Superb!5 / 5Oct 09, 2012
CCharles
Alta generally even gets slightly better snow than Snowbird and its fresh powder generally lasts a bit longer - but you have to work/climb a bit to get it.Build your Alta Ski Trip
Alta Packages
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Pros
- World-class extreme terrain
- Compact base area is easy to navigate
- Good beginner terrain
Cons
- Lodging, nightlife, and shopping options are a bit lacking
Alta Ski Packages |
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|---|---|---|
| Lodging + Lift Tickets | Discount | Price |
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Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Midvalley
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket |
18% off | $837 |
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Park Inn by Radisson Salt Lake City Midvale
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket |
18% off | $690 |
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Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites West Valley City
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket |
18% off | $856 |
View all ski packages for Alta |
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Overall
When Utah coined the slogan “Greatest Snow on Earth” they probably meant Alta Ski Resort. The no-frills ski area, tucked deep in Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City, averages over 500 in of the stuff annually! Its elevation and dry air make it some of the lightest and fluffiest powder you can find anywhere, and it serves it all up on some of the best terrain in the west.
Best month to go
Early January to mid-March
Avoid
December
Alta Ski Resort’s season usually begins in early December, but for best snow coverage – especially in advanced and expert terrain – consider going between early January and mid-March. This also keeps you clear of the Christmas vacation rush, when the mountain is crowded and rooms tend to be more expensive. Later in the season, there’s usually a powder storm or two in April and it’s easy to follow the sun to find the best conditions at different times of day. By the end of the season, it’s common for temperatures to get over 40 °F, which isn’t all that great for the snow, but does make for some pleasant outdoor eating and après!
FLY TO
Salt Lake International Airport
SHUTTLE TO
Alta (45 minutes)
Base of Alta Ski Resort (Walk)
- Made up of five convenient lodges
- Most accommodations have ski-in/ski-out access or are very close to the slopes
- Breakfast and dinner included at lodges
Base of Snowbird (1-2 mi)
- Snowbird resort operated lodging and timeshare accommmodation
- Great for skiing at both mountains
- Small convenience store
Between Alta and Snowbird (1-2 mi)
- Condos and vacation rentals
- Lack the convenience of prepared meals
- Easy access to the ski resort
Salt Lake City (25-30 mi)
- Cheaper and wider selection of accommodation than Alta
- Convenient base for skiing at other ski resorts
- Small risk of road closure due to heavy snowfall
For beginners
The Albion base area and around the Sunnyside lift is where the beginner terrain can be found, with wide and gentle slopes to get new skiers going! Beginners can even venture into the trees between Crooked Mile and Patsy Marley!
More beginners tipsFor intermediates
Alta ski resort serves up groomed blues off all its lifts! For our favorite runs here, check out Rock n' Roll, a great curvy cruiser and other intermediate trails off the Supreme lift.
More intermediates tipsFor experts
Get ready to shred on some of world's best extreme terrain! Alta ski resort classes everything as a single black diamond even if its double black or triple black, so for a single black try the runs off Collins, Wildcat and Sugarloaf! Otherwise, for double blacks (with cliffs and narrow chutes) check out the runs near Supreme.
More experts tipsFind freshies
Get your fix on the tree runs off the Wildcat lift; after a storm the area retains fresh powder for a day or two! All the bowls are also great for freshies. Easier-to-access bowls such as Ballroom and Devil's Castle get tracked out quickly so opt for the area between Greeley Bowl and Yellow Trail Area.
Ditch the crowds
You won't find many crowds at Alta, but if you do, it'll probably be around Christmas time.
Non skiers
The focus at Alta ski resort is skiing, so there isn't as much to do here for non-skiers compared to other resorts. If you have a car however, Salt Lake City is just 45 minutes away.
Families
Alta ski resort has a laid-back community vibe that's perfect for families. The intermediate and advanced runs off the Supreme lift are great for families with more experienced skiers and are laid out so that it's easy to meet up at the bottom!
Save up to 35% when you book a Alta package!
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Alta Reviews
Very Good!4 / 5Apr 17, 2012
CChris
ALTA, ALTHOUGH MUCH SMALLER HAS A GREAT VARITY OF TRAILS THAT ARE EASILY ACCESSEDSuperb!5 / 5Mar 10, 2012
CCharles
500" inches averaged a year and it is usually very light. It's a combination that is hard to beatVery Good!4 / 5Dec 18, 2011
PPaul
greatest snow on earth no snow boarders allowed convenient to my home great terrainSuperb!5 / 5Sep 07, 2011
PPatty
We loved Alta. The powder was incredible and at the time it wasn't crowded with skiers or snowboarders whioch made for greatly enhanced conditions for us as beg/int skiers.Superb!5 / 5Jun 26, 2011
TTom
Feels old school with a lot of diverse terrain and no snowboarders or big crowdsVery Good!4 / 5Mar 10, 2011
KKate
It is only about the powder in Alta. Not a phoo-phoo, umbrella drink, shopping place. No way! Alta is a secret I would prefer not to share with ANYONE!Superb!5 / 5Feb 01, 2011
TTim
Resort has a very low key attitude. Very friendly staff. Great terrain.Lots of intermediate cruisers.Average!3 / 5Jan 18, 2010
PPiotr
no traffic, no shops, no parking lotVery Good!4 / 5Jan 13, 2010
JJake
Alta combines great terrain with incredible snow to make it one of the most reliable ski trip too take. Where else can you rip steep shots like keyhole and high rustler in 2 foot dumps on a fairly regular basis.