Little Cottonwood Canyon Upgrades Electric Ski Bus Fleet
The Utah Transit Authority and canyon resorts expand frequency on Route 953 and 994 to curb private vehicle gridlock along State Route 210.
Winter travelers heading up Utah Little Cottonwood Canyon will encounter increased public transit options this season as the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) deploys an expanded fleet of high-capacity electric buses serving Alta Ski Area and Snowbird.
State Route 210 through Little Cottonwood Canyon is notorious for severe avalanche-control closures and bumper-to-bumper morning traffic, commonly known as the Red Snake. The expanded transit initiative aims to reduce private automobile trips up the canyon road by up to 22 percent on peak powder weekends.
Increased Peak Frequency and Micro-Transit Links
Under the revised operational plan, Route 953 from Midvale Fort Union Station and Route 994 from Sandy Civic Center will run every 15 minutes during peak morning windows (6:30 AM to 10:30 AM) and afternoon return periods (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM). Additional articulated buses have been added to handle ski and snowboard cargo without blocking passenger aisles.
Both Alta and Snowbird continue to enforce paid parking reservation systems for passenger vehicles on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday mornings, while skiers who ride the UTA canyon bus or arrive in carpools of four or more receive preferential access and parking discounts.
Pass Perks and Rider Tips
Passholders on qualifying season passes receive complimentary bus transit on canyon routes throughout the season. Winter travelers are advised to board at terminal light-rail stations rather than mid-route park-and-ride lots, which frequently fill to capacity before 7:00 AM on storm days.