Alta

Alta ski area is situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, east of Salt Lake City. The motto here is: Ski. Rest. Repeat and that’s because skiing is what Alta is all about – the ski area attracts incredible skiers eager to take on some of the most challenging inbound runs in North America – like Baldy Chutes, East Castle and High Rustler. Others come to enjoy the powder bowls on the picturesque tree-lined slopes at Supreme lift and Catherine’s and to add Snowbird into the day’s mix.

Difficulty

Beginner	15%
Intermediate	30%
Advanced/Expert	55%

At a Glance

Terrain Area

1,058ha

Summit

3,374m

Mt. Vertical

774m

Season

Dec-Apr

Lifts

Accommodation Alta

Alta is refreshingly undeveloped compared to many resorts in the United States. Lodges offer traditional accommodation, reminiscent of the 60s, often with breakfast, dinner and sometimes lunch included in the room rate. Dining is mostly communal with large tables encouraging lodgers to eat together before moving to share stories around the fire. While there are very few restaurants in Alta, if you can handle the cold, you can walk between lodges to catch up with friends and meet the locals.

For families and groups who prefer more privacy, there’s the option of staying in self-contained Condos and townhomes. These are closets to the Wildcat Base and just a few minutes away from the centre via the Alta Town Shuttle.

Skiing & Boarding

Alta’s 2,200 acres of skiable terrain is serviced by seven chairlifts. With challenging terrain, an abundance of off-piste opportunities, light dry powder and incredible scenery, it attracts some of the world’s most impressive skiers.
Drop in for some amazing runs down Greeley Chutes and Yellow Tail, enjoy spectacular tree skiing through Catherine's and Supreme Chair areas or take the time to traverse out to Devils Castle or Baldy Chutes for a long steep downhill through powder run to the base.
If you’re an intermediate, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to practice your powder turns in areas like Ballroom. And, if you’re bringing the kids, the Albion area has the best facilities, with a children's centre and ski school in close proximity to the more challenging areas.
Alta is part of the new Ikon pass, giving you access to more of resorts North America and Canada, plus when you upgrade to an Alta Snowbird lift ticket you’ll gain easy access to the Snowbird Ski Resort via shuttle bus from the Albion Base or, for expert skiers, off the Wildcat chairlift.

Activities

Alta is all about skiing so if you’re looking for leisurely or more luxurious après activities, you’d be best to choose an alternative destination.

That said, if you’re a keen skier, why not try snowcat skiing in Grizzly Gulch, which includes five guided runs and breakfast; or take a guided tour to explore the spectacular backcountry behind the resort.

Getting There & Around

From the Salt Lake International Airport (SLC), you can be at Alta within about 45 minutes via a shuttle, which departs every 20-30 minutes (book in advance). There’s one access road up the Little Cottonwood Canyon, which can be slow in the morning and at night. Inclement weather and avalanche danger means the road is sometimes closed.