This winter, the Utah Division of Transportation (UDOT) and native police are cracking down with new traction checks geared toward slicing down canyon chaos. Powder days are calling, however if you wish to hit Utah’s Large and Little Cottonwood Canyons—residence to Brighton, Solitude, Alta and Snowbird—you higher be certain that your car is able to rip (and grip).
Right here’s the deal: this winter UDOT has rolled out a $400,000 plan to maintain the automobiles shifting and the roads clear within the Cottonwood Canyons. Which means traction checks on the mouth of every canyon, extra tickets for unlawful parking and fewer automobiles spinning out throughout snowy mornings.
How It Works
The system is straightforward; whenever you cruise into the mouth of both canyon when Traction Legal guidelines are in impact, native police could have a checkpoint setup—at Gate A in Little Cottonwood or close to the mouth of Large Cottonwood—to examine autos and their tires. Should you’ve been pre-approved and have the official sticker in your windshield to show it, you’ll be waved by means of and in your option to powder paradise. No sticker? Prepare to drag over for inspection. Fail the test? You’ll be rotated.
Why Now?
The final couple seasons, which have seen an uptick in skier visits coupled with large quantities of snow, have resulted in loads of face photographs, but additionally an overabundance of site visitors. The brand new checks are designed to forestall spinouts and accidents that bottleneck the canyons, generally for hours at a time, on storm days.
“Since its implementation in 2019, participation within the Sticker Program has expanded from 812 automobiles to almost 16,500 autos, and rising. We’re thrilled to see Utah locals and partnered rental automobile corporations committing to this system,” stated Lexi Dowdall Communications Supervisor at Alta Ski Space.
The Nitty Gritty
Between now and February 28, 2025, roll by means of one among UDOT’s accepted tire test spots (tire retailers, auto mechanics, and so forth.) across the Salt Lake Valley for a free inspection and sticker. 4-wheel drives want mud and snow (M+S) or 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake tires and two-wheel drive autos want all 4 tires rated for snow, or tire chains. All tires should have a minimal of 5/32nds of an inch of tread. Sorry people, no bologna skins allowed!
Renting a automobile? Most rental companies at SLC Airport are becoming a member of this system, however double-check earlier than driving off the lot. You don’t need to discover out on the base of the canyon.
The Backside Line
“Extra consciousness across the hazardous driving situations that may exist inside Large and Little Cottonwood Canyons will at all times be a optimistic factor. This season, UDOT’s Traction Regulation enforcement has helped us preserve extra unprepared drivers from touring up Little Cottonwood Canyon and this makes everybody safer and reduces journey occasions,” stated Dowdall.
So skip the stress, get the sticker and we’ll see you on the mountain!
