Alta

About Alta

The Little Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts share a common thread: they’re skier’s mountains and bucket-list destinations for powder hounds. Alta was the third resort in the U.S. to open a chairlift, and has remained independent—and owned by the same family—ever since. Its dedication to skiing purity makes it a haven for ski enthusiasts who enjoy a more traditional, less commercialized skiing experience. Part of the Alta tradition is no snowboarders. Sorry one-plankers. It’s one of three remaining resorts in the U.S. that do not permit snowboarders. The terrain is diverse, featuring everything from gentle beginner slopes to steep, powder-filled bowls and chutes.

Alta and Snowbird share Mount Baldy, and offer several access points and a shared lift ticket for a reasonable price. Alta offers stunning alpine scenery and a sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of larger resorts. The base area provides a cozy, rustic atmosphere with lodges that reflect the classic charm of a ski village.

The area averages about 560 inches of fluffy, Salt Lake-effect snow annually! In the winter, it’s snowing in Alta more than it's not, so you’re almost guaranteed world-class powder. Alta also offers unique experiences like guided backcountry tours, giving skiers a chance to explore untouched powder and scenic vistas beyond the main resort areas. Alta’s lodging options are mostly minimal and simple, but they appeal to hardcore skiers in search of a nearly bygone ski culture. With its rich history, exceptional snow conditions, and focus on skiing, Alta offers a unique and memorable mountain experience.

How to get to Alta

Getting to Alta is straightforward. Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, just a 32-mile scenic drive from the resort. The airport offers numerous direct flights from major cities, ensuring easy access for travelers. Shuttle services, rental cars, and taxis are available to transport you to Alta.

Getting around

Navigating Alta is convenient with complimentary shuttle services that connect the resort’s lodges, lifts, and village areas. Additionally, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Ski Bus offers transportation around the Alta area and to nearby attractions, ensuring easy access to all that Alta Ski Area has to offer.

Skiing in Alta

As aforementioned, Alta skiing is best enjoyed by challenge seekers. But the resort does offer plenty of terrain options for beginners and intermediates, making it a great destination for no-frills families. Alta’s Mount Baldy is host to several famed sidecountry lines and incredible hike-to terrain. Don’t be surprised if you see pro-skiers like Sage Cattabriga-Alosa or Pep Fujas hiking up to these iconic lines.

Beginner Skiing in Alta

Alta is renowned as a core skier’s mountain, but there are plenty of zones perfect for beginner skiers. First time skiers actually have an incredible place to learn in Alta. The base area’s Grizzly Tow, Little Grizzly and Rustler Lift provide never evers with an ideal, gentle slopes. Plus the Alta Ski School is located in this area. Once beginners are ready to venture around the mountain, Alta provides a host of progressive options.
Albion Basin transforms into a beginner-friendly skiing area in winter, featuring gentle slopes and easy access via the Albion lift. The basin's picturesque landscapes and mellow environment make it a favorite spot for beginners.

Expert Skiing in Alta

For those looking for more of a challenge, look no further than High Rustler. Often referred to as "High Boy," is one of Alta's most iconic and challenging runs. This steep, expert-level trail drops down from the top of Collins lift and is famous for the challenge and adrenaline rush.

Famed for its challenging inbounds and sidecountry terrain, Alta is an expert skier’s bucket list destination.
- At the top of Alta’s expert offerings is Mount Baldy, the centerpiece peak at Alta, which dares skiers from afar to try their best in theBaldy Chutesarea.
- Devil’s Castle, another extreme zone provides experts with chutes and cliffs up high, which drop into wide-open, steep powder fields.
- Exper skiers who opt for the Alta-Snowbird ticket, can even ski to Snowbird via the challenging, sidecountry Keyhole area, accessed from atop Mount Baldy.

Ski Schools and Tours

The Alf Engen Ski School at Alta Ski Area offers a variety of lessons, including private and group sessions, beginner-friendly programs, and advanced technique clinics. Their experienced instructors focus on personalized attention to help skiers improve their skills and enjoy the mountain to the fullest.

Imagine starting your day greeted by the breathtaking beauty of Alta, with instructors whose passion for skiing is as vast as the terrain itself. They don't just teach; they inspire, guiding beginners to find their confidence on the slopes and pushing seasoned skiers to carve new paths and challenge their limits.

Family vacations in Alta

Alta’s ideally situated, secluded and sunny beginner zones, affordable ski school and equipment rental rates and plethora of high-alpine intermediate runs, make Alta the perfect destination for next family ski vacation. Plus, families in search of a hassle-free, limited planning winter getaway will appreciate the simplicity of Alta and its all-inclusive nature.

Families can enjoy unique activities such as "Trees & Skis," where you learn about local tree species and forest health efforts, and "Ski with a Ranger," an informative experience with Volunteer Naturalist Rangers. For a bird-watching adventure, join the "Birding on Skis" program with Tracy Aviary’s expert birders. Explore Alta’s natural history with the "Snowshoe with a Naturalist" tours available monthly (on a seasonal basis). For those interested in competition, the "Alta Town Racing" series and "Recreational Racing" on Saturdays offer thrilling racing experiences.