Alta, UT, Parking System Draws Backcountry Backlash as Users Report Sold-Out Early Morning Reservations and Empty Lots - SnowBrains

"The issue surfaced publicly this week after the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance (WBA) posted that it is actively communicating with the Town of Alta to better understand ongoing access challenges. The organization asked users to document instances where parking reservations show as unavailable while lots appear partially or fully empty, requesting screenshots and timestamped photos to support advocacy efforts. WBA emphasized that this kind of documentation could help clarify whether the problem stems from policy, enforcement, or technology."

"Many commenters echoed similar experiences: attempting to reserve parking only to be told spots were sold out days in advance, followed by driving past Alta-area lots that appeared sparsely occupied. Several users described being turned away by police or ticketed despite arriving early, holding reservations, or attempting to park out of plow zones. Others said they abandoned touring plans altogether after repeated failed attempts to access parking, even during low-demand periods."

"A recurring theme in the comments was confusion over how reservations are allocated and enforced, with some suggesting the system may be misrepresenting availability due to software or interface issues. One user noted that changing reservation parameters-such as duration instead of start time-sometimes revealed availability that initially appeared sold out. The discussion also highlighted a common point of confusion: the distinction between public land access and parking access."

Backcountry skiers near Alta report frequent sold-out parking reservations while nearby lots appear partially or fully empty. The Wasatch Backcountry Alliance is communicating with the Town of Alta and requested screenshots and timestamped photos to document instances where reservations show unavailable despite visible empty spaces. Many users describe being turned away or ticketed despite arriving early or holding reservations, and some abandoned plans after repeated access failures. Commenters express confusion about reservation allocation and potential software or interface errors; modifying reservation parameters sometimes reveals availability. Observers note that roads and parking can be regulated by town or resort despite public land access to terrain.

Read at SnowBrains