Wheels up, skis down. It’s really that easy in Salt Lake
The home of dramatic mountain views, outdoor recreation opportunities around every corner and, thanks to the collision of dry desert air with Pacific storms, The Greatest Snow on Earth®. As planes descend into Salt Lake City International Airport, served by more than 700 daily non-stop flights, visitors are greeted with crisp aerial views of the jutting Wasatch Range. Once the flight touches down, you're at the only place in North America where you can access four world-class resorts in less than an hour.
As you’re planning your trip to Salt Lake, it's important to think about the logistics, like which world-class ski resort are you going to visit first—a difficult first task given how easily accessible and undeniably unique each of the four are—and how are you going to get there. Well, hop on this gondola and let's hit the slopes—I'm about to take you through everything you need to know for the best Salt Lake skiing experience.
From the Airport to the Slopes
If you have come to Salt Lake to ski, you probably want to spend more time making turns on the slopes and less time waiting in traffic. East of downtown Salt Lake are four iconic resorts, split between two separate canyons. Little Cottonwood is home to Snowbird, famous for steep terrain and big-mountain powder days, along with Alta–a ski-only, high-alpine paradise. Just to the north, Big Cottonwood Canyon holds Brighton, a laid-back local favorite, and Solitude, a family friendly hub known for its fast, wide groomed runs.
Travel Times and Best Routes from SLC Airport to Cottonwood Resorts
Snowbird:
- Distance: 32 miles
- Travel Time: ~45 minutes (just enough time to listen to Taylor Swifts new album)!
- Route: Take I-80 east to I-215 south, Exit 6 (6200 South) and go east on 6200 South toward the mountains. This road leads straight to UT-210 and up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird.
Alta:
- Distance: 33 miles
- Travel Time: ~45-50 minutes (Time for your favorite podcast episode)
- Route: Same as Snowbird route, but continue past Snowbird to the end of SR-210
Solitude:
- Distance: 34 miles
- Travel Time: ~45 minutes (Enjoy the scenery and half of an audio book chapter)
- Route: Take I-215 to Exit 6 (6200 South) and head east. Follow 6200 South, which becomes Wasatch Blvd for 1.8 miles to the stoplight and signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon. Turn left and continue up SR-190 for about 13 miles.
Brighton:
- Distance: 36 miles
- Travel Time: ~50-55 minutes (half of an audio book chapter + a few hype songs to get you ready to shred)
- Route: Same as Solitude route but continue further up Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR190) to the end.
Salt Lake City Ski Transportation Options:
This winter, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a canyon drive to the four ski resorts in Salt Lake City, Utah. Planning your transportation ahead of time means less stress arranging rides and more freedom to focus on après-ski fun.
Rental Cars
Renting a car is best for maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Salt Lake’s dining and nightlife in addition to skiing. Salt Lake Ski Super Pass holders have access to all four resorts, so having a vehicle to travel between them is nice. I have spent a decade driving these canyons, and these are my suggestions:
- Keep in mind that weather conditions vary in the Cottonwood Canyons, and powder days can bring slick roads just as warm spring days can cause morning coatings of black ice.
- You will need a Four-wheel drive vehicle to drive in the canyons on snowy days.
- Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Salt Lake and the surrounding valley at your own pace. When it’s time to head up the canyon, there are plenty of convenient ways to get to the resorts without having to drive yourself.
UTA Ski Buses
The UTA Ski Buses Salt Lake City, Utah provides are the easiest, most sustainable mode of transportation in getting up the canyons. The Utah Transit Authority provides constant buses throughout the day, multiple park and ride lots and cheap bus fares.
- The Ski Super Pass includes free ski bus rides, making it the ideal way to travel.
- By taking the bus, you won’t have to worry about reserving, paying for and/or waiting for parking at any of the resorts.
- With convenient bus stops close to resort hubs, you can be dropped off and picked up with ease.
- Routes run from pickup points throughout the valley to park-and-ride lots at the mouths of both canyons. You can learn how to use the ski bus here and find more information about updated bus routes and schedules on the UTA Ski Service webpage.
Shuttles and Private Transfers
Shuttles and private drivers are a great option for families and visitors staying at a ski lodge who just need an airport-to-resort ride. Options range from shared vans to luxury SUVs. They are more expensive than the ski bus, but the convenience is worth it if you have a lot of luggage, little ones or just don’t want to worry about snow and parking.
Rideshare
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate in Salt Lake, but it can be hard to find ones that will drive up the canyons, especially in snowy conditions. They are great for trips around town or to get to a park-and-ride stop, but the bus is recommended for getting to the resorts.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Ride
Leave Early
Utah Ski Resorts are like good bakeries: you want to be the first in line. Early starts mean first access to fresh snow and clean lines. To avoid traffic and make the most of your ski day, arrive to the canyon in the early morning.
Check UDOT
It is a good idea to check the Utah Department of Transportation’s website for updates before driving up the canyon. Because avalanches are a real thing, maintenance and closures are common, especially in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Plan for Parking
Before you toss your skis in the trunk, take a look at your chosen resort's website to understand their parking requirements. Solitude, Alta and Brighton require visitors to reserve spots on weekends and busy times, and Snowbird has both paid parking and free first-come-first-serve spots.
Plan ahead if you’re driving a rental vehicle, and yes, bring the portable grill. Tailgate hotdogs taste better at high elevation.
FAQ: Planning Your Ski Transportation
Do I need to Rent a Car?
Not necessarily. Between the ski bus, shuttles, and private transfers, you can easily navigate the canyons without driving.
What’s the safest option for families with kids?
All of the transportation options are safe solutions for families to get to and from the resorts. A rental car provides the most flexibility, but it all depends on your priorities.
Which resort is closest to downtown Salt Lake?
Snowbird is the closest, about 32 miles from the airport, and the other three are only a few miles father. You can hit any of the four resorts in under an hour, and if you’re the indecisive type, you can even ski two in a day. Brighton + Solitude or Alta + Snowbird are side-by-side, making resort hopping in the canyon as easy as bar hopping downtown.
How does the Ski Super Pass help with transportation?
The Ski Super Pass gets you access to all four resorts; you can choose where you want to go each morning based on fresh snow, traffic, canyon closures or vibes. The pass also includes free ski bus fare, so you can save money, skip parking and help keep canyon traffic down.
Load Up! You're Ready to Go
With your transportation questions answered and your plane ticket booked, you are ready to come enjoy Salt Lake’s city-to-slope access and focus more on your powder turns and less on your turn signals. Pick up your luggage and within an hour you can be hopping on a lift at one of the best resorts in the country.
Add in the Ski Super Pass, which bundles lift tickets, ski and snowboard gear rental discounts and free bus fare, and you’re ready for an unforgettable trip to The Greatest Snow on Earth®!
