Alta Ski Area
New for the 2026/27 Ski Season
- The Albion Day Lodge expansion adds more places to sit, additional restrooms, added storage and new employee housing.
- The Big Dipper run in the Supreme pod is being regraded to improve early-season grooming and coverage for those first turns of the year.
- High Traverse is being widened to allow for easier access to expert technical terrain.
- A heated, year-round public restroom is going in near the Grizzly Gulch trailhead.
- See 2026/27 pass options and parking reservation updates on Alta's website.
Click to expand.
Alta Trail Map
118 Runs
2,538 Feet of Vert
2,614 Skiable Acres
45 Minutes From Salt Lake City
"Everything you see is open to ski."
– Andria Huskinson, Alta Ski Area communications manager, on why Alta is a bucket-list destination
Alta Ski Area FAQs
Alta is for skiers. From high atop the Wasatch Mountains, Alta has provided an authentic ski experience and rustic charm since 1938. The philosophical simplicity of the resort’s ethos keeps the focus on skiing and exceptional powder snow. Alta encompasses 15% beginner terrain, 30% intermediate terrain and 55% expert terrain. Year after year, Alta brings home accolades for the quality of its powder snow and terrain.
No, Alta is a ski-only ski area. Head to the neighboring resort, Snowbird, to ride in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
During the operating season, Alta does not permit uphill or backcountry skiing within its boundaries, however, backcountry enthusiasts can access the Grizzly Gulch trailhead, just beyond Alta’s Albion parking lot. An Early Morning Parking Reservation is required if you plan to park before 8 a.m. Backcountry skiing is inherently dangerous; ensure you have the proper safety equipment and knowledge of current conditions or hire a backcountry ski guide.
Parking reservations are required during the winter in all Alta parking lots Friday through Sunday and holiday periods from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Be sure to reserve your Alta parking reservations in advance. Parking reservation fees ($25) are waived for Alta and Alta-Bird passholders. Those who purchase lift tickets online in advance receive a parking discount. All other skiers, and those using Ikon or Mountain Collective passes, may make a parking reservation in advance. It is recommended to make reservations well in advance for weekends, holiday periods and other peak traffic days. Alta encourages carpooling and riding the UTA Ski Bus (which is free for Ikon and season pass holders).
Want to double your terrain? Alta and Snowbird offer the Alta-Bird season and day passes, which include access to both resorts. The Ikon Pass is valid at both resorts, but the Ikon Base Pass is not valid at Alta (Ikon Base Pass holders can, however, take advantage of a 25% discount on day tickets at Alta). From Alta, it's easy to reach Snowbird via Sugarloaf Pass into Mineral Basin or by catching the Westward Ho traverse to Snowbird's Who Dunnit. Frequent shuttles and buses run between the two resorts during the operating season.
Alta does not offer night skiing, but nearby Brighton Resort does.
Want to skip the hassle of hauling your skis through the airport? Enjoy Alta’s three convenient, on-mountain ski shops for gear, rentals and demos. Each shop offers a variety of rental packages to suit your budget and needs. Test out (demo) a pair of skis before purchasing them to ensure they fit your style or swap out your rental skis as the conditions change throughout the day. Reserve your rentals online.
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 cozy mid-mountain lodge near the Collins lift mid-station. On the second level, Watson Cafe serves organic and locally sourced burrito bowls, soups, salads, pizza and more while giving diners a sensational canyon view. For special occasions, make a reservation for a fine dining, multi-course experience at Collins Grill on the third floor. Baldy Brews, at snow level, offers sweet and savory treats and a full-service espresso bar.
Swen’s Restaurant: Snowpine Lodge houses the upscale Swen’s Restaurant, offering seasonally-inspired dishes complemented by astounding Alta views. Take a short ride on the Snowpine lift, deposit your skis near the lodge and catch the elevator to the Snowpine lobby to find Swen's. Winter kale salad, surf and turf tartare, braised octopus, roast chicken and mountain trout can be savored alongside Snowpine’s fine art collection.
Albion Grill: Prepare for your day on the slopes or take a break to refuel at the Albion Grill, located in the Albion Day Lodge near the Sunnyside lift. This cafeteria-style grill serves breakfast, lunch, quick snacks and beverages just a stone’s throw from Alta’s best beginner and intermediate terrain.
Rustler Lodge: Alta’s Rustler Lodge dining room is known for its seasonal menus, elegant atmosphere and amazing views. For a daily rate, enjoy a full breakfast buffet and a gourmet dinner, with lunch available at an additional cost. A curated wine selection is on offer for the perfect meal pairing.
Slopeside Cafe at the Goldminer's Daughter: Grab an early morning coffee or sit down for a casual lunch break at the Slopeside Cafe. This quick dining option serves everything from breakfast burritos and yogurt parfaits to wraps, burgers, salads and pizzas. On spring days, find a vibrant scene and live music on the sunny patio.
Visiting from lower elevations? Read these high-altitude tips for your Utah ski vacation to make the most of your days on the mountain.
Lodging
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Alta Lodge
A cozy and traditional historic ski lodge with ski-in and ski-out access at the base of Alta Ski Resort.
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Alta Peruvian Lodge
European architecture, breathtaking views and nostalgic charm come together in this all-inclusive ski lodge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Photo: Alta Ski Area/Daniel Gajda
Alta Ski Area Awards, Rankings and Media Recognition
Alta Ski Area is an independent, skiers-only resort in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, renowned for an average annual snowfall of 546 inches, deep-rooted ski tradition and award-winning environmental sustainability.
SKI Magazine Annual Resort Guide Rankings: Alta consistently ranks among the top ski resorts in Western North America in SKI Magazine's annual Reader Resort Survey, highlighted by top honors for snow quality, value and terrain.
Media Coverage & Feature Articles:
- Salt Lake Magazine: Examines how Alta balances traditional alpine heritage with modern guest experience and operational improvements.
- Wasatch Magazine: Profiles Alta ski instructor Lismore Nebeker, detailing the legacy of Utah's first ski school and the mountain's cultural history.
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