As a current Ikon season pass holder, I was dismayed at Solitude ski resort’s decision to levy resort parking fees subsequent to the sale of 2019-2020 season passes.
It seems questionable and unethical that they would promote and accept payment for their Ikon season ski pass without divulging their intentions to charge for parking. This action should have been made known before season passes went on sale, as many people have already purchased their season passes.
The Cottonwood Canyons need a long-term plan and strategy to deal with vehicles and parking challenges. Solitude’s plan appears to be a hastily devised solution that was not well thought out.
Beyond the ethical and monetary issues, the plan is unrealistic. There are larger issues that Solitude’s plan does not address. One aspect of their proposal is to park in the UDOT Park and Ride lots and ride the bus to the resort. The UDOT Park and Ride lots are already pushed beyond capacity, with people parking on road shoulders, in bicycle lanes and on subdivision streets. This presents safety issues and ticketing for illegal parking.
The solution requires deeper insight, thought and input from those involved and affected. A master plan needs to be devised involving all players: UDOT, resort owners, law enforcement, environmentalists and recreationalists.
Solitude’s proposal exchanges one set of problems for another.
Steve Andersen, Salt Lake City