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 while other lodges, shops and businesses have sprung up over time, it 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.
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.
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.
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 inbounds hike-to expert lines and incredible bootpack-accessed terrain. Don’t be surprised if you see pro-skiers like Sage Cattabriga-Alosa or Pep Fujas hiking up to these iconic lines.
Alta is renowned as a core skier’s mountain, but there are a few 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 Sunnyside-area beginner lifts provide never-evers with 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 green and easy blue options, primarily in the lower mountain zones.
Albion Basin and the Sunnyside base area transform 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.
For those looking for more of a challenge, look no further than High Rustler. Often referred to as "High Boy," Alf’s High Rustler is one of Alta's most iconic and challenging runs. This steep, expert-level trail drops down from the High Traverse accessed via the Collins lift and is famous for the challenge and adrenaline rush.
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 your next family ski vacation. Plus, families in search of a hassle-free, limited planning winter getaway will appreciate the simplicity of Alta and its 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.
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