Solitude Resort launches paid parking system for 2023/24 ski season

Solitude's Eagle Express chairlift. Photo: courtesy of Solitude Mountain Resort

The cost to reserve a parking spot at Solitude Resort will be $35, and parking reservations will be mandatory before 11 a.m. from Friday through Sunday and holiday periods between Dec. 15 and April 14.

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah – Solitude Mountain Resort is the latest resort to announced the implementation of a paid parking system for the 2023-24 ski season. The change is in response to the expected increase of demand for convenient mountain access.

Parking reservations will only be required during weekends and holiday periods. Parking will always be free for cars traveling with four or more people.

The cost to reserve a parking spot will cost $35, and parking reservations will be mandatory before 11 a.m. from Friday through Sunday and holiday periods between Dec. 15 and April 14.

For people arriving after 11 a.m., parking will transition to an available space model with the cost remaining at $35. All guests parking after 1 p.m. park for free with no reservations required.

“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.” 

The new system will be fully implemented on Dec. 15, and Solitude expresses that the system will ensure parking spaces for those that have reserved it. The resort hopes that the new system will alleviate early morning parking anxiety, combat traffic and overcrowding, and enhance the overall mountain experience on the resort’s most in-demand days. 

For midweek parking, the resort will utilize a simple parking system based on available space. Guests arriving before 1 p.m. will pay a flat fee of $20, and those arriving after 1 p.m. or traveling with four or more skiers will park for free.

“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 has expressed its commitment to sustainability, and hopes this system will reduce the amount of traffic and emissions in the canyon.

Since Solitude implemented a paid parking system in 2019, the resort estimates that the average number of guests per car has risen to two and a half, 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 on the resort’s website.