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First ski trip to Salt Lake City: checklist

A checklist for a first ski trip to Salt Lake City.

1. Pick resorts by pass and ability. Alta and Deer Valley are skiers only. Park City Mountain is Epic only. Solitude is unlimited on any Ikon. Compare resorts.
2. Check your pass covers your days. Ikon Base doesn’t include Alta, Snowbasin or Deer Valley. Pass checker.
3. Decide on a car. Park City and Little Cottonwood work without one; Big Cottonwood, Ogden and Sundance are easier with one. Car-free guide.
4. If you rent, book AWD with good tires. Traction law guide.
5. Book parking for weekends. Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Park City Mountain need reservations at busy times. Today’s rules.
6. Buy lift tickets online, early. Brighton’s online price was 30% below the window on a sample Saturday; Snowbird’s 10% lower.
7. Know the canyon risks. Avalanche closures and interlodge happen; leave slack before flights home. Closures explained.
8. Check the snow and the road every morning. Today’s board.

Checked 28 Oct 2026 against UDOT, UTA, resort and operator sources.