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Before you even click into your skis, the tone of your day can be set simply by the experience of parking your car at the resort. Looping around endlessly to find a spot, waiting on a mile-long line just to enter the lot, or even getting turned away entirely are all tough ways to start the day.
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Not surprisingly, “parking” is one of the most mentioned words in our 2024 Reader Resort Survey comments. As skiing continues to gain popularity and the affordability of the multi-resort passes brings more and more people—and their cars—to the slopes, parking will continue to be an issue at most ski areas.
Many resorts have started to incentivize carpooling over the last few seasons, and some have implemented reservation systems and offer pricey seasonal parking passes as control measures. That said, there are still a handful that offer ample parking that’s either free or affordable. The best you can do is arm yourself with knowledge and brush up on parking policies before you head to the slopes.
If you want one less thing to worry about, these resorts got the most positive comments from SKI readers when it comes to easy and accessible parking.
Top 6 Resorts With Free and (Relatively) Easy Parking
Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Always at the top of the ranking when it comes to the ease of getting there, Loveland also has free parking at the base that rarely fills up—weekend powder days notwithstanding. The lot is dirt and can get sloppy on warmer days, but even from the outer reaches of the lot, it’s only a few-minute walk. There’s also a free shuttle between the main lot and Loveland Valley, which is the smaller beginner area down the road. There’s free parking there, as well.
What Readers Say
“Loveland is the easiest hill on I-70 to drive to, plus there’s free parking. No need to go over the pass or through the tunnel. Food and drink is reasonably priced and there is a good variety of terrain. Love how convenient it is and there are rarely, if ever, lift lines.”
Keystone Resort, Colo.
Keystone’s large River Run lot is still free and has plenty of parking. It’s a hike through River Run village to the slopes, but you can snag a free wagon to haul gear and kids. There is also free parking at the Mountain House E and East D lots, but those are smaller and fill up faster. There’s also paid parking at Mountain House in the West A and B lots for $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays. All parking is first-come, first-served, no reservations required.
What Readers Say
“Dercum is good for first-timers and beginners, and North Peak and the Outback are good for advanced and expert skiers. Keystone is worth a visit, especially since it is easy to get to and parking is free.”
Snowbasin Resort, Utah
It’s not all rosy at Snowbasin when it comes to parking anymore since the resort joined the Ikon Pass, but it’s the best in the region, especially after adding more parking in the Canyon Rim lot this season. Snowbasin has free parking in five lots: Earl’s, Maples, Canyon Rim, Wildcat, and Green Pond. There are free shuttles that run continuously to the base area to cut down the schlep factor.
Carpoolers get first-come, first-served access to the closest lots—Earl’s A and B—which is reserved for cars carrying three or more people on weekends.
What Readers Say
“Best resort for parking (no fees), and there’s plenty of it. Amazing customer service, amazing atmosphere.”
Stratton Mountain, Vt.
Stratton boasts a good amount of free parking within a reasonable walk or shuttle ride from the slopes. The three main lots are Lot 1, Lot 2, and Sun Bowl Lot, which are all free and first-come, first-serve. They likely will fill up on holidays, so getting there early is advised.
What Readers Say
“Well-maintained trails, relatively no lift lines, and easy access from parking lots.”
Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.
Parking remains free at all of Smuggs’ lots. Lot 1 offers the best slope access to Sterling Mountain, and also home to most of the après tailgating. For better access to Madonna Mountain, opt for Lots 2, 3, and 4. If you’re dropping someone at ski school, look for the parking lot at the base of Morse Mountain.
What Readers Say
“Great place, old school New England. The best expert skiing in New England, steep natural trails and great glades and back country off the lifts.The best bang for your buck anywhere.If you’re here for glamor and new lifts no need to come—slow old lifts let me rest on the way up. No crowds, the best party parking lot and they don’t charge for parking.”
Copper Mountain, Colo.
After some speculation, we’re happy to report that Copper’s Alpine lot is still this winter, as well as the Far East lot on the other side of CO-91. These are far from the slopes, however, so you’ll need to utilize the free shuttles and drop skiers at East, Center, and West villages. The shuttles run between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
If you want to be closer to the slopes, there are several different paid parking lots at Copper, and prices will vary throughout the season. The paid lots are Ten Mile Lot, Chapel Lot, Union Creek, Beeler Lot, and Wheeler Lot, and skiers can pay via QR codes posted in each lot. New this winter, you can make a parking reservation for the Chapel Lot this winter via the website.
What Readers Say
“The parking makes a lot of sense and I like that there are different parking options. There’s also tons of different types of skiing all over the mountain. Something for everyone in the family to do there and to ski in the different villages.”