Salt Lake City to Alta and Snowbird: drive time, shuttles and winter driving
Snowbird is about 40 minutes and Alta is about 40 minutes by car from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) via Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210). Allow extra time on weekend mornings and storm days.
Drive times are estimates from OpenStreetMap routing, without traffic or snow. Snow forecast updated .
- From SLC airport
- 40 minutes
- 33 miles
- From downtown Salt Lake City
- 35 minutes
- 26 miles
- Snow next 7 days
- 0.0"
- Snowbird
- Main route
- Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210)
Drive times to each resort
| Resort | From SLC | Miles | Snow next 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowbird | 40 minutes | 33 | 0.0" |
| Alta | 40 minutes | 34 | 0.0" |
The route
Across the valley to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, then SR-210, a 13-mile canyon road that passes Snowbird and dead-ends at Alta.
Ways to get from Salt Lake City to Alta and Snowbird
Drive yourself
The most flexible option, and the only way to chase the best snow day by day. In winter, rent an AWD or 4WD vehicle with good tires.
Compare 4x4 rentals at SLCUTA ski buses (994 and canyon service)
Ski buses to Snowbird and Alta, planned from December 6 to April 11. $5 one way, as listed, and free with a resort season pass or a 2026-27 Ikon Pass.
Schedules and fares โAirport shuttles
Canyon Transportation and Alta Shuttle run rides from SLC; their counters are on the terminal's ground level.
Schedules and fares โWinter driving: what to know
- When the canyon's beacons flash, UDOT's traction law applies: at least 5/32 inch of tread, M+S tires on all four wheels for AWD/4WD, and 3-peak snowflake tires or chains on the drive wheels for 2WD. Police check cars at the canyon mouth and turn around ones that don't comply.
- Alta says state law requires snow tires or carried chains from November 1 to May 1.
- UDOT closes the road for avalanche control, often overnight and sometimes during the day. Resorts can order an "interlodge," when everyone has to stay indoors until it's safe.
More tips in our guide to winter driving to ski resorts.
Tip: Alta requires parking reservations Friday to Sunday and holidays from 8 am to 1 pm (December 11 to April 4): $25 a day, or $10 with an online lift ticket, as listed. Take the bus and skip it.
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Salt Lake City to Alta and Snowbird FAQ
How long is the drive from Salt Lake City to Alta and Snowbird?
Snowbird is about 40 minutes and Alta is about 40 minutes by car from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) via Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210). Allow extra time on weekend mornings and storm days.
Is there a shuttle or bus from Salt Lake City to Alta and Snowbird?
Yes. UTA ski buses (994 and canyon service): Ski buses to Snowbird and Alta, planned from December 6 to April 11. $5 one way, as listed, and free with a resort season pass or a 2026-27 Ikon Pass. Airport shuttles: Canyon Transportation and Alta Shuttle run rides from SLC; their counters are on the terminal's ground level. Check each operator for current schedules and fares.
Do I need snow tires or chains to drive to Alta and Snowbird?
When the canyon's beacons flash, UDOT's traction law applies: at least 5/32 inch of tread, M+S tires on all four wheels for AWD/4WD, and 3-peak snowflake tires or chains on the drive wheels for 2WD. Police check cars at the canyon mouth and turn around ones that don't comply.
How much snow is Alta and Snowbird getting this week?
As of November 8, 2026, Snowbird has 0.0" and Alta has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days.
Sources
- UDOT Cottonwood Canyons: Traction law
- UDOT Cottonwood Canyons: Avalanche information
- Alta: Winter driving tips
- Alta: Driving to Alta
- Alta: Parking
- UTA Ski Service