Alta Ski Area
Click to expand map.
Alta Trail Map
118 Runs
2,538 Feet of Vert
2,614 Skiable Acres
45 Minutes From Salt Lake City
Lodging
-
Alta Lodge
A cozy and traditional historic ski lodge with ski-in and ski-out access at the base of Alta Ski Resort.
-
Alta Peruvian Lodge
European architecture, breathtaking views and nostalgic charm come together in this all-inclusive ski lodge.
-
Alta's Rustler Lodge
Treat yourself after a long day on the slopes at this award-winning, luxury ski lodge that includes heated pools, spas and saunas, fine dining and more.
-
Goldminer's Daughter Lodge
At the foot of Alta Ski Resort, this renowned ski lodge offers an authentic ski-in, ski-out experience paired with luxurious accommodations and dining options.
-
Snowpine Lodge
Experience a uniquely high-end mountain stay at this ski-in, ski-out lodge with two restaurants, a spa and a wide selection of rooms and suites.
Resort Information
Who is Alta for?
Alta is for skiers. This unofficial tagline not only states the obvious — snowboarders are not allowed — it announces the philosophical simplicity of the resort's vibe. Alta’s updated infrastructure exudes a rustic, old-timey charm, which appeases its fan base of no-nonsense, life-is-good skiers of all skill levels. Alta includes 25 percent beginner terrain and 35 percent expert, with a sweet spot of 40 percent for intermediate skiing. Simply put, the one luxury Alta flaunts best is its world-class skiing.
Are snowboards allowed?
No, Alta is a ski-only resort. Head to next-door neighbor Snowbird to snowboard.
Backcountry Skiing
Although Alta does not offer backcountry skiing within its boundaries, backcountry enthusiasts can access The Grizzly Gulch trailhead just beyond Alta’s Albion parking lot. Backcountry ski outfitters lead tours of the slopes outside ski resort boundaries, but take note: backcountry skiing can be dangerous, so take precautions before you go. (Read: Hiring a Backcountry Ski Guide)
Parking and Transportation
Parking reservations are required in all Alta parking lots Friday-Sunday and on holidays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. View an Alta parking map here. The parking reservation fee is included for Alta and Alta-Bird pass holders and lift ticket holders. All other skiers, such as Ikon pass holders, will be charged $25 to make their parking reservation on the Alta parking portal. Lots fill often and fill fast, so be sure to make those parking reservations early. To alleviate Little Cottonwood Canyon traffic, Alta parking authorities encourage carpooling (once you’ve made a reservation), riding the UTA Ski Bus (free for season pass holders) or utilizing local shuttle services like the Cottonwood Connect. See more Utah ski vacation tips.
Alta & Snowbird Connect
Want to double your terrain? Alta and Snowbird offer the Alta-Bird Pass, which includes unlimited access at both resorts. Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Plus pass holders get access to both resorts as well. From Alta, it's easy to get to Snowbird by traversing the Sugarloaf Pass or Keyhole.
Night Skiing
Alta does not offer night skiing.
Ski Rentals at Alta
Want to skip the hassle of hauling your skis through the airport? Skiers visiting Salt Lake City can rent skis and other gear on the mountain. Three Alta Ski Shops are located within the ski area, offering gear rentals, demos and equipment sales. Each shop offers a variety of rental packages to suit your budget and needs. You can also test out (demo) a pair of skis before purchasing them to ensure they fit your style and swap out your rental skis as the conditions change throughout the day at Alta’s mid-mountain rental shop.
Restaurants and Places to Relax
Alf’s Restaurant: Invite the whole gang to meet up at Alf’s Restaurant for a mid-day, mid-mountain interlude. Centered in Albion Basin, this family-friendly eatery serves all the traditional ski eats — burgers, chili, brats and local microbrews. Choose a spot on the sunny deck or inside the lodge alongside a mini-museum of historical Alta photographs and vintage skis.
Watson Shelter: Intermediate and expert skiers delight in Watson Shelter, a mid-mountain refuge near the Collins lift angle station. On the second level, Watson Cafe serves organic and locally sourced dishes while giving diners a sensational canyon view. If you’re feeling extra special, reserve a fine-dining lunch experience at Collins Grill on the third level.
Albion Grill: Prepare for your day on the slopes or take a break to refuel during lunch at the Albion Grill, located on the main level of the Albion Day Lodge near the Sunnyside Lift. This cafeteria-style grill serves breakfast, lunch, quick snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Rustler Lodge: Alta’s Rustler Lodge dining room is known for its seasonal menus, elegant atmosphere, and amazing views. For a daily rate, you can enjoy a full breakfast buffet and a gourmet dinner, with lunch available at an additional cost. A curated wine selection is also available.
Slopeside Cafe at GMD: Grab an early morning coffee or sit down for a lunch break at the Slopeside Cafe. This quick dining option serves everything from breakfast burritos and yogurt parfaits to wraps, burgers, salads and pizzas.
Visiting from lower elevations? Read these high-altitude tips for your Utah ski vacation to make the most of your days on the mountain.
Snow Report
-
Alta Ski Area
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 111″
Open Runs: 0/118
Opening: 11/22/2024
Closing: 04/20/2025
-
Beaver Mountain
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 92″
Open Runs: 0/48
Opening: 12/20/2024
Closing: 04/06/2025
-
Brian Head Ski Resort
New Snow: 2″
Base Depth: 40″
Open Runs: 34/72
Opening: 11/08/2024
Closing: 05/11/2025
-
Brighton
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 78″
Open Runs: 0/77
Opening: 11/14/2024
Closing: 05/18/2025
-
Cherry Peak
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 40″
Open Runs: 0/38
Opening: 12/26/2024
Closing: 03/29/2025
-
Deer Valley Resort
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 60″
Open Runs: 0/123
Opening: 11/30/2024
Closing: 04/20/2025
-
Eagle Point
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 54″
Open Runs: 0/42
Opening: 12/20/2024
Closing: 04/06/2025
-
Nordic Valley
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 0″
Open Runs: 0/42
Opening: 12/06/2024
Closing: 03/23/2025
-
Park City Mountain
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 81″
Open Runs: 57/350
Opening: 11/22/2024
Closing: 04/21/2025
-
Powder Mountain
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 56″
Open Runs: 0/164
Opening: 12/06/2024
Closing: 04/20/2025
-
Snowbasin Resort
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 92″
Open Runs: 0/115
Opening: 11/29/2024
Closing: 04/13/2025
-
Snowbird
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 95″
Open Runs: 82/149
Opening: 11/28/2024
Closing: 05/26/2025
-
Solitude Mountain Resort
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 73″
Open Runs: 31/82
Opening: 11/15/2024
Closing: 05/11/2025
-
Sundance Mountain Resort
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 58″
Open Runs: 0/72
Opening: 12/04/2024
Closing: 04/06/2025
-
Woodward Park City
New Snow: 0″
Base Depth: 35″
Open Runs: 0/11
Opening: 11/28/2024
Closing: 04/13/2025
Discover More
-
11 Classy Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
From sheer proximity and the biggest mountains to a ski-in distillery and a celebrity-built resort, these are the reasons to ski Utah now.
-
7 Skiing Tips for More Fun on the Mountain
Skiing is one of the most exciting sports on earth, especially with the right gear, a good attitude and some lesson time.
-
8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
If you dream of the possibility of hitting six resorts in one day or carving your own lines from snow-covered summits served by helicopters, then this listicle is made for you.
-
8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
-
A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less
Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
-
AndShesDopeToo's Insider's Guide to Ogden
AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains.
-
Another Day in Powadise
Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder.
-
Best Après Ski Bars in Park City and Beyond
Want to master the art of après? Here’s your guide to the best après-ski bars in Park City and the Wasatch Front.
-
Big Snow. Gotta Go.
In Utah, favorable terrain and easy access to over a dozen ski and snowboard resorts make it possible for locals and guests to find their own powder paradise regardless of time or budget. Here's how beginners to experts can fully enjoy The Greatest Snow on Earth®.
-
Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started
Here are some pointers for planning your Utah family ski vacation, including where to make homebase and why.
-
Family and Budget Guide to the One and Only Ski City: Salt Lake
With 11 family-friendly resorts nearby, Salt Lake City skiing, dining and entertainment options make Utah one of the best ski destinations in the western U.S.
-
Getting Back on the Mountain
Adaptive recreation puts everybody in the game, regardless of age or ability.
-
How To Get the Most Out of the Park City Annual Gay Ski Week
At Park City, Utah's annual Gay Ski Week, officially known as Elevation Utah, visitors will be surrounded by like-minded athletes and folks who want to crush it out on the slopes and have fun dancing the night away.
-
Insider's Guide to Park City
Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list.
-
Music of the Cottonwoods
Discover the sound of two iconic Utah bands — Talia Keys and the Love and Pixie and the Partygrass Boys — whose music is inspired by their love of life and nature.
-
Park City Area: 1 Destination, 3 Resorts
Park City offers access to three state-of-the-art ski resorts, world-class dining, luxury lodging, music, film screenings and so much more.
-
Pass Go: Making the Most of the Epic Pass
Make the most of your Epic Pass with these locals’ tips to the best skiing, riding, dining and playing one of Utah’s largest resorts.
-
Powder Pups to the Rescue
Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties.
-
Ski into Summer: Mountain Resorts in Transition
From spring skiing to golfing and fly fishing, here are tips and things to do to make the most of spring in Utah.
-
Sundance, Full Circle
When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience.
-
The Best Skiing in Utah
Out of 15 ski resorts, here's where families, friends groups, experts, luxury seekers and even night owls find their groove in Utah.
-
Utah Resort Roundup: What Kind of Vacation do I Want?
Wondering where to ski in Utah? The real question is, “What kind of experience do you want?” Get helpful information on ski areas, resorts, activities and more.
-
Utah's Bucket List Expert-Only Ski Runs
Craving black diamond chutes or double-black cliff drops? The best skiing in Utah for experts can be conquered on these top 5 ski runs.
-
Utah's Kid Ski Culture
Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.
-
Utah’s Factory-to-Slope Culture
Utah’s gear scene benefits from being able to use its backyard as a testing ground, making the complete ski and snowboard cycle uniquely Utah
