South Jordan
Retro Retreat
Sleeps 10 · 5 BR · 3 BA
- 5 queen bedrooms
- 3 full baths
- Basement lounge with fireplace
South Jordan · Wasatch ski resorts
Ski days from South Jordan: resorts, drive times and canyon rules
South Jordan is a practical ski base: the Little Cottonwood resorts are about 35 to 40 minutes away on a clear morning, Big Cottonwood and Park City under an hour, and you come home to a full kitchen and a hot tub.
Canyon traffic on storm and powder mornings can add a lot of time, so plan for it.
Updated October 2026 by Mary and Russell, your hosts in South Jordan.
Drive times from our homes
| Resort | Canyon or area | Drive without traffic | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alta | Little Cottonwood | 35 to 40 minutes | Skiers only |
| Snowbird | Little Cottonwood | 35 to 40 minutes | Usually skis latest into spring |
| Solitude | Big Cottonwood | About 45 minutes | Parking reservations on weekend mornings |
| Brighton | Big Cottonwood | 45 to 50 minutes | Parking reservations on peak weekends |
| Park City Mountain | Park City | 45 to 55 minutes | Canyons Village base is a little closer |
| Deer Valley | Park City | 50 to 60 minutes | Skiers only |
| Sundance | Provo Canyon | About 50 minutes | |
| Snowbasin | Ogden Valley | 70 to 75 minutes |
Drive times calculated in October 2026 without traffic. Allow extra time on storm and powder days.
Canyon rules to know
Traction law
When the signs in Big and Little Cottonwood canyons flash, 4WD and AWD vehicles need at least M+S tires, and 2WD vehicles need three-peak snowflake tires or chains. UDOT can turn it on before a storm, and police can write tickets.
Parking reservations
Alta, Brighton and Solitude require parking reservations on many weekend and holiday mornings. Snowbird keeps free first-come lots. Each resort posts its rules for the season.
The UTA ski bus
Ski buses leave from Historic Sandy Station (to Snowbird and Alta) and Midvale Fort Union (to Solitude and Brighton), both about 12 to 15 minutes from our homes. The fare is $5 each way, and Ikon and most resort season passes ride free.
Parking reservations for 2026–27
| Resort | When a reservation is needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alta | Fridays to Sundays and holidays, 8 am to 1 pm, December 11 to April 4 | $25, or $10 with an online lift ticket |
| Solitude (Moonbeam lot) | Before 11 am on Fridays to Sundays and holidays, December 18 to March 28 | $35 for 1 to 3 people; free for 4 or more, but still reserve |
| Brighton | Before noon on peak-period weekends and holidays | $25 for 1 to 3 people, $10 for 4 or more; free Monday to Thursday |
| Snowbird | Not required for the free first-come lots | Paid reservation prices not yet announced |
From each resort’s parking page in October 2026. Rules change by season.
When to come
Opening
Resorts usually open in mid to late November. For 2026–27, Alta, Solitude and Park City projected November 20, Snowbird and Snowbasin November 27, and Deer Valley December 5.
Closing
Most resorts close in April. Alta's 2027 closing day is April 25, and Snowbird often skis into May.
Après at the house
Roomy & Stylish Haven has a private hot tub, and Retro Retreat's basement lounge has a fireplace and arcade games.
Where to stay
A ski base for groups of up to 22
Both South Jordan homes together have ten bedrooms, three kitchens and a private hot tub, half a mile apart.
The South Jordan Retreat bundle
Both homes in one booking
Ten bedrooms for up to 22 guests, half a mile apart, held together for the same dates.
Questions
How far is South Jordan from the ski resorts?
Without traffic, about 35 to 40 minutes to Alta and Snowbird, about 45 to 50 to Solitude and Brighton, and 45 to 55 to Park City.
Do I need a parking reservation to ski Alta or Solitude?
On many weekend and holiday mornings, yes. For 2026–27, Alta requires one Fridays to Sundays and holidays from 8 am to 1 pm, and Solitude's Moonbeam lot before 11 am on those days. Check each resort's parking page.
Is there a ski bus near South Jordan?
UTA ski buses leave from Historic Sandy Station and Midvale Fort Union, about 12 to 15 minutes from our homes. The fare is $5 each way, and most season passes ride free.
Can I snowboard at Alta?
No. Alta and Deer Valley are for skiers only.
What tires do I need for the Cottonwood canyons?
When the traction law is on, 4WD and AWD vehicles need at least M+S tires, and 2WD vehicles need three-peak snowflake tires or chains.
Check before you go
Hours, fees and rules change. These official pages have the latest.