Alta, Utah — Major ski resorts have introduced parking reservations to reduce traffic during peak periods. This includes Alta Ski Area, which sees heavy traffic because of its location in Little Cottonwood Canyon. But what happens if someone doesn’t show up? Alta may have a solid strategy for that.
Recently, Alta Ski Area released parking reservation slots for the 2026-27 season. The parking reservation system remains free to use for Alta passholders, while Ikon and Mountain Collective have to pay $25 per visit. Backcountry skiers who want to visit before 8 a.m. also have options, with a reservation costing $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends.
This year’s noteworthy addition is what happens when you don’t show up after placing a reservation. If you don’t show up for one of your parking reservations, you get a warning. A yellow card, if you will. For the second violation, you would face a $100 fine.
Some people are concerned this policy might lead to fines on days when getting up is tricky. However, I don’t believe that’s going to be the case. Alta allows people to cancel their reservation until 8 a.m. on the day of the reservation, and they don’t fine people on days when the road is closed.
Another change is the maximum number of reservations people can have at one time. This winter, it’s capped at 4.
While not new, those who park without a reservation also get dinged. If you park without one, you’ll pay $150.
When Reservations Are Required
For the 2026-27 season, weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) during the core of the ski season will require reservations. Weekdays during holiday periods also require reservations. However, if you show up after 1 p.m., you don’t need one. It should be noted that if you show up in the afternoon, it’s not promised that you’ll find a spot. The article’s author has experience with that challenge. If you can, drive up with a buddy or use transit.
The first couple of weekends through December 10th, and most weekends in April, won’t require a reservation. In the late season, only one date requires a reservation: April 25th, Alta’s planned closing date.
While most reservation spots are on sale now, a select number go on sale every Sunday at 3 p.m. Mountain Time.
You can make a parking reservation here.
Image/Video Credits: Alta Ski Area
