The UDOT requirement is usually 4x4 OR chains on a big snow day. You should be fine with AWD/4WD provided the tires are good. (I've seen an AWD Subaru get stuck because it had poor tires.)
No awd is not good enough ! Last week on MLK stupid 4×4 subarus with inadequate tire ruined a lot of peoples vacation day, because they slid of the road at every turn, making it impossible for people who spend 1,000 for good snow tires so they can get up and down the mountain without causing a wreck, don't be an IDIOT and try to save 40.00 just get a 4×4 and check the tread on the tires, Big and Litttle Cottonwood Canyons are to be respected ! We as locals take our skiing very serious and we pay a lot $$$$ to live this life style. Don't come to our Town unprepared and ruin everybody's ski day!
Unless it's a bad snow storm, there will be plenty of 2WD vehicles there, so anything in AWD will be better than many of the cars in the parking lot. If the road is bad, you can also take a shuttle bus up the canyon.
4x4 OR chains are required under bad conditions. If the weather is clear, any car will do, but I'd play it safe and just get AWD
AWD should be fine, weather permitting. In a bad snow storm, it would be better with 4x4. I drove up/down the mountain in a 2WD minivan without any issues.
Judging by Monday's conditions, AWD will work fine. I drove up on snow covered roads in a Subaru Forester with Blizzax tires. If you are alone, I suggest using the ski bus at the mouth of the canyon to save gas and emissions. But be aware, if it's big enough storm, the canyon may close at 6 am. I always drive up before the closure and wait in the lodge until interlodge is over. AWD should be fine as long as you are safe and aware of the conditions.
Absolutely..if road is open your good..if not, you have to wait like the rest of us..
All wheel drive will work. UDOT does a good job at keeping the roads clear. My truck is rear wheel drive and I haven't had any problems yet this year.
4x4 without chains was good enough for us last week. They kept up with making the roads as dafe as possible. But yeah better safe than sorry.
The ski bus is a great alternative for visitors, you can relax and let a pro do the driving instead of freaking out about your rental the entire way up and back down.
DO NOT GO INTO LCC or BCC WITHOUT AWD. People that do this ruin it for the 5,000 cars/trucks with AWD that are stuck behind them for hours. Don't be that guy (broad PSA).
The rules are different, or enforced differently 2019-20 season. The minimum requirements are at least awd vehicle with all weather tires rated for mud and such. Both the tires and the awd are required, and most rentals are NOT ok so check carefully when reserving. Otherwise chains in vehicle to be put on vehicle in case needed.
Should be fine most days, but keep in mind that they will now charge you $20 to park. You should go somewhere that isn't slamming you within hidden fees.
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