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:

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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.

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…

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…

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