Alta Ski Area, Utah
The ski-only resort is focused on the authentic ski experience and knows where its strengths lie.
Alta Ski Area, Utah
Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon’s skier-only gem, claims one of the most loyal followings in all of skidom, who never fail to give this mountain high praise for its tough terrain, plentiful powder, easy access, and great value. New snowmaking machines will ideally get the slopes open around Thanksgiving, and the resort plans to keep the lifts spinning into May again if the snow gods provide. Don’t miss the high-speed Supreme chair, which services some of the best terrain in the West.
Resort Guide 2022—Alta Ski Area, Utah
Alta Ski Area Mountain Stats
| Annual Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 547″ | 2,614 | 11 | 116+ |
Alta Ski Area Pass Info
Alta is on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days with no blackouts; Ikon Base pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days. Mountain Collective pass holders get 2 days at the resort, with 50 percent off additional lift tickets.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Alta, Utah
Local Tip
Sitting at the top of the canyon, Catherine’s Area traps the most powder in Little Cottonwood, making it the place to find powder stashes days after winter storms.
Best Value
80-year-olds and older have earned the privilege of skiing for free. We salute that.
Après Spot
Head to the P-dog to take a shot-ski, listen to live music, and bump elbows with the locals. You might even run into your favorite pro skier.
Local Tip
Coffee? Stop at Alta Java for a Susie’s Special.
Mandatory Run
Shred a T-to-B run on north-facing High Boy (Alf’s High Rustler on the map). It always holds the best snow.
On-Hill Eats
We’ll spare you the details about how amazing the fare is at Collins Grill and leave it at this: the Heart of Darkness Cupcake. Trust us, it’s worth every calorie.
Mandatory Run
Ski the Alta-Snowbird Connect via Keyhole or Mineral Basin and take in the giant scale of Little Cottonwood Canyon’s high peaks.
Pick-Me-Up
Ski to Alta Java at the Albion base for a Susie’s Special (dirty chai, extra espresso, extra love, and semi-secret ingredients) before taking another Highboy lap.
Signature Experiences
Alta’s iconic Highboy run (officially called Alf’s High Rustler) is T2B—top-to-bar, that is—meaning you can ski the advanced, ungroomed run all the way to the deck at Goldminer’s Daughter.
Medicine Man
With his heart set on combining work and play, Alta doctor Ken Libre found a way to turn skiing into his daily practice.
Resort Guide 2020 West: Skier's Mountains
We crunched the numbers: Here's the Top 10 resorts for purists who care only about the ski experience.
Powder Pilgrimage
Hit the middle Rockies for blower pow and free refills courtesy of the Mountain Collective.
Resorts of the Year 2019: Editor's Choice
These spots might not be on your radar, but they still have have something awesome going on.
Streets to Peaks
Urban buzz + powder turns combine for a refreshingly high-energy ski vacation.
6 Spring Cocktails We Love
Spring skiing isn't just about the snow and the sun—these six cocktails are a must for your après adventures.
Squaw, Taos and Berkshire East Win SKI’s 2017 Environmental Awards
Alta's Onno Wieringa named this season's Hero of Sustainability.
The Old Man and the Ski
On Skiing Essay
Discrete Peak Series
Starting from the base of a world-famous ski resort, runners rally up windswept ridges and glacial cirques to towering peaks, power down a quad-burning descent, and break the tape into a festival of live music, food, drink, and vendor tents.