How To Ride The UTA Ski Bus - A Comprehensive Guide
Parking at ski areas, especially on peak holidays or weekends, can be a real drag. Ditch the kerfuffle and reduce your emissions in one go with a ride on one of Utah's ski buses. Resorts in Park City and along the Wasatch Front are serviced by public transit that take the headache out of scary snow driving and hairy parking. Whether you are a visitor or a seasoned local, riding the bus is a cinch with the helpful info below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Ski Bus schedule has changed for the 2022–23 season and fewer busses are available due to a nationwide shortage of bus drivers. Please pay careful attention to the details below. To mitigate traffic and access to the resorts, we also strongly suggest carpooling when taking the bus isn't possible.
PRO TIP
Before catching a ride be sure to download the UTA transit app. This helps riders plan their trip, check on crowds and canyon alerts, view road closures and more.
Click Here to download the app. You can visit the UTA website to find additional information. UDOT Cottonwoods on Twitter is also an awesome resource for those facing weather events in either Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons.
ALTERNATE OPTIONS - SHUTTLE SERVICES
COTTONWOOD CONNECT
New for the 2022-23 season, the Cottonwood Connect ski shuttle service is meant to supplement the routes provided by the UTA Ski Bus. Running Thursday-Sunday and on holidays from January 26 thru April 16. Reservations are required and a number of stops are available from Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, and Sandy. CLICK HERE for a current schedule, route info, and to make reservations.
- Reservations are required and offered on a first come, first served basis. You may make a reservation for up to 4 guests
- Cost is $10 per rider
- Reservations are for a round-trip ride
- Passengers may choose departure time and return pickup time
BACKCOUNTRY SHUTTLE
For those interested in accessing backcountry recreation on Saturdays, the UTA Ski Bus doesn't make many stops appropriate for backcountry users. We recommend the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance Backcountry Shuttle sponsored by Backcountry.com and the Central Wasatch Commission. Piloted for the 2021-22 season, this shuttle service is back for 2022-23 and provides free rides from Cottonwood Heights to either Little Cottonwood or Big Cottonwood Canyons. CLICK HERE to make a reservation and view schedule.
- Shuttle service offered Saturday
- Free to ride, though donations are appreciated
- Reservations are required and must be completed by 5:00 PM the evening prior - email confirmation confirms booking
- NEW Parking and Pick-up Location: Butler Elementary School (7000 S 2700 E, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121)
UTA SKI BUS RIDER HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) no longer requires masks to be worn by employees or riders. UTA continues to promote rider safety and maintains enhanced sanitation protocols.
Use this guide to learn how to utilize the Utah Transit Authority’s Ski Bus system
By hopping aboard the bus, you too can be a critical player in helping to reduce emissions, traffic and parking struggles. There are plenty of opportunities to cut down on the number of single-driver vehicles traveling to our beloved resorts. I would bet we can all commit to devoting effort this season to keeping the air a little clearer and purging cars from the pavement. By ride-sharing responsibly with COVID in mind or bussing, we can all do more to Protect Our Winters!
UTA SKI BUS SERVICE UPDATES
2022-23 Season Updates
Due to a nationwide shortage of bus drivers, the UTA Ski Bus service will be altered this winter to accommodate a lack of drivers. The latest updates can always be found on UTA's website here. Emergency bus service adjustments will be implemented on December 11, 2022 that will impact Ski Bus service in Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake Counties, in addition to service between Salt Lake City and Summit County. Please scroll below for your route of interest and more information on service disruptions.
2022-2023 Ski Bus Launch Dates
December 11, 2022–April 17, 2023: Service to Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude Mountain Resort.
December 11, 2022–April 2, 2023: Service to Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain
December 11, 2022 : Service to Sundance Mountain Resort
There is no Sunday service on this route
Weekday service ends on February 26, 2023
Saturday service ends on March 26, 2023
Implemented year-round: Service between Salt Lake City and Park City on Route 902
HOW TO RIDE THE UTA SKI BUS
Scroll through here to find the section you need.
For route information, see below.
HOW TO PAY - SEASON PASS PERKS
To incentivize responsible travel, a handful of Utah resorts actually incorporate UTA Ski Bus passes directly into their season pass pricing and the pass itself. This completely removes any hassle or excuse not to take advantage of public transit. The following season pass types include FREE use of the UTA Ski Bus and you'll simply scan your season pass to tap on and tap off when using the bus.
Employees of resorts are often provided with free transit access and their perks may differ from those associated with season passes. Season passholders should contact their resort rather than UTA for any transit-related questions.
FREE UTA Services included with the following season passes:
- Alta: Bus, Ski Bus, TRAX, FrontRunner, VIA
- Brighton: Bus, Ski Bus, TRAX, FrontRunner, VIA
- Solitude: Ski Bus only
- Snowbird: Ski Bus only
- IKON: Ski Bus only
- Powder Mountain: Bus, Ski Bus
- Snowbasin: Bus, Ski Bus
- Sundance: Ski Bus, UVX
- Note that UTA service between SLC and Park City is $5 per fare and not included on any ski pass
HOW TO PAY - UTA goRIDE APP
Skip the entire process of purchasing a ticket or using cash or credit to pay by downloading the UTA GoRide app to your mobile phone. A credit or debit card can be added to pay for purchases and multiple fares can be purchased at once. You can purchase tickets directly through the app on your phone to store for future use. When you wish to redeem your fare, simply show the GQ code in the app to the bus driver. Tickets for the Ski Bus can be purchased at any time and used within the current ski season. For more information or to download the app, CLICK HERE.
HOW TO PAY - CASH OR CREDIT
Should you not possess a resort season pass or your pass does not include a Ski Bus benefit, a one-way fare on the Ski Bus costs $5. UTA requests that riders have exact change when paying with cash as drivers are not able to provide change. Riders should have their money ready prior to boarding and should board at the front of the bus. A contactless credit card may also be used to purchase the fare when boarding the bus. Fares purchased for TRAX, FrontRunner, or other bus routes will also count toward your $5 fare on the Ski Bus. Be sure to get a transfer slip from the driver to cover your fare when moving from a train to the bus.
HOW TO PAY - FAREPAY CARD
Purchase a prepaid, reloadable FAREPAY Card to remove the need to carry exact change or purchase tickets beforehand. As an added bonus FAREPAY cardholders earn 20% off local bus, TRAX, S-Line, Front Runner and Express Bus Fares (but not the Ski Bus). FAREPAY cards can be loaded with money and tapped on the Ski Bus’s card reader when boarding. Don’t forget to tap off when unloading the bus so the correct fare is charged. Click here to learn more or purchase a FAREPAY Card.
HOW TO CATCH A RIDE ON THE UTA SKI BUS
Skip ahead to the section of your choice to learn about routes and updates for each service. For complete details and the most up-to-date schedule, please visit the UTA Ski Bus webpage - here.
Another great tip: the Ski Utah Snow Report app is fully loaded with every ski bus route in the state! Download the app and find your way to powder on the UTA Ski Bus in just four clicks. Otherwise, keep scrollin' for Ski Bus info organized by region.
Use the Transit App
UTA is affiliated with the Transit app. This app provides current ride times, service updates and relevant information like planned road closures, service interruptions and more. Downloading this app before you ride will ensure a smooth experience. Click here to download.
Arrive at the bus stop early.
Due to the current limitations on bus capacity, UTA does expect delays for passengers this season. All bus stops are marked by a blue sign with a Stop ID Number and a list of all the routes that use this location. The Stop ID Number can also 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 STOP ID Number.
BIG AND LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON SKI BUS SERVICE
BRIGHTON, SOLITUDE, ALTA & SNOWBIRD
Best Days of the Week to Avoid Crowds:
Best Times of Day to Avoid Crowds:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Skiers with a season pass or IKON Pass ride the Ski Bus for free
Service will begin on December 11, 2022 and cease on April 17, 2023
For the 2022-2023 season, emergency service change will be implemented on December 11, 2022 (see below)
BRIGHTON, SOLITUDE, ALTA & SNOWBIRD
Best Days of the Week to Avoid Crowds:
Tuesday-Thursday
Best Times of Day to Avoid Crowds:
Skiers with a season pass or IKON Pass ride the Ski Bus for free
Service will begin on December 11, 2022 and cease on April 17, 2023
For the 2022-2023 season, emergency service change will be implemented on December 11, 2022 (see below)
Holiday Schedules
Saturday service on December 24, 2022
Sunday service on December 25-26, 2022
Sunday service on December 31, 2022
Ski Bus Routes:
Route 953 – Will be temporarily suspended (Use Route 994)
Route 972 – Midvale to Solitude/Brighton, Reduced from 15-minute to 30-minute service
Route 994 – Sandy to Snowbird/Alta, Reduced from 15-minute to 30-minute service
UTAH COUNTY SKI BUS SERVICE
SUNDANCE
** There is no bus service on Sundays **
Best Days of the Week to Avoid Crowds:
Monday-Thursday (January–February)
Avoid holidays and weekends
Best Times of Day to Avoid Crowds:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Skiers with a season pass ride the Ski Bus for free
Service will begin December 11, 2022
Weekday service ends on February 26, 2023
Saturday service ends on March 26, 2023
There will be no service changes or disruptions to the Sundance Ski Resort Service for 2022-23
Holiday Schedules
Saturday service on December 24, 2022
No Service on December 25, 2022
Sunday service on December 26, 2022
Sunday service on December 31, 2022
No service on January 1, 2023
Ski Bus Route:
Route 880 – Orem to Sundance
WEBER AND DAVIS COUNTY SKI BUS SERVICE
SNOWBASIN AND POWDER MOUNTAIN
Best Days of the Week to Avoid Crowds:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Avoid holidays and weekends
Best Times of Day to Avoid Crowds:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reduced Season Ski Bus Passes available from Snowbasin and Powder Mountain
Service will begin December 11, 2022 and cease on April 2, 2023
Service has been restructured for 2022-23 season (see below)
Holiday Schedules
Saturday service on December 24, 2022
Saturday service on December 25-26, 2022
Saturday service on December 31, 2022
Saturday service on January 1-2, 2023
Saturday service on January 16, 2023
Saturday service on February 20, 2023
Ski Bus Routes:
Route 674 – Ogden via Ogden Transit Center to Powder Mountain, Restructured to run more mid-day and less peak trips
Route 675 – Ogden via Ogden Transit Center to Snowbasin, Restructured to run more mid-day and less peak trips
Route 677 – Layton to Snowbasin, Restructured to run more mid-day and less peak trips
PARK CITY - SALT LAKE CITY CONNECT
SERVICE BETWEEN SALT LAKE CITY AND PARK CITY - TO PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT AND DEER VALLEY
SERVICE BETWEEN SALT LAKE CITY AND PARK CITY - TO PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT AND DEER VALLEY
- UTA provides daily service from Salt Lake City to the Kimball Junction Transit Center on a year-round basis
- Note that the service costs $5 one-way and is not included in the purchase of Park City Mountain or Deer Valley season passes, click here for current information. Service is not free for passholders.
- The UTA Ski Bus Service provides transit to the Kimball Junction Transit Center which is serviced by the Park City & Summit County Transit System, an entirely fare free bus system that provides routes to Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort.
Service Schedule:
Weekday morning and evenings (Mon-Fri)
Weekends throughout the day (Sat-Sun)
Holiday Schedules:
Saturday service on December 24, 2022
Sunday service on December 25-26, 2022
Sunday service on December 31, 2022
Ski Bus Routes:
Route 901 – Will be suspended (Use Route 39 along 3900 South or Route 902)
Route 902 – Salt Lake City to Kimball Junction, Shortened to 3900 S. Wasatch Blvd.
For the 2022-23 season, Park City Transit will service the Richardson Flat Park-n-Ride along with increasing the frequency of the red, yellow, green and blue bus routes around town. Due to its ample capacity of over 700 parking stalls, the Richardson Flat Park-n-Ride will be serviced by busses from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 20-minute intervals that run to the Old Town Transit Center. The Park City Heights neighborhood will be connected by transit for the first time. Deer Valley and Park City employees and guests are all encouraged and incentivized to use these lots and to help relieve parking congestion. The full winter service will go into effect in December.
HEBER - HIGH VALLEY TRANSIT
SERVICE BETWEEN HEBER AND PARK CITY
New for 2022-23, High Valley Transit will expand service between Park City and Wasatch County with bus and microtransit options beginning November 13th with a fixed bus route connecting Heber City and Park City. Riders can catch the bus at Intermountain Hospital in Heber to the hospital at Quinns' Junction near Park City High School or the Park Avenue Fresh Market. Riders may then utilize the free Park City Transit system to reach Deer Valley or Park City. Download the High Valley Transit app for trip planning. For more information on how the microtransit routes work, click here.
HOW TO RIDE THE UTA SKI BUS - TIPS AND TRICKS
- Many UTA Ski Bus stops have covered shelters. Some are even heated such as Snowbird's Cliff Lodge stop or the Alta's Goldminer's Daughter stop.
- Ski Bus routes can be integrated with FrontRunner and TRAX or other UTA bus routes. Check the UTA website and utilize their Transit app to plot your day.
- Ski Bus timetables shift every season. Always double-check route information on the UTA website, the GoRide app, or the Ski Utah App to ensure your timetable is correct and that you have an updated schedule for the current season.
- If you are paying cash, bring exact change or purchase a UTA FAREPAY card. Bus drivers do not provide change, which means your ride could be more expensive if you only have bills.
- To ensure you're boarding the right bus, check the number displayed above the front windshield.
- If you need to transfer to another bus or a TRAX line, get a transfer slip from the driver. This is your only proof of fare when transferring. Transfer slips are valid for two hours after your initial ride. If using a FAREPAY card, your transfer will display in the app.
- As you exit, remember to tap off, if you used your season pass, paid with FAREPAY, or another electronic form of payment. Tap the card reader you used when boarding.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
Along with riding the bus, it is helpful to use an electric car, if possible. To support these lower-emission vehicles, Brighton, Snowbird, Alta, Deer Valley, Woodward Park City and Park City Mountain all offer electric vehicle charging stations! Take advantage of this free perk if you or a close friend or family member has an electric vehicle.
- Alta Ski Area: Find 2 EV stations, one at the east end of the Albion Day Lodge building from the Albion Base Area, and another (with prime parking) just north of the Buckhorn Lodge at the Wildcat base. These Level 2 chargers offer universal SAE J1722 adapters.
- Snowbird: Accessible via Entry 4 in the Snowbird Cliff Lodge Parking Structure are 4 Level 2 EV charging stations, available for year-round use. The stations, along with an additional 110-volt outlet are available to all electric car users.
- Brighton: A 240-volt public EV station is located on the outer wall of the maintenance building (across the parking lot from the Brighton Center).
- Deer Valley: EV charging stations are offered at the St. Regis Deer Valley, the Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, and the Montage Deer Valley for guests.
- Park City Mountain: In the underground parking garage located along Lowell Avenue, two EV stations are located on the second floor (green level) for the public to use near the elevators. Charging is free in the summer but there is a cost to use them in the winter months.
- Woodward Park City: supplements its MASSIVE solar energy installation with EV charging for guests. You'll find a number of charging stations at Woodward Park City on the northwest side of the lot near the Action Sports Hub building
Now quit reading and go experience the joys of ride-sharing for yourself!
If you still have questions, visit rideuta.com or call UTA Customer Service at (801) RIDE-UTA (743-3882).
comments
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2 Comments
David \ 3.3 years ago
Aloha Lexi.
Thank you for the fantastic article, it has been extremely helpful. My question concerns footwear, do we wear our ski boots on the bus or she we wear "street shoes" and change once we get to the resort(s). We plan on skiing all four Cottonwood Canyon resorts.
Thank you for your answer.
Lexi \ 3.3 years ago
Hey David,
You are welcome to do either! I've done both and whatever your preference is, that's all good. It kind of depends on the setup of the resort as well. For example, Alta has cubbies in the Goldminer's Daughter lodge. Some resorts offer free storage, others only offer lockers with a fee to use. You can always call the resort ahead of time to determine what storage options are available. I tend to take shoes and stash them because my boots are very tight and I'm always eager to take them off :) Happy riding!
Marcus Eng \ 3.5 years ago
Out-of-state skier, with an Ikon Base Pass: does this pass allow for free UTA travel from the Park-N-Ride at the "entrance" to either Little or Big Cottonwood Canyons, for ski days @ Alta/Snowbird or Brighton/Solitude ?
Lexi \ 3.5 years ago
Hello Marcus, with the IKON base pass: All Ikon Pass users can ride UTA up Little Cottonwood to Snowbird and Alta. Importantly, note that the bus stop is no longer located at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon now. That lot is now functioning as a lot for carpooling and ride-sharing only. The closest bus stops for Little Cottonwood are located at the 8200 South & Wasatch Blvd Park & Ride and the 9400 Sourth & 2000 East Park & Ride (View a Ski Bus schedule for a full list of stops). The Snowbird/Alta busses no longer stop at the lot at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
The Ikon Base Pass works as a free UTA Ski Bus pass to and from Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon.