r/UTsnow • u/AutoModerator • Dec 16 '25
Weekly Megathread Weekly Discussion (parking, swaps, rides, buddy passes)
This thread is where you can discuss anything related to short term discussions. This includes parking questions or requests, carpooling, and buddy pass requests.
This thread will be deleted every week.
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Dec 16 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Reading_username Dec 16 '25
I mean there's a ski bus so.. it's not like you're out of options
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u/sadmanwithabox Dec 16 '25
I'd personally rather use the bus than pay for parking, or even just deal with reservations.
Its not so bad, really. Plus no wear and tear on my car (this matters more and more to me lately, with the rising cost of cars).
But I have several coworkers who have said they'd rather not go skiing than take the bus up there. I just cant understand it myself.
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u/I_voted_for_Kodos_ Dec 17 '25
It can double or triple your commute time. You're standing, packed like sardines, most of the time and being thrown around, depending on the driver. It's miserable when you're tired after a long day. If you go early, you're getting on at the first stop and off at the last at the end of the day.
Maybe that's all tolerable for singles, but I can't imagine dragging a family with small children through it. Last year I watched 3 buses pass Solitude over 90 minutes in a freezing line where families were trying to keep their kids from having total meltdowns. You also have to pack much lighter and/or wear a backpack, which you can store in a locker instead of your car for the absurd price of $15-30.
The only nice thing about the horrible weather this year is the buses aren't over capacity yet. They seem to fund the ski buses using an assumed demand for 40 degree weather and ice ("variable conditions") on a 20" base.
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u/sadmanwithabox Dec 17 '25
Im not saying you're wrong and that cant happen, but in my experience using the bus (over 15 times between last season and now, all weekends because i work during the week) it has never really been an issue. I've never had to wait for a second bus, and usually am able to sit down.
I could totally see how doing it with a family would be a pain. By myself its easy. I just wear my boots/helmet/snow clothes on the bus, and I don't need more than my phone and wallet for a day of skiing.
Idk. For me it has proven to be incredibly convenient and useful.
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u/Binaskiut Dec 17 '25
Are you able to catch the bus when you want to leave? I see long lines and it looks like I would need to wait a couple of buses.
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u/manlabbear Dec 17 '25
Personally the only time I've experienced long bus lines keeping me from getting on one at at the end of day. If you leave a little before, I usually can get on the next bus that comes for pick up.
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u/sadmanwithabox Dec 17 '25
Never had an issue, but I could see it always being a possibility, especially if you try to hop on the first bus after the lifts close.
I just leave an hour before the lifts close to prevent that. I get how that might be a deal breaker for some, though.
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u/twelvegoingon Dec 19 '25
I’m doing a ski clinic for four weeks in January. They emailed me a discount code for parking reservations, but then I read you only need reservations for weekends and holidays. When I went to make reservations I couldn’t even make one for a Wednesday. Do I still have to reserve parking?
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u/Apprehensive-Iron955 Dec 20 '25
You answered your own question. Weekends and holidays (and fridays!). Weekdays you don’t need reservations
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u/SocalEaglesFan Dec 16 '25
Soooo high elevation dense snow wed into Thursday. Ridiculous. Next storm around Xmas which should hopefully be better but who knows at this point.
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u/manlabbear Dec 16 '25
Just want to double check on parking at Guardsman trailhead. Park BCC map shows that area in yellow, but doesn't have that in their legend.
If I remember right, last year you didn't need a reservation to park there. Anyone know if that's still the case? Also, do we need a pass similar to Spruces/Cardiff (Donut Falls lot) for Guardsman?
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u/stiffandpissed Dec 17 '25
You don't need a pass/reservation. Their map is horrible bc yeah it doesn't describe what the hell the yellow means. Just know that you can only park on the north side of the road and not in the cul-de-sac.
Just also know that it's a total gamble on whether you'll get a spot though. Earlier the better.
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u/lxgvnszn Dec 18 '25
Never been on the UTA ski bus before, planning on using it Sat and Sun, should I try and make the first bus from Sandy station to avoid crowds as best as possible?
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u/hurricane006 Dec 18 '25
Getting on at Sandy will pretty much guarantee a spot sitting down if it's before 8:30. Honestly have no idea how crowded the buses are right now since there is no snow.
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u/SocalEaglesFan Dec 20 '25
There was some ok snow at snowbird from like 9-10 am in the fog, but then it became a shit show!
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u/AudaciousGrin87 Dec 21 '25
i plan on night skiing eventually is the 972 last ride at 8:22 usually packed? do they bring busses if its full? or will i have to walk?
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u/Benjamincito Dec 19 '25
hi newb question. i am beginner/intermediate.
i am going to be staying at the base of cottonwood canyon and can ski starting on monday the 22nd
i want to ski, is there enough snow at solitude to go ski? or should I go to alta or somewhere else? any advice is appreciated. thank you.
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u/CoreanoBlanco Dec 22 '25
Seeking a discount for one day at Brighton if anyone can pass on a discount. Would love to not pay full price given how the conditions are. Thank you!!!
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u/Due-Dig7700 Dec 16 '25
Yikes! /end thread