We've all seen it: that one car sliding down the canyon, hazard lights blinking, wheels quickly spinning as it slowly descends backward at a 45-degree angle against the flow of traffic, struggling to make it up the road. When a vehicle with inadequate winter tires loses traction, it doesn't just put its occupants at risk; it slows down the entire line of powder hounds behind it, cutting into everyone’s time on the slopes. To help prevent this, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has introduced a sticker program to ensure vehicles traveling Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons to Alta Ski Area, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude Mountain Resort are equipped with winter-safe tires.
Why Winter Tires Matter
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon roads can be treacherous during winter storms. With steep grades, sharp turns, and rapidly changing weather conditions, 4-wheel drive/All wheel drive equipped with proper winter tires are essential. Tires that meet winter traction standards are designed to maintain grip on snow and ice, reduce stopping distances, and improve handling. They are not just a recommendation—they're a necessity for making it up the canyon safely while maintaining a smooth flow of traffic helping everyone get up to their ski resort of choice.
The UDOT Sticker Program
To support safer driving in the Cottonwood Canyons, UDOT’s free sticker program offers inspections to verify whether your tires meet the requirements for winter driving. If your vehicle passes, you’ll receive a sticker that allows you to drive up the canyon without worrying about compliance on high-traffic ski days. The sticker is not mandatory but serves as a convenient way for drivers to prove they are ready for winter conditions without waiting for inspections during peak travel times.
Where to get your sticker:
If you're looking to get a sticker for this upcoming winter, it's a free and easy inspection process at many tire shops in the Salt Lake Valley. Where to get your sticker? Participating shops include Burt Brothers, Big O Tires, Les Schwab Tires, CJ's Pit Stop, Young Bros Auto Midvale, 30 Minute Tire, State Automotive, Clegg Auto, Denny's Auto and Mark Miller Subaru for a total of 66 locations across the Wasatch Front and Back. All you have to do is visit a participating shop, tell them you're there for a UDOT Winter Tire Inspection, and they will do a quick inspection on the spot. If your tires meet the requirements, they will give you a sticker right then and there. No purchase necessary.
Sticker Program Requirements:
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4WD/AWD Vehicles: 3PMSF or M+S tires with a tread depth of 5/32 minimum
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2WD/FWD Vehicles: 3PMSF tires on all wheels with a tread depth of 5/32 minimum or proof of chains (chains must be in the vehicle at the time of inspection)
Renting a car?
UDOT Cottonwoods has partnered with the following car rental companies to equip vehicles with proper tires and stickers for smoother canyon travel: Rugged Rental, Go-Rentals, Budget, National, Alamo, and Enterprise based out of Salt Lake City International Airport. For more information check out the FAQ's on their website.
All visitors who are uncomfortable driving in winter conditions, or are using a rental car not equipped with tires that meet the aforementioned standards are encouraged to use public transportation such as riding the bus. As a local participating in the UDOT sticker program, you not only enhance your safety but also contribute to keeping the flow of traffic smooth for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Let's all do our part to ensure safe, enjoyable ski days for everyone heading up the canyons this winter. And just remember, don’t be that guy in the canyon.
For more information, check out the UDOT website.
And for more information on winter driving in Utah, take a look at this blog post.
