What you need to know about traveling up to Snowbird

In conjunction with Unified Police Department and UDOT, Snowbird is working to provide the safest driving experience possible for people traveling the canyons. One improperly equipped vehicle can put many other people at risk. 

To get the most out of your trip up to Snowbird, please be aware of these requirements and restrictions. 

DAILY REQUIREMENT October 1^st through April 30^th

• The Utah Department of Transportation requires ALL vehicles traveling in Big and Little Cottonwood canyons to be equipped with approved snow tires October 1^st through April 30^th.  APPROVED TIRES can be identified by an M+S (mud and snow) or a Snowflake symbol on the sidewall of the tire. At a minimum, snow tires must be mounted on the two primary drive wheels of the vehicle.  Tires must have sufficient tread depth to be effective. No bald tires!

• Absent approved snow tires (sometimes called winter tires) properly sized tire chains must be in your possession.

ENHANCED PUBLIC SAFETY RESTRICTIONS WHEN YELLOW LIGHTS ARE FLASHING

• During extreme weather, and when UDOT and Law Enforcement determine it is in the best interest of public safety, traffic may be restricted to mounted tire chains, studded snow tires, or Four Wheel Drive vehicles.  Four wheel drive vehicles are not relieved of the snow tire requirement although most all terrain tires are acceptable.   

Unfortunately, a small number of tire manufactures label their products as M+S (mud and snow) when in fact they do not possess the aggressive separated tread needed for safe canyon travel. This is especially true in some “sport –performance” wheels seen on luxury SUV’s. 

• Two wheel drive vehicles with four studded snow tires will be allowed access during restricted periods.   

• Two wheel drive vehicles with four mounted snow tires MAY be denied canyon access if law enforcement believes they present a hazard to safe travel and other motorists. As a general rule vehicles equipped with aggressive snow tires will be granted access but there may be times, due to very poor road conditions or deep snow, when they are denied access. The police officer will need to make this determination base on common sense and known road condition information.  

For more information: 

Sgt. Travis Skinner | Unified Police Department, Canyon Patrol/Search and Rescue | tskinner@updsl.org

Young Chevrolet provides a large selection of AWD vehicles that will get you up the mountain safely and our service department can outfit your vehicle with tires that fit your winter lifestyle. With ski racks and luggage solutions, Young Chevrolet's Accessories Department will ensure that all of your winter equipment has its own place and is properly installed.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, with available AWD, offers the versatility you need in a fuel efficient crossover. The Chevrolet Equinox seats five comfortably with a backseat that features a 60/40 split. In addition the backseat can move forward and back, allowing for maximum cargo space and passenger comfort.






2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

When you need more space for all of your snow bunnies, step into the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe. Equipped with 4WD, the Chevrolet Tahoe has the strength and capability to take on any winter adventure. The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full size SUV with 5.3L V8 engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 335 lb/ft of torque.






Stop by Young Chevrolet, in Layton, Utah, to check out both the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Tahoe.