The Little Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts share a common thread: they’re both skier’s mountains and bucket-list destinations for the avid skier. But it’s Alta that’s led the commitment to core skiing charge, considering the resort recently celebrated 75 years of operations. 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. 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. Alta and Snowbird share Mount Baldy, and offer several access points and a shared lift ticket for a reasonable price.
Much like Snowbird and perhaps more so, Alta’s lodging options are minimal and simple, but they appeal to hardcore skiers in search of a nearly bygone ski culture. Alta’s Peruvian Lodge is famed among the core ski industry as one of the coolest places to après-ski, just don’t expect anything fancy. Oh, and did we mention Alta averages about 560 inches of fluffy, Salt Lake-affect snow annually? In the winter, it’s snowing in Alta more than its not, so you’re almost guaranteed world-class powder. Combine “the best snow on earth” with 2,200 skiable acres over 116 trails and tons of sidecountry access, and you've got one unbeatable ski vacation.
... right at the base of Alta or save money by staying in nearby Sandy. The drive from SLC to Alta is just 30 minutes
... the "greatest snow on Earth" at Alta
... here via the Salt Lake City International Airport
... a classic ski mountain that's appropriate for beginners and experts alike
... Catherine's, a hike-to area of the ski resort that hosts some of the best tree skiing in Utah
... a hearty breakfast at the Goldminer's Daughter before catching first chair
... yourself to a spa treatment at the Snowpine Lodge
... a skier's only mountain that sees over 500" of average annual snowfall
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.
excellent experience, same as I had on my prior trip here 30 years ago
Good skiing....I don't want to enter any more words. What kind of review is this???