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:
Explore Alta
Alta Ski Area is located in the heart of Utah's Wasatch Mountains at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Our mountain is world-renowned for its steep and deep powder skiing—averaging 548'' of snow each winter. But it’s not just for experts: 15% of the terrain is beginner-friendly, 30% is ideal for intermediates, and 55% is made for advanced skiers.
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.
Snowshoe with a Naturalist
The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation is proud to partner with Alta to offer free, naturalist-led snowshoe tours through Alta's incredible scenery. Look for animal tracks and learn about the wildlife that left them, all while surrounded by some of Utah's beautiful mountains. Naturalist guides discuss everything from animal adaptations and the mining and prehistoric stories of the past, all while identifying the surrounding flora and fauna.
Trees and Skis
Grab your skis and join TreeUtah on Alta's slopes as we explore the gentle giants that shape Alta's landscape and the rich histories stored in their roots. Ski through the trees as you learn about Alta's diverse forest and the important role of trees in our ecosystem. These free tours are open to skiers of all abilities and ages—so bring the whole family! All tours are conditions permitting.
Recreational Racing at Alta
Here's your chance to go for the gold on Race Course Hill, located off the Sunnyside lift. Alta offers recreational racing for all skiers on Saturdays.
Recreational racing is held at the Sunnyside Race Arena, located off the top of Sunnyside lift. Skiing gates is not only fun, but it also affords an excellent way to hone your skiing skills. Gold, silver and bronze Alta pins are awarded on a handicap system by age and gender determined by a pace setter's time. If your time does not qualify for a medal, you will receive an Alta pin for participating.
Resort Maps
Check out the runs before you arrive.
What's New at the Resorts
Full details on what's new for the upcoming season.
Webcams
Take a peek at current conditions.
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.
Alta Lodge
During the winter, a stay at Alta Lodge is the classic ski vacation – reminiscent of the days when ski…
Alta Peruvian Lodge
It all starts here at the Alta Peruvian Lodge! Nestled at the base of Utah’s renowned Alta Ski Area, the Alta…
Alta's Rustler Lodge
Alta’s Finest accommodations and its tradition of excellence distinguish the Rustler from the rest. Located…
Goldminer's Daughter Lodge
The Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge provides a welcoming, friendly staff with comfortable lodging in an unbeatable…
Snowpine Lodge
Alta’s finest luxury resort, the Snowpine Lodge, provides guests with the best ski-in/ski-out access, world…
Alta Chalets
Alta Chalets embodies a premium selection of ski and snowboard accommodations in Alta and Snowbird. We offer…
Canyon Services Vacation Rentals
Luxury Vacation Rentals Our properties are individually owned, and are managed by a team of professionals with…
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
Alta Lodge Restaurant
Renowned cuisine in a romantic alpine setting. Open from June through September for…
The Rustler Lodge Dining Room
Experience Alta's finest in cuisine and service, while enjoying magnificent views…
Alta Peruvian Lodge Dining Room
Beautiful setting in the rugged Wasatch Mountains. Fine dining with excellent food…
About Alta Ski Area
Where is Alta Ski Resort located?
Alta is located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s an easy drive from downtown Salt Lake or the airport, taking 40-45 minutes.
What time does Alta Ski Resort open and close?
Alta is open daily starting November 22, 2024 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
When does Alta Ski Resort open for the season?
Alta will open for the 2024-25 season on November 22, 2024, conditions permitting
When does Alta Ski Resort close for the season?
Alta typically closes lift operations in mid to late-April. Snow conditions affect closing date.
Alta Mountain Info
How far is Alta Ski Resort from Salt Lake City?
Alta is a 28 mile drive from downtown Salt Lake City. It typically takes 35-40 minutes to drive there but weather and traffic conditions can affect travel times.
How to get to the Ski Resorts
Who owns Alta Ski Resort?
Alta is independently owned by the family that founded it, the Quinneys. Established in 1938 Alta operates on US Forest Service lands by permit, including: Collins Gulch and Albion Basin.The hotels at the base of Alta are independently owned and not part of Alta.
What activities can you do at Alta Ski Resort?
In addition to skiing, winter activities at Alta include:
- Racing: recreational and professional racing take place throughout the season
- Backcountry adventures: several groups provide backcountry guides or heli-skiing opportuniites
- Naturalist tours: explore Alta with a naturalist on skis and on snowshoes
*snowboarding is not permitted at Alta
Alta's winter activities
Where to stay near Alta Ski Resort?
There are a variety of privately owned lodging options at the base of Alta Ski Area. These include: Alta Lodge, Alta Peruvian Lodge, Alta's Rustler Lodge, Goldminer's Daughter Lodge, Snowpine Lodge, Alta Chalets, Canyon Services Vacation Rentals, and Hellgate Condominiums.
See lodging near Alta