Superb!
4.7 / 5
May 15, 2018
Pj Q. expert skier
Pros
- High volume of light and fluffy snow - an average of over 500 in per year!
- World-class extreme terrain
- One of the best ski schools in the US
- No-frills ski area; lift ticket prices are lower than most major US ski resorts
Cons
- Skiers only
- Some old-school two-seat fixed chairs still operating
- Nightlife and shopping are a bit lacking
Overall
When Utah coined the slogan “Greatest Snow on Earth” they probably meant Alta. The no-frills ski area, tucked deep in Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City, averages over 1,270 cm 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’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 4 °C, 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 (Walk)
- Made up of five convenient lodges
- Ski-in/ski-out accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner included at lodges
Base of Snowbird (2-3 km)
- Snowbird resort operated lodging and timeshare accommmodation
- Great for skiing at both mountains
- Small convenience store
Between Alta and Snowbird (2-3 km)
- Condos and vacation rentals
- Lack the convenience of prepared meals
- Easy access to the slopes
Salt Lake City (40-48 km)
- Cheaper and wider selection of accommodation than Alta
- Convenient base for skiing at other 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 serves up groomed blues off all its lifts! For our favourite 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 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. The off-piste terrain off the High Traverse such as Race Course and Sunspot are also sure to impress!
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 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 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!
Deer Valley Resort
| Alta | Deer Valley Resort | |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | 25 % | 27 % |
| intermediate | 40 % | 41 % |
| advanced | 35 % | 27 % |
| expert | - | 5 % |
| total runs | 116 | 101 |
| ski area | 890ha | 820ha |
| summit elevation | 3,216m | 2,917m |
| total lifts | 11 | 21 |
| child lift ticket | $54 USD ($76 AUD) | $32 USD ($45 AUD) |
| adult lift ticket | $104 USD ($146 AUD) | $145 USD ($203 AUD) |
| uncrowded | ||
| snow | ||
| back country | ||
| value for money | ||
| average total snowfall | 686cm | 389cm |
Alta Reviews
Pj Q. Superb!
4.8 / 5
May 02, 2018
Calvin C. expert skier
Fabulous!
4.3 / 5
Apr 27, 2018
Paul P. expert skier
Superb!
5 / 5
Dec 02, 2017KLKelly L.
It is the best resort there is for skiing! I love snow and the terrain and easy access from Salt Lake City and feel it is the best value for the money.... Moreadvanced skier
Good!
3.6 / 5
Dec 01, 2017GKGavin K.
alta alta alta, land of no boarders. well snowboarders that is. thats right alta remains one of the last resort to uphold its rule that snowboarders are not allowed to ride its mountain.... Moreadvanced skier
Fabulous!
4.5 / 5
Dec 01, 2017MGMathew G.
A skiers paradise, uncrowded slopes with lots of dry powder. It has great runs and link to snowbird make it a resort worth visiting in the magic cottonwod canyon, dont miss it!... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!
4.5 / 5
Nov 29, 2017ZCLZachary C L.
Alta is a fantastic resort for powder seekers with terrain for the most beginner and expert skiers. The ease of location, amenities, relatively low crowds, and best snow on earth, there's no doubt Alta is a world-class resort that provides a unique side-country experience you can't find anywhere else.... Moreexpert skier
Very Good!
3.9 / 5
Nov 24, 2017BSBenjamin S.
Alta is a ski resort. That's it. It you want your feet rubbed go somewhere else. If you like dressing up in funky ski outfits go somewhere else. If you think you ski pretty and want others to be impressed go somewhere else. If you like snow under the snow and some more on top Alta is the place to be. If you like laughing, playing, laugh crying,... Moreexpert skier
Good!
3.6 / 5
Nov 21, 2017EFErich F.
Skied all over the globe and nothing beats Alta if your goal is a great skiing experience coupled with some of the best powder on the planet. You won't care about the apres ski scene or the wine list cause you'll be passed out with a smile on your face dreaming about dropping into the next shot.... Moreexpert skier
Good!
3.9 / 5
Nov 19, 2017DQDan Q.
Alta is a ski only resort that is a great deal. The snow is always great and the scenery is hard to beat as well. They have a lot of steep terrain as well as a good beginner area.... Moreexpert skier