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High Action at Alta: 5 Must-Dos on Your Next Ski Visit

High Action at Alta: 5 Must-Dos on Your Next Ski Visit

Written By Visit Utah

Alta Ski Area | Alta Ski Area/Tyler Struss

There are few places in the world as beloved as Alta Ski Area. Its 2,614 acres of old-school slopes offer long, straight runs that cut directly down the fall line. With an annual snowfall average of 548 inches, powder days are a way of life at Alta. If you're a skier, it's likely a place you've dreamed about.

Whether it's your first time on the mountain or your fiftieth, here are five top picks to make the most of your Alta experience.

1. Conquer High Boy (Alf's High Rustler)

Alta's 118 runs include one of skiing's most notorious. On the trail map it's called Alf's High Rustler, but locals call it High Boy. Only for the advanced skier — some say it's a challenge and others a rite of passage. Either way, the big vertical will make your legs burn if you try to ski it without stopping. Before dropping in, make sure to soak up the view from one of the most scenic points in Little Cottonwood Canyon. From the Top of High Boy you can look left, down canyon, over neighboring Snowbird and all the way to Salt Lake City in the valley below. Straight across from you sits Mount Superior, one of the most iconic peaks in the Wasatch, in all her glory. To the right you can see all the way to Supreme Chair, Alta's eastern boundary. The most interesting part of High Boy is getting into the run. Whether you drop in from the top or pick your way around the side, take it slow and be cautious. From top to bottom, High Boy features sweet, consistent fall-line skiing. Located on the north aspect, High Boy holds quality snow throughout the day and the season. Stick to the skier's left side (where it's shady) for softer snow.

If you're a skier, Alta is likely a place you've dreamed about.

Photo: Alta Ski Area/Tyler Struss

2. Find the Powder Stashes

On a big powder morning, the best run to hit is Westward Ho, a black diamond run off the Wildcat lift. A trip up the old double chair offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Superior and Mount Baldy before depositing you atop some of Alta's best tree skiing terrain. From the top of Wildcat, traverse skier's left into Westward Ho. The deeper you go, the fewer skiers you'll see. From powder stashes and glade skiing to fun natural features, Westward Ho's playful terrain is where locals can be found on a powder day.

With an annual snowfall average of 548 inches, powder days are a way of life at Alta.

Photo: Alta Ski Area/Rocko Menzyk

3. Take a Top to Bottom Run

For intermediate skiers, achieving a top to bottom run can be a pretty big deal. You can do that from Alta's Wildcat base area with this combo. Ride up on the Collins lift and dance downhill on Mambo. Mambo will flow into Meadow which transports skiers past the Collins lift mid-station. From there, Meadow will deposit you at the top of Corkscrew to return to the Wildcat base area for more.

For intermediate skiers, achieving a top to bottom run can be a pretty big deal.

Photo: Lee Cohen

4. Grab a True Taste of Alta

The signature drink of Alta Java, the "Susie's Special," has formed a fan club over the years. Most coffee shops call their equivalent a dirty chai. But they're all missing something compared to a Susie's. While the main difference when it comes to ingredients might be the dash of cinnamon to top things off, a lot of what makes the "Susie's Special" so unforgettable is the experience. Ski up. Click out of your skis. Order at the walk up window. Enjoy your Susie's with an unforgettable down-canyon view.

Ski up. Click out of your skis. Order at the walk up window.

Photo: Marc Piscotty

5. Enjoy Fine Dining at Altitude

For a truly memorable meal at Alta, make a lunch reservation at the Collins Grill perched on the third floor of the mid-mountain Watson Shelter. The breathtaking views are nearly as savory as the menu which evolves on a daily basis thanks to freshly sourced ingredients. Kick off your ski boots, don comfy slippers and find yourself in a fine dining setting for a multi-course mountain meal. This European inspired bistro features inspired cuisine, wine pairings and cocktails paired with the upscale atmosphere of Alta's unforgettable views.

About the Author – Visit Utah

We at VisitUtah.com love good storytelling. We love meeting the people and discovering the places that define the Life Elevated experience. You'll find those stories here. We also provide great information to help you plan your trip. Above all, our mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship.

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