Alta Ski Area

There are precious few places in the world like Alta. The resort and its small base town grew organically around a united love of thrills on snow. Despite welcome upgrades, including higher-speed lifts and digital lift passes, Alta remains proudly rooted in its past, an icon of a time when skiing was less of a business and more of a way of life, an era of wooden skis and daredevil explorers in woolen gear who practically invented the sport.

The resort is one of America’s oldest and is home to some of Salt Lake’s most spectacular terrain, much of which can only be accessed by backcountry experts willing to hike for it. And the lift-accessed stuff is often steep and challenging. It will push the beginning skier, but the payoff is worth it. For those who learn to turn at Alta, the saying goes, “If you can ski here, you can ski anywhere.”

Snowshoe with a Naturalist

The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation is proud to partner with Alta to offer $10 per person, naturalist-led snowshoe tours through Alta's famous powder! Look for animal tracks and learn about the wildlife that left them, all while surrounded by some of Utah's most beautiful mountains. Naturalist guides talk about everything from animal adaptations and trees, to the history of Little Cottonwood Canyon and Alta!

Birding on Skis

Join Tracy Aviary’s expert birders this winter on skis in search of our feathered friends that call Alta home.

Surveys are 9 AM-Noon on the second Friday of each month starting in December. Help us expand our bird list with non-breeding bird surveys at Alta. All participants must be at least 12 years of age and able to ski intermediate, groomed runs. Please register by noon on Thursday, the day before.

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.

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 538'' of snow each winter. But did you know that 45% of our terrain is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers?

Explore Alta Online