Alta Ski Area & Resort

There are few precious places in the world like Alta, an independently owned ski area since 1938. From its humble roots tied to Utah’s rugged silver mining era, Alta Ski Area emerged as a stellar powder skiing destination. Nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon deep in the Wasatch mountains, Alta is a skiers-only mountain. With an annual snowfall average of 548 inches, powder days at Alta are a way of life. 

As one of the snowiest ski areas in the United States, Alta served as the birthplace of avalanche forecasting and mitigation in North America throughout the 1940s and 50s. Powder skiing techniques, lifts, lodges and ski gear have all evolved with the ages, but there is a timeless spirit at Alta that remains. From steep, hike-to terrain, endless powder runs and gentle groomers, Alta has something for every skier. Two new covered conveyors stationed near the Albion Day Lodge are ideal for beginners looking to try the sport with the help of the venerable Alf Engen Ski School and its expert ski instructors. 

As we like to say at Alta: “Come for the skiing. Stay for the skiing.”

Parking & Transportation

Parking

Paid parking reservations of $25 per vehicle will be required for all skiers Friday - Sunday and holidays from 8 am to 1 pm. Daily reservations are also required for backcountry skiers parking before 8 am. For Alta skiers, weekday parking after 8 am is offered on a first-come, first-served basis (excluding Fridays and holiday periods). Get complete parking details and make a reservation

Transportation

There are a variety of options to make your way from the city to Alta's slopes. If you are driving, make sure your vehicle is ready to meet the traction law requirements and that you are ready to drive in winter conditions. If you don't want to deal with winter driving or parking UTA's Ski Bus provides public transportation daily during the ski season. Get complete details on getting to Alta and navigating Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Road Conditions

Before you head up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta Ski Resort, check out the resources from Utah Department of Transportation for road conditions, highway closures, live traffic cameras, travel tips, vehicle requirements, and winter driving tips. UDOT has plenty of experience dealing with the mountains of snow and snow in the mountains, and you can do your part by being an informed driver. Get live canyon updates and information on:

 @UDOTCottonwoods   @UDOTCottonwoods   @UDOTCottonwoods

Opening and Closing Hours

The Skier Services office is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Lifts start turning at 9:15 am and shut down between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Alta's parking lot is closed from midnight to 7:30 am. If you're looking for on-mountain dining options, most are open from 9:30 am to 4 pm, with restaurants and bars at the base open into the evening. See Alta's dining page for complete details on what is open and specific hours.

Does Alta allow snowboarding?

Snowboarding is not permitted at Alta Ski Area. But, that doesn't mean there aren't great opportunities to ride in Little Cottonwood Canyon, check out Snowbird for great snowboarding. Or, head to Big Cottonwood Canyon where you can snowboard at both Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort.

On Mountain Lodging: Hotels at Alta

While the Alta Ski Area resort does not operate any accommodations, the mountain town of Alta has a unique collection of lodges, hotels, and vacation homes with ski-in/ski-out access. 

On Mountain Dining: Restaurants & Bars at Alta

From fueling up to start out the day right to re-fueling to keep those epic ski runs going, to celebrating après-ski, Alta has exactly what you need on the mountain and at the base. Check out these great options and find a complete list on Alta's Food and Drink