Every winter, thousands of Utah drivers make the trip up Big Cottonwood Canyon for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Wasatch mountains. For many, it’s a seasonal tradition — but with that tradition comes the challenge of driving in one of the most unpredictable canyons in the state.
That’s why Big Cottonwood Towing & Recovery offers the Roadside Recovery Season Pass: unlimited roadside coverage for the entire snow season inside the canyon. But for some, the question remains: Is it really worth it?
Let’s break down the real costs, risks, and benefits to show why the Season Pass is one of the smartest investments you can make before heading up the canyon this winter.
What Does the Season Pass Include?
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:
- Winch-Out Recovery – If you slide off the road, get stuck in ice, or buried in snow.
- Battery Jump-Start – Cold weather kills batteries fast, especially after a long day of skiing.
- Flat Tire Change/Repair – Hidden potholes and sharp ice chunks can ruin a tire.
- Vehicle Lockout Service – Easy to do when you’re bundling up or rushing to gear up.
- Fuel Delivery – Underestimated your fuel range? We’ll bring gas straight to you.
- Tow out of the Canyon (Season Pass Only) – Unexpected issues? No worries, we will tow you out of the Canyon.
Normally, a single service call like this can cost $250 or more. With the Season Pass, you’re covered all winter long for just $349.
Real-Life Canyon Conditions
Big Cottonwood Canyon is unlike any other road in Utah. Its steep grades, sharp curves, and narrow lanes mean that once the snow falls, driving becomes a very different experience. Even with AWD, snow tires, and years of experience, drivers still find themselves in trouble.
- Icy Patches – One slick corner is all it takes to slide into a snowbank.
- Unplowed Roads – Heavy snowstorms can delay plows, leaving drivers to navigate deep, uncut snow.
- Traffic Backups – During peak ski season, traffic can be backed up for miles, which means plows and emergency vehicles can’t always get in right away.
- Plow Build-Up – Park in the wrong spot, and plows may bury your car under a wall of packed snow.
These aren’t rare events. On peak winter days, up to 80 vehicles get stuck in the canyon and need to be pulled out. Our team works around the clock to respond, and during the worst storms, even the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Unified Police Department pitch in to help drivers get unstuck.
The bottom line: If you drive the canyon often, it’s not a matter of “if” you’ll need help — it’s a matter of “when.”

Cost vs. Risk: The Numbers
Here’s where the math makes the decision simple.
- One recovery call – $250+
- Season Pass – $349 for unlimited coverage
If you get stuck even once, the Season Pass has nearly paid for itself. If you need help more than once — which is common during a full season of winter driving — the pass saves you hundreds of dollars.
Think of it this way:
- Get stuck once = You break even.
- Get stuck twice = You’ve saved at least $150.
- Get stuck three times = You’ve saved $400+ and had peace of mind all season.
When you compare the risk of a single recovery call to the cost of a pass, the value is hard to ignore.
Why Even Safe Drivers Benefit
A common misconception is that roadside coverage is only for inexperienced or careless drivers. But in the canyon, that simply isn’t true.
- Experienced locals with snow tires slide on ice.
- AWD and 4×4 vehicles lose traction on steep hills.
- Careful drivers still misjudge how much fuel they’ll need in heavy traffic.
- Families returning from a long day skiing discover a dead battery in the parking lot.
These situations have nothing to do with being reckless. They’re about being in the wrong place at the wrong time — something every canyon driver will face eventually.
That’s why the Season Pass isn’t about rewarding unsafe driving. It’s about giving safe, responsible drivers an extra layer of security when conditions change fast.
Why Location Matters
Not all towing services are equal, especially in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Most towing companies are based in the Salt Lake Valley. When you call them, they still have to fight traffic and weather just to make it into the canyon. By the time they arrive, hours may have passed.
Big Cottonwood Towing & Recovery is the only company located inside the canyon. That means:
- Faster Response Times – We’re already here.
- Snow-Ready Equipment – Our trucks are built for steep, icy roads.
- Local Knowledge – We know every curve, pullout, and parking lot in the canyon.
When you’re stuck in freezing conditions, location makes all the difference.
The Season Pass as Peace of Mind
Money saved is important — but for most drivers, the real value of the Season Pass is peace of mind.
Imagine driving up the canyon without worrying about:
- The cost of a tow if you hit ice.
- How long you’ll be waiting if your battery dies at the resort.
- What to do if your car gets plowed in after a big storm.
- How you’ll get down if conditions turn icy before plows can clear the road.
Instead of stress, you can enjoy your day in the mountains knowing help is already covered.
Locals Already Know the Value
Every season, more locals are signing up for the Roadside Recovery Club because they understand the canyon’s challenges better than anyone. They know that the pass isn’t just about saving money — it’s about making sure that if something goes wrong, they won’t be stuck waiting or left with a huge bill.
For seasonal skiers and snowboarders, the pass has become as essential as good snow tires. For families, it’s peace of mind when driving with kids. For commuters, it’s a guarantee that you’ll make it home even if conditions take a turn.
Is the Pass Worth It?
Let’s recap:
- A single recovery call can cost $250+.
- The Season Pass is $349 and covers unlimited roadside help all season long.
- Canyon conditions cause up to 80 vehicles a day to get stuck during peak season.
- Even the safest, most experienced drivers can’t control Utah’s weather or road conditions.
- Big Cottonwood Towing & Recovery is the only towing company located inside the canyon, ensuring faster response and specialized equipment.
When you add it all up, the Season Pass isn’t just worth it — it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make before driving into Big Cottonwood Canyon this winter.
Get Covered Before Winter Hits
The snow season is right around the corner, and once the storms roll in, the canyon fills up with traffic fast. Don’t wait until you’re facing a $250+ tow bill in the middle of a blizzard.
Learn more about the Roadside Recovery Season Pass and secure your coverage today.
Because no matter how safe you are, Big Cottonwood Canyon is unpredictable — and having a plan makes all the difference.