Park City Mountain Resort Parking: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever skied at Park City Mountain Resort, you probably know that finding parking can be just as competitive as the slopes, especially during weekends, holidays, and powder days. With thousands of visitors arriving daily, prime spots fill up fast, and without a plan, you could find yourself circling the lots instead of carving fresh snow.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stress about parking! With a little preparation and some local know-how, you can secure a great spot without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for reserved parking, free parking options, or alternative transportation, this guide will help you park efficiently and get on the mountain faster.

From paid reservations at Mountain Village to free lots at Canyons Village and public transit options, here’s everything you need to know to make parking at Park City Mountain Resort as smooth as your best ski run

1. Do You Need a Parking Reservation at Park City Mountain Resort? 

Yes, parking at Park City Mountain Resort requires a reservation for certain areas before 1 PM during the ski season. Due to high demand, the resort introduced a paid parking system to ease congestion and ensure a smoother experience for visitors.

When Do You Need a Parking Reservation?

• Reservations are required daily before 1 PM at the Mountain Village Base Area.
• No reservations needed after 1 PM, so if you’re a late starter, you can park for free.
• Canyons Village offers free parking, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

How to Reserve a Parking Spot:

• Visit the Park City Mountain Resort website or their official app.
• Choose your date, lot, and time, reservations open weeks in advance, so book early!
• Prepay for a digital parking pass to skip on-site payment.

2. Where to Park at Park City Mountain Resort 

Park City Mountain Resort offers a mix of paid and free parking options, depending on where and when you arrive.

Paid Parking Areas (Reservations Required Before 1 PM)

If you want close access to the slopes, these lots are the best choice:

• Mountain Village Base Area – The main parking lot near the lifts, offering the quickest access to the slopes and ski school. Great for families and those who want convenience.
• First Time Lot – Located near beginner-friendly slopes, making it ideal for new skiers or groups with kids.
• Main Street Garage (Old Town) – Perfect if you're staying in downtown Park City. From here, you can take the Town Lift straight to the mountain.

Parking Fees:

• Expect to pay $25–$40 per day, depending on demand.
• Parking after 1 PM is free in all paid lots.

Free Parking Options 

Want to avoid paying for parking? These areas offer free spots and easy access to the mountain:

• Canyons Village Parking Lot – A large, free lot with a shuttle to the base area. Arrive early, this lot fills up fast, especially on weekends!
• Park City High School Lot (Weekends & Holidays Only) – A free alternative with shuttle service to Mountain Village. This is a great option if Canyons Village is full.
• Ecker Hill Park & Ride (Kimball Junction) – Park for free and take a quick bus ride to the resort. A perfect solution to avoid traffic near the base areas.

3. Park City Mountain Resort Parking Costs & Reservations

Understanding the cost of parking at Park City Mountain Resort is crucial to planning your trip. Depending on when and where you park, prices vary, and knowing your options can save you both time and money.

How Much Does Parking Cost?

Parking fees fluctuate based on location, demand, and time of day. Here’s a breakdown of current parking costs:

• Mountain Village Base Area: $25–$40 per day (dynamic pricing based on peak days and holidays).
• First Time Lot: $25 per day, located near beginner-friendly terrain.
• After 1 PM: Free parking in all paid lots, making afternoon skiing a more budget-friendly option.
• Premium Carpool Parking: FREE if you arrive with 4+ people in your vehicle, a great way to cut costs and reduce congestion.

How to Make a Parking Reservation

Since reservations are required before 1 PM at Mountain Village, securing your spot in advance is a must. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Park City Mountain Resort website or app.
2. Select your date, time, and preferred lot.
3. Prepay online and receive a digital parking pass, just scan and go, skipping any payment lines.

4. Skip the Parking Hassle: Alternative Ways to Get to Park City Mountain Resort

If parking sounds like a hassle (or you just want to save money), there are plenty of ways to get to Park City Mountain Resort without driving.

Best Transportation Options

• Free Park City Transit – The resort and surrounding areas are well connected by a free public bus system, with buses running every 10–15 minutes during ski season. Routes connect major parking lots, hotels, and key drop-off points at Mountain Village and Canyons Village.
• Ride-Sharing & Hotel Shuttles – Uber and Lyft operate in Park City, and many hotels provide free ski shuttles directly to the slopes. Check with your accommodation before you book to see if you can take advantage of this perk.
• Walking & E-Bikes – If you’re staying in downtown Park City, the Town Lift provides a direct connection from Main Street to the slopes. There are also pedestrian paths and bike-friendly routes for easy resort access.

5. Best Parking Strategy: When & Where to Arrive for the Best Spot 

Want to score a great parking spot without stress? Follow these insider tips:

• Arrive before 8:00 AM – Free and close-in parking at Canyons Village fills up quickly, especially on weekends and powder days. Early birds get the best spots!
• Ski in the Afternoon – Since parking fees drop to $0 after 1 PM, an afternoon session is a cheaper and less crowded option.
• Carpool for VIP Parking – Groups of 4+ people per car get free premium parking, which is closer to the base area, a win-win for your wallet and convenience.
• Book a Ski-In, Ski-Out Hotel – If you stay at Pendry Park City, Grand Summit, or Silver Star, you can skip parking entirely and ski directly from your lodging.

By planning ahead and using these strategies, you can make your ski day at Park City Mountain Resort as smooth as a freshly groomed run! 

6. FAQs About Parking at Park City Mountain Resort

1. Can I park for free at Park City Mountain Resort?

Yes! Free parking is available at Canyons Village, Park City High School (weekends), and Ecker Hill Park & Ride. You can also park for free at Mountain Village after 1 PM.

2. Do I need a reservation to park at Park City?

Yes, if you're parking at Mountain Village before 1 PM. Reservations are not required at Canyons Village or for parking after 1 PM.

3. What happens if I arrive without a parking reservation?

If the lot is full or you don’t have a reservation, you may be turned away or charged a higher drive-up rate. Consider using the free transit system or alternative lots.

4. Can I leave my car overnight?

No, overnight parking is not allowed at Park City Mountain Resort. If you need overnight parking, check downtown Park City garages or hotels.

5. What’s the best way to avoid parking fees?

Carpooling (4+ people) gets you free premium parking, and taking the free Park City bus system eliminates the hassle altogether.

Final Thoughts: Park Smarter & Ski More! 

Parking at Park City Mountain Resort doesn’t have to be a headache! Whether you’re reserving a prime spot at Mountain Village, parking for free at Canyons Village, or skipping the lot entirely by taking a shuttle, there’s a smart way to get to the slopes without stress.

• Best for Convenience: Reserve a paid spot at Mountain Village.
• Best for Saving Money: Park for free at Canyons Village or use Park City’s free bus system.
• Best for Avoiding Crowds: Arrive before 8 AM or ski after 1 PM to avoid parking struggles.

Ready to plan your ski trip? ParkCityDestinations can help you book lodging, rentals, and activities so you can focus on the fun. See you on the slopes!