The Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola proposal: What you need to know

Little Cottonwood Canyon, home to Alta and Snowbird, is one of Utah’s premier ski destinations. But its narrow canyon road faces increasing traffic congestion, especially on powder days. To address this, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has proposed building a gondola, a project sparking both excitement and controversy.

What is the gondola proposal?

UDOT’s plan would create a gondola stretching from the canyon base near La Caille up to Snowbird and Alta. The system would use large cabins to transport skiers and visitors directly to the resorts, bypassing road traffic.

Why supporters back the gondola

Traffic relief: A gondola could ease gridlock on State Route 210, particularly on weekends and powder days.

Environmental benefits: Reduced vehicle traffic means less idling, lower emissions, and better air quality in the canyon.

Reliability: Unlike buses or cars, the gondola would operate in harsh winter conditions, even during heavy snowstorms.

Why it’s controversial

High cost The gondola is projected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, raising concerns about state spending priorities.

Environmental impact  Building towers and infrastructure in the canyon could disrupt habitats and alter scenic views.

Alternative solutions  Opponents argue that expanded bus service, carpooling incentives, and road improvements could solve traffic issues with less impact.

What it means for skiers and locals

If built, the gondola could transform how visitors access Alta and Snowbird, potentially making travel faster and more reliable. However, the debate highlights a larger issue: whether large-scale infrastructure projects should serve corporate profits or prioritize local communities. For many, the gondola symbolizes how corporations are making money at the cost of locals increasing prices, reshaping access, and altering one of Utah’s most beloved canyons.