Park City Mountain uphill travel access starts Dec. 15

Headlamps for the dawn patrol ascent up Park City Mountain. Photo: Adam Quinn

PARK CITY, Utah — Each year, beginning on December 15 until the final day of the season, Park City Mountain allows non-paid/uphill travel for non-motorized use on Homerun from the bottom of the First Time Lift up to the Angle Station from 6 pm to 8:30 am.

The ski area is not maintained for uphill access and trails are not patrolled outside normal ski area operating hours, therefore emergency services may not be available. — Park City Mountain website

“Ski area operations are 24 hours and users may encounter vehicles, slope and trail maintenance activities, snowmaking and other hazards not typically present during operating hours.”

Backcountry skiing has grown in popularity along with other outside activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many resorts across the country have implemented fees for uphill access in the past few years, including Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Snow King Mountain in Wyoming.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort prohibits uphill access. For the first time, Aspen Skiing Company (Skico) recently announced that they will be charging for an uphill ski pass.

Skico will charge users $69 for an uphill pass for their four resorts, Aspen, Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. $10 of the fee will go directly to the local search and rescue team.

More from ParkCityMountain.com:

Skiers must not impede or obstruct ski area operations at any time and must abide by the following rules:

• The designated route: Homerun staying climbers left from the bottom of First Time Lift and stopping at the Angle Station, which is also the top terminal of the Town Lift.
• Uphill travel will not be allowed beyond the Angle Station.
• Call the Trails Hotline (435) 615-1911
• Stay towards the side of the trail
• Position yourself so that you are visible from above
• Wear brightly colored clothing
• Obey all pertinent signage
• Avoid all areas where machinery is operating. Snow Cat winching operations may be in progress. Strobe lights mean stay clear and avoid the area altogether
• Wear reflective materials
• Wear a headlamp
• Be aware that ski area emergency services are not available

Additionally, the use of the following is prohibited at all times during winter:

• Mountain bikes
• Sledding
• Any motorized mode of travel
• Dog Walking