October Letter from the CWC

Expanded Ski Bus Service, Hiring, and Upcoming Public Meetings

Earlier this week, the Central Wasatch Commission, UTA, and partners including CWC member jurisdictions, ski areas, Wasatch Backcountry Alliance, and Save Our Canyons expanded ski bus service in the Cottonwood Canyons for the 2019/2020 ski season. This service increase will more efficiently serve Utahns and visitors as they travel to recreate at Brighton Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Alta Ski Area, or Snowbird.

Starting November 23, 2019, UTA’s Cottonwood Canyon ski bus will be speeding up service and adding more trips to Snowbird, Alta Ski Area, Solitude Mountain Resort, and Brighton Resort. You can anticipate the following improvements:

• A 26 percent increase in trips on Route 953 (to Snowbird and Alta Ski Area) thanks to funding provided by the Central Wasatch Commission.
• A 28 percent increase in trips on Route 972 (to Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort) to 79 trips per day, up from between 61 and 65 on various days now.
• Route 972 (to Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort) will no longer serve the Bingham Junction Station on the TRAX Red Line, due to high traffic congestion which causes delays for ski bus riders. Riders are encouraged to use the Midvale Fort Union Station on the TRAX Blue Line.
• Route 953 and Route 994 (to Snowbird and Alta Ski Area) will no longer serve the park and ride lot at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, due to traffic congestion which causes significant delays. Bus riders are encouraged to use the park and ride lot located at 9400 South 2000 East. The Little Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot will now be reserved for people carpooling.
• To increase efficiency and capacity for more riders, the ski racks will be removed on Routes 953, 972 & 994. Riders are advised to hold their ski gear while riding the bus.

Learn more about the expanded ski bus service here. 

The CWC is hiring a Community Engagement Intern to assist staff with grassroots outreach with community groups in the Wasatch Front and Back. If you are passionate about the Wasatch and public service, submit an application here.

The Central Wasatch Commission is hosting its regular November meeting on Monday, November 4th, 4:00 — 6:00 p.m. at Cottonwood Heights City Hall. You can access the meeting agenda, materials, and live stream at the above link. On this month’s agenda: the CWC 1st quarter budget report, a presentation on the Little Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Impact Statement, an update from the Stakeholders Council, and a discussion with the CWC Board on the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act.

The annual Central Wasatch Commission Board Retreat is happening November 7th and 8th, 2019 at the Homestead Resort in Midway. The retreat is open to the public, and will be live-streamed. See the retreat agenda here.