FAQ

Safety and winter driving

Are your vehicles winter ready?
Yes. We run full size 4x4 SUVs on top rated Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Our drivers live here and drive these canyons all winter. This is what we prepare for.

Why not just rent a car or use Uber or rideshare?
Rental SUVs often do not come with true winter tires. Rideshares may arrive in smaller vehicles that are not built for storms or ski gear. Utah canyons get steep, icy, and crowded during snow. A prepared winter ready vehicle with a local driver is safer and more predictable, especially with kids and luggage.

Do you operate during storms?
Yes. Storms are normal here. We run as long as the roads stay open and conditions are safe.

What if the roads are icy or traction laws are active?
Our vehicles are built for winter. If traction laws go into effect, we meet the requirements and continue operating when it is safe. If conditions become unsafe, we adjust timing with you.

How Is it safe are the canyons during a storm?
Safe with the right vehicle and driver. Stressful in the wrong setup. The canyons have steep grades, tight turns, and fast changing weather. Our goal is to make the ride calm and predictable.

Is it safe to travel from SLC Airport to Park City in winter?
Yes, winter travel from Salt Lake City International Airport to Park City is generally safe when vehicles are properly equipped and drivers are experienced with mountain conditions. Winter storms can bring sudden snow, wind, and low visibility in Parleys Canyon, so winter-ready vehicles, snow tires, and local driving experience make a meaningful difference during active weather.

What happens if UDOT closes Little Cottonwood Canyon?
If the canyon is closed, nobody gets in or out. We will work with you to adjust plans, get you down early, or reschedule without extra charges.

Flights and Airport Pickup

What happens if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight from takeoff to landing. Short delays are fine. If your delay becomes several hours or moves to another day, we will work with you to reschedule or refund.

Where do I meet my driver at the airport?
After you have your luggage, text or call our office. Then walk outside to Column 6A in the Ground Transportation zone. It is the first curb outside arrivals. Your driver will meet you there.

What if my airline loses my bags or they take a long time to come out?
It happens. Just keep us updated by text. We build buffer time into pickups. If the delay becomes very long, we may adjust timing with you.

How early should I leave Park City or Deer Valley for my return flight?
Plan on leaving 2.5 hours before your departure time.
Park City: about 55 minutes.
Canyons Village: about 45 minutes.
Mayflower or Deer Valley East Village near the Grand Hyatt: about 1 hour.
Storms or traffic can add time.

Destinations and ski resorts

Do you drive to Snowbird, Solitude, Alta, or Brighton in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon?
Yes. We serve Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Solitude and Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Service is always subject to road conditions and UDOT closures.

Do you go to any other ski resorts in Utah?
Yes. We also serve Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Sundance. If you are skiing anywhere else in Utah, let us know. We can usually get you there. Utah skiing is hard to beat.

How long does it take to reach Utah ski resorts from SLC Airport in winter?
Under typical winter conditions, travel times from Salt Lake City International Airport range from about 45 to 65 minutes for Park City and Deer Valley, with longer times for canyon resorts during storms. Active weather, plow trains, traction laws, and holiday traffic can increase travel times, so extra buffer is recommended.

Do you drive to Mayflower or Deer Valley East Village near the Grand Hyatt?
Yes. We serve all areas of Deer Valley, including Deer Valley East Village and the Grand Hyatt area, formerly known as Mayflower

What is the safest way for families to reach Deer Valley in winter?
For families traveling in winter, private SUV transportation is often the safest and calmest option. Winter-ready vehicles with proper snow tires, space for ski gear, and drivers familiar with Utah’s mountain roads reduce stress during storms and help ensure a smooth arrival at Deer Valley, including the East Village area.

Do rideshares work during Utah snowstorms?
Rideshares can work during clear winter weather, but availability and reliability often drop during snowstorms. Vehicle size, tire quality, and winter driving experience vary widely, and some rideshares may be turned around at traction checkpoints or cancel during active storms.

Why do winter conditions in Utah canyons surprise visitors?
Rideshares can work during clear winter weather, but availability and reliability often drop during snowstorms. Vehicle size, tire quality, and winter driving experience vary widely, and some rideshares may be turned around at traction checkpoints or cancel during active storms.

Capacity and ski gear

How many passengers and how much gear can you handle?
Our SUVs seat up to 5 guests comfortably. A 6th guest is possible only with light luggage. We can fit ski bags, boot bags, and up to 3 hard cases. If you have strollers or extra gear, let us know at booking.

Families and kids

Do you provide child seats?
Yes. Booster and child seats are available at no charge. Request them when booking.

Can you fit strollers or travel cribs?
Yes. We can fit them, but space gets tight with full groups and ski gear. Mention them at booking.

stops and flexibility

Can we make a stop on the way?
Yes. One 15 minute stop is included for groceries, liquor, or a ski shop. Extra time is billed at 30 dollars per 15 minutes. Please request stops in advance.

Do you handle same day or last minute requests?
Sometimes. Online booking closes 24 hours in advance. For same day rides, call us with at least 3 hours notice.

Local Vibe

Do your drivers ski?
Yes. We are ski locals who live here for the snow. Ask us for tips if you want them. Quiet rides are fine too.

About the owner

First Chair Transport Co is owned and operated by Ben Fischer. Ben grew up back east skiing small hills, watching Warren Miller ski films, and dreaming about the big mountains out West. Skiing became his favorite thing in the world, and he built his life around being near the snow and getting as many days on the hill as he can.

After working several years in Utah’s ski shuttle industry, Ben learned what makes a ride truly dependable. He also genuinely loves to drive long road trips, snowy canyon roads, all of it, especially in a winter ready SUV. Driving feels like freedom to him, a lot like skiing.

Starting First Chair Transport Co let Ben combine those passions with the simple goal of giving visitors a safe, calm, mountain ready ride. There is nothing better than picking up excited guests in a storm, hearing someone say they are glad they did not rent a car, talking about snow conditions, and knowing they will wake up ready to catch first chair.