Brighton Implementing New Paid Parking Reservation Policy Next Winter
Brighton’s parking lots will require paid reservations next winter.
For the 2023-24 season, Brighton, Utah will become the fourth and final Cottonwoods resort to implement a paid parking policy, according to KPCW. Parking in both Brighton's main and secondary lots will be priced at $20 per day during off peak times—and will increase to $25 during holiday periods. Individuals who hold season passes for Brighton or have vehicles carrying three or more people will not be charged for parking, but those who hold Ikon Pass products will still need to pay.
Parking reservations will be required before 1pm every day of the season, even for guests who don’t have to pay. Details on the reservation system have not been released yet, but are expected to be released before the winter starts. Ikon Pass holders will need to make separate lift access and parking reservations to access the mountain next season.
This development comes in the wake of Big Cottonwood Canyon traffic issues that have resulted in substantial jams on weekend and holiday mornings.
Our Take
For the past few seasons, Brighton has struggled to handle crowds brought on by both increased demand and other policies initiated by neighboring resorts. In recent years—and especially since it joined the Ikon Pass—the resort has seen a substantial jump in traffic, with access road backups a common occurrence during weekends and holidays. And while Ikon Pass reservations and the elimination of free age 7-10 tickets have limited the number of folks on the mountain, neighboring Solitude has mandated paid parking for non-carpools for years, making Brighton the only game in town for free Big Cottonwood Canyon ski resort parking—and driving additional crowds as a result. Even Little Cottonwood Canyon’s Alta and Snowbird have moved to require paid parking reservations within part or all of their premises, putting even more pressure on Brighton.
Ultimately, while nobody likes to pay for parking, Brighton’s crowds have been getting to the point where something had to be done. We’re hopeful that the waived fee for carpoolers will drive fewer cars up the road—and thankfully, the lower threshold for free carpool parking at Brighton (3+ people, vs. 4+ people at Solitude) will make it easier for visitors to meet the waived fee incentive.
Considering a ski trip to Brighton this year? Check out our full Utah ski resort rankings, as well as our comprehensive Brighton mountain review. You can also check out our Brighton review in video form below.
