Alta Ski Area

Skiers-only powder classic at the top of the canyon.

Alta has stayed skiers-only and averages about 540 inches of snow, with old-school lodges where meals come with the room. The terrain leans steep, but Albion Basin has gentle learning runs. Ikon and Mountain Collective work here, and the Alta-Bird pass adds next-door Snowbird.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,538 ft

Summit

11,068 ft

Skiable terrain

2,614 acres

Trails

118

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

543″ a year

Terrain mix

• Beginner 15%
• Intermediate 30%
• Advanced 55%

What’s here besides skiing

• Snowshoeing
• Heli skiing
• Spa
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 24, 10 am–2 pm (annual)Usually

  Ski with Santa

  Santa skis around the Albion base and Sunnyside lift for on-hill photos.

• New Year’sDec 31, bonfire 5 pm, parade 6 pm (annual)Usually

  NYE Torchlight Parade and fireworks

  Free to watch from the Wildcat base by a bonfire; the parade comes down Collins Gulch. Skiing in it takes a limited torchlight ticket that sells out.

• Opening dayNov 20

  Opening day

  Alta’s 89th winter starts on Sunnyside and Collins, conditions permitting. No parking reservations needed that day.

• RaceFeb 2 (annual)Usually

  Groundhog Day Race

  Head-to-head telemark and alpine races for adults on Alta’s race hill.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outAlta Lodge

  Classic all-inclusive lodge with meals, ski-in/ski-out access and a kids club.

  Slopeside
• ski-in/ski-outAlta’s Rustler Lodge

  Upscale lodge with breakfast and dinner included, an outdoor heated pool, a spa and its own chairlift back to the door.

  Slopeside
• ski-in/ski-outSnowpine Lodge

  Modern lodge with Stillwell Spa, a pub and rooms from dorms to a penthouse.

  Slopeside
• ski-in/ski-outGoldminer’s Daughter

  Ski-in/ski-out at the Wildcat base since 1962, with breakfast, dinner and après snacks included.

  Wildcat base
• lodgeAlta Peruvian Lodge

  Communal, European-style lodge with three meals a day included and cheap dorm beds.

  Slopeside

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Snowshoe with a Naturalist · Alta

  Two-hour guided snowshoe on the third Friday of each month, January to April, on Alta’s ecology and mining history.

• Stillwell Spa at Snowpine · Slopeside

  Treatments and soaking at the base of the slopes.

• Snowbird Tram · 5 min shuttle

  Ski across the boundary with an Alta-Bird pass, or ride the Tram next door for the view.

• Powderbird heli-skiing · 5 min drive

  Helicopter skiing in the surrounding backcountry, flying from next-door Snowbird.

• Ski Utah Interconnect Tour · Starts at Snowbird or Deer Valley

  Guided backcountry day linking up to six resorts, including Alta. Advanced skiers only; open tours are $575.

Après and nightlife

• Peruvian Bar

  The “P Dog” at Alta Peruvian Lodge is one of the liveliest après spots in Alta, shotskis included.

• The Gulch Pub

  Snowpine Lodge’s pub at the base of the slopes.

• Eagle’s Nest Lounge

  Bar at Alta’s Rustler Lodge, with complimentary appetizers for guests after skiing.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Salt Lake City International (SLC) · about 50 min drive
• Salt Lake City · about 0.8 hr
• Las Vegas · about 6.5 hr
• Denver · about 8 hr

Directions in Google Maps