Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of Utah’s treasures — home to world-class skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and some of the most breathtaking mountain views you’ll ever see. Every winter, thousands of visitors make the drive up the canyon to reach Brighton, Solitude, or simply to enjoy a snowy day in the mountains.
But with the beauty comes a challenge: unpredictable weather, steep roads, and crowded conditions that can test even the most experienced drivers. That’s why roadside coverage is more than just a convenience here — it’s a necessity.
Still, we often hear comments like this:
“If you’re driving safely, you shouldn’t need roadside help.”
At first glance, it makes sense. Drive cautiously, have good tires, and you’ll avoid trouble — right? Unfortunately, the reality of Big Cottonwood Canyon is very different. Even the safest, most cautious drivers can find themselves in situations where they need help.
This isn’t about unsafe driving. It’s about being prepared for conditions that are completely out of your control.
When people think of roadside assistance, they often imagine a crash or reckless driver spinning out. But the truth is, most calls have nothing to do with accidents — and everything to do with everyday situations that can happen to anyone:
And beyond those, some of the most common calls are winch-outs. Contrary to popular belief, winch-outs don’t always happen because someone was driving recklessly. More often, they’re caused by:
During peak ski and snowboard season, traffic can back up for miles — sometimes all the way out of the canyon. When that happens, snowplows can’t always make it up quickly to clear the roads. And until they do, conditions can stay snow-packed and icy.
That means even if you’re the most skilled, experienced, and cautious driver, you can still end up in the same position as everyone else: sliding, stuck, and needing help to get out.
On the busiest days of the winter season, Big Cottonwood Canyon can see up to 80 vehicles stuck in the snow that need to be pulled out. At Big Cottonwood Towing & Recovery, our team stays extremely busy responding to those calls. And during the worst storms, when we’re stretched to our limits, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Unified Police Department step in to help drivers get unstuck and safely down the canyon.
That’s how demanding — and unpredictable — canyon driving can be.
Another reason safe drivers still need roadside coverage is the weather. Anyone who lives in Utah knows how quickly conditions can change.
You can start the morning with blue skies, clear pavement, and an easy drive up the canyon. A few hours later, you’re headed back down in heavy snowfall, slick roads, and near whiteout conditions.
It’s not about poor planning or reckless driving — it’s about the reality of mountain weather. And when the weather turns, it turns fast.
There’s a misconception that having roadside coverage encourages people to take risks. That’s simply not true. Having coverage doesn’t mean you can ignore safe driving practices — it means that if something goes wrong, you won’t be left stranded or facing a massive bill.
Think of it like avalanche gear for backcountry skiers. Nobody carries a beacon and a shovel because they plan to get caught in an avalanche. They carry it because they know accidents happen, and preparation can be the difference between a quick rescue and a life-threatening situation.
Roadside coverage in Big Cottonwood Canyon works the same way. You don’t buy it because you expect to drive unsafely. You buy it because you know that even when you do everything right, the canyon still throws challenges your way.
When something goes wrong in Big Cottonwood Canyon, time is everything. The longer you’re stuck, the more dangerous it can get — especially during a snowstorm or after dark.
Most towing companies in the valley have to fight traffic just to get up the canyon, adding hours to your wait time. Big Cottonwood Towing & Recovery is the only towing company based inside the canyon.
That gives us three big advantages:
That’s why so many locals trust us with their roadside needs.
To make coverage even easier, we created the Roadside Recovery Club — a membership that gives you unlimited roadside service in Big Cottonwood Canyon all season long. Whether you’re coming up for a day of skiing, spending the weekend in the mountains, or driving the canyon every week, there’s a pass that fits your needs:
Each pass covers the most common roadside issues in the canyon, including:
Instead of paying $250 or more for a single tow or recovery, members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re covered every time they head up the canyon.
Here’s the bottom line:
That’s why so many locals, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts are choosing roadside coverage before heading into the canyon. It’s not about expecting to get stuck. It’s about being smart enough to know it can happen to anyone.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of the most beautiful places you can spend your time. Don’t let a dead battery, flat tire, or snow-packed hill ruin the experience.
Our team is here 24/7 all winter long to keep drivers safe and moving. And with a Day, Weekend, or Season Pass, you can protect yourself from unexpected costs, long waits, and the stress of being stranded in canyon conditions.
Learn more about the Roadside Recovery Club and secure your coverage before the snow season starts.
Because even safe drivers need a backup plan in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
The Roadside Recovery Season Pass isn’t just towing. It covers the most common issues drivers face in the canyon — issues that happen to everyone, even the most careful drivers.
Unpredictable weather, steep roads, and crowded conditions that can test even the most experienced drivers. That’s why roadside coverage is more than just a convenience here — it’s a necessity.
