882-882) and hit send. Ride Time will reply with the next three bus stop departure times from that location.
- Make sure you’re getting on the right bus by checking the number displayed in the front window to make sure it’s the route you want.
- If you need to transfer to another bus or TRAX, get a transfer slip from the driver. This is your only proof of fare when you make your transfer. Transfer slips are only good for two hours after your initial ride. This should be automatic if you use a FAREPAY card, but I’d ask just to be sure.
- As you exit, remember to tap off if you paid with FAREPAY or another electronic form of payment. This means you tap the same spot on the card reader you used when you boarded. This automatically gives you the transfer credit and a few other things. More details can be found HERE.
The Ski Utah app is fully loaded with every ski bus route in the state!
Below I've played out all of the UTA Ski Bus route maps, details, and links to schedules, but did you know the Ski Utah mobile app can do all the work for you? Here's how you can find your way to powder on the Ski Bus in four clicks!
FREE Ski Utah App for iOS and Android
Ski Bus Service Start Dates and Stop Locations
Starting November 29:
Stops Include:
- Midvale Fort Union Station
- Fort Union Blvd & Highland Dr
- 6200 S & Wasatch Blvd Park and Ride (PNR)
- Big Cottonwood Canyon PNR
- Solitude Moon Beam Lodge
- Brighton
Canyon Service — CS3
UTA is adding additional service to Solitude and Brighton this year.
Stops Include:
- 6200 S / Wasatch Boulevard Lot
- Solitude Moonbeam Lodge
- Brighton Resort Lodge
Operating Days/Hours:
Operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays.
- Single AM trip up; departs 6200 S at 6:00 a.m.
- Single PM trip down; departs Brighton at 4:15 p.m.
Tentatively December 5:
Stops Include:
- Historic Sandy Station
- 9400 S & 2000 E PNR
- Snowbird Entrance 1
- Snowbird Center @ 4 N
- Gold Miner @ 1 N
Starting December 7:
Canyon Service - CS1 & CS2
UTA is pleased to bring back the additional service to Alta and Snowbird this year
CS1
- Service starts at Midvale Fort Union TRAX Station at 6 a.m. and ends at Alta at Goldminer's Daughter
Lodge. - Schedule: Runs only during the morning hours of 6-8:30 a.m. and again in the evening from 5-7:30 p.m.
CS2
- Service starts at 6200 South Wasatch Park and Ride lot at 6:20 a.m. and ends at Alta at Goldminer's Daughter Lodge.
- Schedule: Runs continuous 30-minute service throughout the day from 6:20 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Download the schedule, map, and bus stop list here
Tentatively December 10:
Stops Include:
- 21st St Hotel
- Ogden Central
- 24th Lincoln
- 26th St & Lincoln Ave (Ogden)
- 25th Wasington Blvd
- 23rd St & Washington Blvd
- 12th St & Washington
- Ogden Canyon PNR Lot
- Anderson Cove (Huntsville)
- Snow Basin Ski Resort
Stops Include:
- Layton Station
- Layton Hills Mall
- Davis Conference Center
- Woodland Park Drive Hotels
- Hwy 89 & Antelope Dr PNR
- S Weber Park & Ride
- Mountain Green Ski Bus Stop
- Snow Basin Ski Resort
Tentatively December 13:
Stops Include:
- 21st Street Hotels (Ogden)
- Ogden Central
- 24th Lincoln
- 26th St & Lincoln Ave (Ogden)
- 25th Wasington Blvd
- 22nd St & Washington
- 12th St & Washington
- Ogden Canyon PNR Lot
- Eden Market
- Moose Hollow Condiminium
- Wolf Creek Drive / Moose Hollow
- Powder Mtn Ski Resort
Starting December 20:
*880 will run Monday-Saturday from December 20 to February 28. In March, 880 will run only on Saturdays. March 28 is the last day of service.
Stops Include:
- University Place Station
- Orem Palisade PNR
- Sundance Ski Resort
*All start dates are contingent on resort opening dates. Continue to check back for exact ski service start dates.
For holiday service information, click here.
Park City Transit System and High Valley Transit
Within Park City, a comprehensive and FREE transit system provides an easy and environmentally friendly way to get around town.
The system, which is fueled by biodiesel, serves Historic Main Street, Kimball Junction, Jeremy Ranch, Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain, the Utah Olympic Park and more all the way to the Park City Hospital.
Park City and High Valley Transit Routes, Schedules, and Maps
FAQ About the UTA Ski Bus
Which resorts does the Ski Bus serve?
- Solitude
- Brighton
- Snowbird
- Alta
- Snowbasin
- Powder Mountain
- Sundance
What routes go to each resort?
- Route 972: Solitude and Brighton – CS3 adds an additional trip each way.
- Route 994: Snowbird and Alta - CS1 and CS2 Provide service to additional stops within Alta and Snowbird
- Route 675: Snowbasin
- Route 677: Snowbasin from Layton
- Route 674: Powder Mountain
- Route 880: Sundance
How to get around in Park City?
Within Park City, a comprehensive and FREE transit system provides an easy and environmentally friendly way to get around town.
Do buses have room for skis and snowboards?
Yes. Each ski bus has exterior racks or interior gear space for skis, poles, and snowboards.
How much does it cost to ride?
The standard fare is $5.00 each way. ($2.50 for qualified reduced-fare riders). Many resort season passes include free Ski Bus access, so you can tap your pass when you board.
What payment methods are accepted?
You can use contactless credit or debit cards, mobile wallets, a UTA FAREPAY card, or the Transit App. Cash is accepted, but drivers do not make change.
Can I use my ski pass instead of paying?
Yes, if your pass includes UTA transit access. Many Solitude, Brighton, Snowbird, and Alta passes include it. Tap your pass on the card reader when boarding.
Where do I catch the Ski Bus?
Most riders board from designated Ski Bus stops, Park and Ride lots, TRAX stations, or FrontRunner stations. Each route has posted stops on the UTA website and in the Transit App.
How do I know which bus to take?
Use the Transit App or UTA’s online schedules. Enter your resort and starting point and the app will show you the correct bus number, stop, and timing.
How early should I arrive at the stop?
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure, especially on weekends or storm days.
Does the bus run early enough for first chair?
Yes. Most routes start early in the morning. Exact timing depends on resort and route, but the schedule supports first chair arrivals.
Does the Ski Bus run in storms?
Yes. Ski Bus vehicles are winter-equipped and designed to operate in snow. Schedules may adjust if conditions are severe. Check the Transit App for updates.
Can I transfer from TRAX or FrontRunner?
Yes. Many riders use rail to connect to ski bus routes. You can also request a transfer slip from your first vehicle. Most transfers are valid for two hours.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed unless they are certified service animals.
Is the Ski Bus accessible?
Yes. All buses include ADA features. Snowboard and ski racks are outside the accessible aisle.
Can I bring food or drinks on board?
Covered beverages are usually allowed. Avoid messy meals so the bus stays clean for everyone.
Can I take the bus to multiple resorts in one day?
Sometimes. Several resorts offer in-canyon shuttles. You can combine a ski bus route with an in-canyon shuttle if you want to ski two resorts in the same day.
Are there restrooms on the bus?
No. Plan ahead before boarding.
Where can I find schedules?
Schedules are published on rideuta.com before the season begins. The Transit App is the most accurate tool on active service days.
