As the winter season approaches, ski resorts in Utah are ramping up efforts to encourage skiers to utilize public transportation, particularly the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) ski buses. With an expected surge in visitors due to recent snowfall and the allure of the slopes, officials are emphasizing the benefits of bus travel over private vehicles, particularly in the narrow and often congested canyon roads leading to popular skiing destinations. Located in the Cottonwood Heights area, ski resorts like Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude are advocating for bus use as a safer and more economical alternative to driving. Knox Tranter, a skier from Riverton, highlighted the safety advantages, stating, "It's the best and safest option when we don't have good tires or chains." Tranter and fellow skier Eli Chavez noted the financial perks as well, with many ski pass holders able to ride the bus for free, thus saving on gas and reducing parking hassles. Parking at ski resorts has become a significant issue, especially during busy weekends and holidays. "Parking is a nightmare," Tranter added, echoing concerns from many skiers who find themselves frustrated by the scarcity of spots. Jacob Marquardt, a representative from Snowbird, explained the challenges of canyon access: "This is a narrow road. It's only one way in and one way out, so if one car gets stuck, then everyone is stuck." The combination of steep terrain, adverse weather, and heavy traffic can lead to dangerous situations, making the ski bus an appealing option for many. However, some riders have reported that the bus system is not without its challenges. Ray Watanabe, who works at Solitude, mentioned that the bus can fill up quickly, especially at earlier stops, leading to long wait times. "Sometimes getting down is even more of a problem," he noted, indicating a reluctance to rely solely on public transport despite its many benefits. Katie Jarvie, a skier from Lehi, called for more frequent service, saying, "Earlier we were saying we needed more buses. It took us, like, three hours to get on the bus the other day." In response to the growing demand for ski bus services, ski resorts are collaborating with UTA to evaluate transportation needs. Jared Winkler from Brighton Resort mentioned ongoing assessments in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, indicating that the resorts are actively seeking solutions to enhance public transportation options. "It's kind of eye-opening and letting them get the data they need to know, like, hey, there's a demand for this," Winkler explained. As ski resorts push for more bus routes and frequency, there are also suggestions for skiers who prefer to drive. Skiers are advised to consider hitting the slopes during off-peak hours, such as taking advantage of Brighton's night skiing, which helps alleviate parking bottlenecks. Marquardt cautioned skiers to ensure their vehicles are adequately equipped for canyon travel, emphasizing the importance of having four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles and good tire tread. "If it's not a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car, and if your tires don't have good tread on them, you're not only putting yourself at risk, but you're putting other people at risk too," he said. Despite these recommendations, the prospects for improved bus service remain uncertain. FOX 13 News reached out to UTA for updates on potential expansions of the ski bus program but has yet to receive a response. Current ski bus schedules and information can be found on UTA's official website, providing skiers with necessary details as they plan their trips to the mountains. As the winter season gears up, it is clear that both ski resorts and local transportation authorities are prioritizing public transport as a means to enhance the skiing experience while ensuring safety on the roads. With ongoing assessments and potential improvements in bus services, the hope is to make ski trips more accessible and enjoyable for all winter sports enthusiasts in Utah.