Paid parking reservations are all the rage these days in the Cottonwood Canyons. After Brighton announced that they’ll be adding paid parking reservations this winter, Solitude just announced that they’ll be doing the same, but on a more limited scale.
For weekends (including Fridays) and holiday periods, you’ll need to reserve a parking space at Solitude, which will cost $35.
There are a few things to note before you bring the pitchforks to the comments section. First, parking reservations at Solitude will only be required on weekends and holiday periods, meaning you won’t need to reserve on weekdays. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., they will open it up to people coming up without the need to reserve, costing $35. Third, parking is free after 1 p.m. on these weekend and holiday dates, and won’t require a reservation. Fourth, if you carpool with four or more people during those peak days, you don’t need to pay and just need to reserve. Ultimately, the move is to try to decrease congestion that typically exists for people who are trying to get First Chair at Big Cottonwood Canyons’ ski resorts.
The system is somewhat similar to what Palisades Tahoe just introduced, which will require paid parking reservations on weekends and holidays. There are a few key differences between the programs. The first is Palisades Tahoe will be offering free reservations a week out. Solitude is not doing that but is offering a limited number of reservation spots on the morning of the ski day at 6 a.m. The other key difference Solitude is offering people the chance to come up between 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. when parking spots do become available.
Solitude’s official press release is below.
SOLITUDE TO IMPLEMENT PARKING RESERVATION SYSTEM TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Parking reservations will be required only on weekends and holiday periods; parking is free for vehicles with four or more people.
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, UTAH, Nov. 2, 2023 – Solitude Mountain Resort today announced it will introduce a comprehensive paid parking reservation system for the upcoming 23/24 ski season in response to increasing demand for convenient mountain access and as part of its commitment to sustainability.
Starting December 15, the new system will allow guests to secure an advanced parking spot ahead of their visit on weekends and holiday periods. Parking reservations are not required Monday through Thursday. This approach ensures that reserved spaces are available until 11:00 a.m. — alleviating early morning parking anxiety, combating traffic and overcrowding, and enhancing the overall mountain experience on the resort’s most in-demand days.
“Parking reservations mean guests no longer need to arrive long before the lifts open, fewer cars in the canyon because nobody is being turned away when lots fill, and more even traffic flow throughout the day. It’s better for our guests and better for the canyon,” said Amber L. Broadaway, president & COO at Solitude Mountain Resort. “We’re grateful to the folks who provided constructive feedback and asked us to explore parking reservations. This will improve the experience for everyone.”
Key Elements of the New Parking System:
Three Things to Know About Parking Reservations:
1. Parking reservations are mandatory before 11:00 a.m. on weekends (Friday – Sunday) and holiday periods from December 15 through April 14. The cost is $35 (free for cars with four or more people), paid in advance, for each vehicle.
2. Between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on these days, parking will transition to a space available model, with a fee of $35 (free for cars with 4 or more people).
3. All guests arriving after 1:00 p.m. park for free, no reservations required.
· Simplified Midweek Parking. There will be a simplified, space-available paid parking system in place before 1:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. The cost is $20 for vehicles with fewer than four passengers, paid on-site.
· Free Parking for Carpooling Vehicles. Cars with four or more people will park for free every day but will still need to make a parking reservation Friday – Sunday and on Holiday periods.
· Free Afternoon Parking. To support afternoon skiing and boarding, parking is always open and free after 1:00 p.m. — an hour earlier than in previous seasons.
· Free UTA Ski Bus and Carpool Access. Solitude and Ikon Pass holders receive free Ski Bus fare, and guests can use the Solitude Carpool App (iOS/Android) to match drivers with available seats to those looking for a ride.
“Solitude was the first Wasatch Front resort to tackle the issue of traffic congestion several years ago,” said Broadaway. “Numerous other resorts, municipalities, and agencies have followed suit, and we’re proud to work alongside them this season toward fuller vehicles, less stress, and a cleaner, safer canyon.”
Solitude estimates that since the 2019 introduction of paid parking, the average number of guests per car has increased to 2.5, and UTA Ski Bus ridership to the resort has increased significantly. The resort is committed to making the skiing and snowboarding experience better for everyone by encouraging guests to bring four or more people in their vehicle, use expanded UTA transit — which is free for Solitude and Ikon Pass holders — or reserve parking on busy days.
Solitude encourages guests to become familiar with the new parking system. Comprehensive details, pricing, and parking reservation procedures can be found at
www.solitudemountain.com/discover-solitude/getting-here-parking.
About Solitude Mountain Resort:
Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just 30 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Solitude is a playground of discovery in the heart of Utah’s famed Wasatch Mountains. It offers eight chairlifts, 82 runs, and 500 annual inches of snow spread over 1,200 acres with 20 km of groomed Nordic track and 10 km of snowshoe trails. Home to the legendary Honeycomb Canyon and locals’ best-kept secrets, Solitude reveals more fun and challenging lines with every day you choose to explore. Eleven bars and restaurants offer unique chef-driven cuisine, and slopeside lodging options set the stage for mountain memories. In summer, Solitude beckons to locals and travelers alike with lift-served mountain biking, hiking, dining, and a renowned 18-hole mountainside disc golf course. Solitude is owned by Alterra Mountain Company and offers unlimited access to Ikon Pass holders.
Image Credits: Solitude Mountain Resort
