Skiers and snowboarders boarded UTA ski buses in record numbers last month, using the convenient transportation option to access the slopes and take advantage of several big powder days.
Nearly 65,000 boardings were recorded on UTA ski buses in December 2015, the highest number of December ski bus boardings in more than 10 years.
“I’m pleased that so many people are riding ski buses instead of driving up the canyons,” said UTA Interim President/CEO Jerry Benson. “Ski buses play a critical role in reducing canyon congestion and helping alleviate crowded resort parking.”
Ski service to Park City and Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts started on December 6, followed by Sundance and Weber County resorts on Dec. 19. This year, riders could utilize new ski bus amenities like a heated ski shelter outside Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge, a shelter at the Park & Ride lot at 8200 S. Wasatch Blvd. and an upgraded shelter at the 6200 S. Wasatch Blvd. Park & Ride. Ski buses were also outfitted with new ski and snowboard organizers custom designed by UTA employee Tyler Judd.
Ski bus service to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts has been in place for more than 30 years. Service expanded to Sundance in 1996, Park City in 2011 and Weber County in 2013. On high-traffic days, UTA ski buses are often among the first vehicles up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, said UTA Operations Supervisor Bill Humphreys, as the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Utah Department of Transportation hold other traffic back to ensure that ski buses can get resort employees to their posts in time to open ticket offices, run the lifts and staff restaurants and operate other guest services.
Riders board a UTA ski bus in 1978.
On those busy days, UTA supervisors are sent out to patrol the canyons, help tourists and first-time riders use the system and ensure that adequate bus resources are in place for the afternoon rush back down the canyons. In an effort to make ski bus services even more efficient, Humphreys said, this year several routes were adjusted to have fewer “time points” or mandatory stops, allowing buses to pass by empty bus stops and reach their destinations sooner.
Constant innovation and close communication with resorts, area hotels, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and UDOT help ensure that ski bus riders make it to the slopes – even when the weather is bad and the traffic is worse.
“Our goal is to manage our resources the best we can and find the best possible outcome for our customers,” Humphreys said.
You can see UTA’s ski bus schedules here. Many resorts offer free ski bus fare with purchase of a season ski pass. Details vary by resort, click here for more information.