Public Restrooms May Be Coming to Upper LCC

At the most recent Town of Alta (TOA) Town Council meeting, town leaders and Alta Ski Area (ASL) General Manager Mike Maughan discussed the possibility of adding public restrooms near the start of the Summer Road. This opportunity arose after Big-D Construction (currently working on multiple development projects at ASL, including a new equipment storage shed at the Albion lot and an expansion of the Albion Lodge) offered to build something to give back to the community. We appreciate Mike Maughan’s leadership in proposing public restrooms as a practical project that would benefit backcountry users, resort skiers, and summer hikers alike!

We are thrilled to hear this news as we know there is a big demand!

Proposed Location and Design

The current proposal would place new public restrooms on National Forest Service (NFS) land on the north side of SR-210, near the Summer Road entrance in upper LCC. The facility would include three stalls, one of which would be ADA-compliant. The restrooms would be heated, feature flush toilets, and be built into the hillside to minimize visual impacts, reduce parking interference, and provide protection from avalanche hazards.

Because the site sits near an avalanche path, the structure will likely be partially buried into the earth. Big-D Construction has stated they are willing to construct the facility but are not willing to build a fully avalanche-rated structure due to cost and liability concerns. While the site is on the edge of a slide path and protected by mature trees, Big-D still requires TOA or ASL sign-off before proceeding.

Timing Is Critical

Construction would need to occur next summer while contractors are already mobilized in the canyon. Big-D would not return the following summer to build the facility, making this a narrow window of opportunity. Because of that timeline, the Town of Alta and the Forest Service are working to fast-track approvals.

The Forest Service indicated they would likely use a Categorical Exclusion, allowing a Special Use Permit (SUP) to be issued before a full NEPA analysis. Required surveys and studies would be completed immediately prior to construction. We support this decision due to the unique tight timeline and the environmental and recreational value this project would provide.

Ownership, Permits, and Operations

Since the restroom would be located on NFS land, someone (either TOA or ASL) must apply for and hold the Forest Service Special Use Permit (SUP). The Town of Alta is expected to be the permit holder, as this is a public facility and the site lies outside Alta Ski Area’s existing permit boundary. This avoids the need for ASL to amend its ski area boundary in their SUP. We support the TOA in being the permit holder. 

While construction of the restroom would be donated Big-D and their subcontractors, the ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) remains the biggest open question.

Alta Ski Area has offered to split O&M costs 50/50 with the Town. The Town of Alta is also working to expand its maintenance staffing, which could help support long-term upkeep. Utilities (sewer, water, and power) would be extended from the nearby equipment shed as part of the project.

Remaining Questions

Several operational details still need to be resolved, including:

• Who will manage trash and cleaning?
• How often the restrooms will need servicing?
• How O&M costs will be formally allocated over time?

One town official also raised concerns about trash left behind by backcountry users in the area, underscoring the need for increased stewardship. We encourage everyone recreating in the canyon to be especially mindful about packing out all trash (not just here, but everywhere). In response, WBA plans to host a volunteer cleanup day this spring to help address these concerns and continue being a strong, responsible partner in the canyon.

What’s Next?

The Town of Alta voted unanimously to direct TOA staff to proceed with the Special Use Permit application since this needs to be completed by the end of this calendar year. A future town meeting will be required to approve a budget amendment related to operations and maintenance. 

If approvals from the Forest Service move forward quickly, construction would begin next summer, with the restrooms operational by the end of the summer, providing a much-needed public amenity in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. We know the Forest Service has long expressed their desire for a public restroom in Upper LCC, and we have heard that Forest Service Officials with the Salt Lake Ranger District will help fast track the approval.

We are grateful for Big-D, TOA, ASL, and our local Forest Service for helping make this happen!