Returning for another winter, parking reservations will be required at Alta every Friday–Sunday & Holiday Periods from 8am–1pm. As with a snow report or weather conditions, we highly recommend checking the Parking and Road status before leaving the house.
Our parking reservation system gives Alta skiers peace of mind that a parking space will be available before driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Reservations have eased early morning traffic congestion resulting from limited parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Parking reservations help us manage the ski experience by limiting the number of skiers to available terrain and lift capacity.
Alta parking changes for winter 2026–27
We are implementing changes to our parking reservation system by capping the number of active paid reservations per account and increasing enforcement of no-shows.
A maximum of four (4) active—free and paid—reservations per account at any time
If available, same-day reservations can be made and don't count towards your limit of four
Missed a parking reservation? Your first no-show is a warning. After that, a $100 fee applies for each no-show
Throughout the season, parking reservations are released every Sunday at 3pm (MST)—set a reminder.
Reservations Required
Reservations required: Friday–Sunday & Holiday Periods from 8am–1pm
Reservations begin Friday, December 11, 2026
Holiday Periods: December 18th through January 3rd, January 18th & February 15th
Reservations end Sunday, April 4, 2027
Reservations are required on Closing Day, April 25th from 8am–1pm
NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Monday through Thursday after 8am—excluding Holiday Periods
Opening day through December 10, 2026
Daily after 1pm
How Do Paid Parking Reservations Work?
Parking Reservations can be purchased online
Reservations will be available for $25 per day
Lift tickets purchased online are eligible for a discounted parking reservation rate of $10
Qualifying Alta and Alta-Bird passholders are eligible for free parking reservations
Qualifying Alta passholders will receive code(s) that can be used to book free parking reservations
Reservation codes may be reused once the active reservation date has passed
All parking reservations are subject to availability
Parking reservations are verified by your license plate and are scanned while you are parked
The fine for parking without a reservation will be $150
Alta will release additional parking each Sunday at 3pm (Mountain Time) for the following weekend or holiday period
Early Morning Reservations
Reservations are required daily if you would like to park before 8am
Early Morning Reservations allow dawn patrol skiers and early risers the ability to park at 6am in the South Flagstaff lot
$25 per reservation Friday–Sunday & Holiday Periods
$15 per reservation Monday–Thursday
With an Early Morning Reservation, you are welcome to occupy that parking spot for the day
Early Morning Reservations end April 4, 2027
Parking reservation information stated on this page represents our current direction but may change in the future to better fit the needs of our skiers.
Little Cottonwood Canyon Road status
State law requires you to have snow tires on your vehicle or carry chains in your vehicle between November 1st and May 1st. At times the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) may restrict travel on Highway 210 to snow tires, chains and 4-wheel drive only.
Follow UDOT Cottonwood Canyons on X >
Highway 210 Traffic Cameras
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Wasatch BLVD & Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd
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UDOT Signs
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Little Cottonwood Canyon Traffic Map | UDOT >
Traction Law
Traction devices are required during severe winter weather conditions on roads throughout Utah—including Little Cottonwood Canyon.
AWD/4WD: M + S or M/S tires
Traction devices such as chains, snow socks, etc.
3 peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires are also acceptable and provide the most reliable traction in severe winter conditions.
2WD: 3 peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires on all four tires
Traction devices such as chains, snow socks, etc. are also acceptable.
OVERNIGHT PARKING
Overnight parking is NOT allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon, with the exception of designated registered lodge guests and employee parking zones. Avalanche and watershed restrictions prohibit overnight camping and dogs.
If you are staying in Alta, it is not necessary to have a car. Most lodges and condominiums are slopeside or provide transportation.