Alta Ski Area

Alta Ski Area

Alta Ski Area   |  Scott Markewitz
  • Weather: Chance Light Snow, 16F

Nestled near the top of one of Utah's best canyons, Alta is a storied paradise for skiers. Even riders leave their boards at home for a chance at the 2,600+ acres of Alta's renowned slopes featuring 118 runs. What's more, this skier's paradise — full of "Alta-holics" — is less than 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Plan Your Ski Trip

Click to expand map.

Click to expand map.

Alta Trail Map

118 Runs

2,538 Feet of Vert

2,614 Skiable Acres

45 Minutes From Salt Lake City

See Mountain Conditions and Maps

Passes and Tickets

There are several ways to enjoy Alta’s famous slopes, from single-day lift tickets to season passes. All passes can be purchased online. Day and multi-day lift tickets can be printed at one of Alta’s ticket pick-up boxes As for season goers, Alta rolls out a number of options — Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective, Alta-Bird Pass, and passes for mid-week, children, military and seniors — available for purchase before the season begins in November.

Get lift tickets

Lessons and Ski School

Drop the kids at ski school and treat yourself to an adult ski day. Or take a lesson to keep up with your kids (Read: Learn to Ski & Ride Better). Either way, Alta’s Alf Engen Ski School presents group, private and multi-week instruction for kids and adults, from beginners to experts. Specialty offerings include guided tours, early-morning skiing with a pro and private telemarking lessons.

Book Ski Lessons

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. 


Swen’s Restaurant: Ready for refined dining after a day of rustic retreats? Snowpine Lodge houses one of Alta’s newer bistros, Swen’s Restaurant, which offers seasonal dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. If winter kale salad, surf and turf tartare, braised octopus, roast chicken or mountain trout whets your appetite, take a quick ride on the Snowpine lift to the lodge. 

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. 

Snow Report

  • Alta Ski Area

    Alta Ski Area

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 28″

    Open Runs: 82/118

    Opening: 11/22/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Beaver Mountain

    Beaver Mountain

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 0″

    Open Runs: 0/48

    Opening: TBD

    Closing: TBD

  • Brian Head Ski Resort

    Brian Head Ski Resort

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 21″

    Open Runs: 32/71

    Opening: 11/08/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Brighton

    Brighton

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 23″

    Open Runs: 16/66

    Opening: 11/14/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Cherry Peak

    Cherry Peak

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 0″

    Open Runs: 0/38

    Opening: TBD

    Closing: TBD

  • Deer Valley Resort

    Deer Valley Resort

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 17″

    Open Runs: 24/122

    Opening: 11/30/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Eagle Point

    Eagle Point

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 0″

    Open Runs: 0/39

    Opening: 12/20/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Nordic Valley

    Nordic Valley

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 10″

    Open Runs: 5/42

    Opening: 12/06/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Park City Mountain

    Park City Mountain

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 20″

    Open Runs: 19/350

    Opening: 11/22/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Powder Mountain

    Powder Mountain

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 24″

    Open Runs: 2/154

    Opening: 12/06/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Snowbasin Resort

    Snowbasin Resort

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 21″

    Open Runs: 0/114

    Opening: 11/29/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Snowbird

    Snowbird

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 22″

    Open Runs: 16/149

    Opening: 11/28/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Solitude Mountain Resort

    Solitude Mountain Resort

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 23″

    Open Runs: 7/82

    Opening: 11/15/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Sundance Mountain Resort

    Sundance Mountain Resort

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 16″

    Open Runs: 14/72

    Opening: 12/04/2024

    Closing: TBD

  • Woodward Park City

    Woodward Park City

    New Snow: 0″

    Base Depth: 20″

    Open Runs: 5/11

    Opening: 11/28/2024

    Closing: TBD

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