ALTA

📍Alta, Utah, USA

⬛ Steep & Deep ❄️ Powder Haven 🤙 Local's Favorite 7 Days on Ikon ☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Baileypalblue · Public domain · Photo details

Vertical drop: 2,538 ft
Skiable terrain: 2,614 acres
Avg snowfall: 543 in
Lifts: 11^*

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Summer trails to Cecret Lake and Catherine's Pass through alpine wildflowers.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →

LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON

Little Cottonwood Canyon gives Alta its concentrated mountain setting: steep canyon walls, high slopes and lodges gathered close to the skiing. The ap...

THE REGION

Little Cottonwood Canyon gives Alta its concentrated mountain setting: steep canyon walls, high slopes and lodges gathered close to the skiing. The appeal is the combination of powder-oriented terrain and a ski-focused community, with Salt Lake Valley providing a contrasting urban base below.

Alta is for skiers only. Its lodges offer different levels of comfort, dining and recovery facilities, so a traditional ski atmosphere does not mean doing without a comfortable stay. Choose between staying in the canyon and travelling up from the valley around the kind of trip you want.

THE LOCAL SCENE

Alta feels like a collection of mountain lodges gathered around skiing. Its appeal is the rhythm of a ski-focused stay: breakfast close to the slopes, a mountain lunch and an evening back at the lodge. Choose it for that concentrated mountain atmosphere.

GETTING THERE

From Salt Lake City and its airport, approach Alta through Little Cottonwood Canyon on State Route 210. Winter conditions can delay the journey or restrict road access, so check Alta’s road information and current traction requirements before setting off.

The seasonal UTA Ski Bus and private airport shuttles offer alternatives to driving. If driving, arrange a parking reservation when required and choose the base that fits your group; Albion is the useful starting point for beginners and ski-school visitors. Use the operator’s current transport and parking links for your travel day.

WHEN TO GO

Late autumn through spring is the broad winter planning window. Midwinter suits a snow-focused trip; spring often brings longer daylight for time on the mountain. Storm timing, road access and open terrain vary, so choose dates around your group’s priorities and use the resort’s current conditions and season information before travel.

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Summer Wildflower Hikes

Outdoor

A summer outing in Albion Basin, with trails towards Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass. Use seasonal trail and access information when planning.

🧘

Cliff Lodge Spa at Snowbird

Wellness

A nearby Snowbird option for time off the slopes; check its current spa access and booking arrangements.

🎭

Alta Community Events

Culture

Look at the local calendar for community gatherings and environmental activities during your stay.

🏔️

Private Ski Coaching

Outdoor

Use a lesson to develop confidence and control on terrain suited to your ability. Discuss goals with the Alf Engen Ski School when booking.

🏔️

Snowbird's Aerial Tram

Outdoor

A neighbouring Snowbird outing; check current tram access and ticket options before travelling down the canyon.

🎭

Oktoberfest at Snowbird

Culture

A late-summer and autumn event to consider for a non-winter visit; consult the organiser’s current edition before making plans.

WHERE TO STAY

Alta’s lodges offer several ways to centre a trip on the ski area. Alta Lodge combines a historic setting, ski-in/ski-out access and dining; Rustler Lodge adds a pool and spa. Snowpine Lodge offers rooms and suites, spa facilities and ski-valet service, while Alta Peruvian provides an all-inclusive lodge-and-dining format. Goldminer’s Daughter is close to Wildcat and Collins, with meals and an indoor hot tub. Compare room layouts and meal arrangements when choosing a lodge.

THE FOOD SCENE

Alta’s dining follows the ski day. Albion Grill is the casual breakfast-and-lunch stop by Sunnyside, while Collins Grill in Watson Shelter suits a longer sit-down mountain lunch. Alta Lodge offers a lodge breakfast, and the Rustler Lodge dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with mountain views. Check lodge dining access when making plans.

APRÈS & NIGHTLIFE

Lodge dinners and fireside conversation suit Alta’s ski-focused rhythm. Goldminer’s Saloon offers drinks, pool, televised sports and a stone fireplace, but it is for Goldminer’s Daughter lodge guests only. Families are welcome outside the adults-only bar area.

INSIDER TIPS

💡Compare the seasonal ski bus and shuttle options with driving before choosing your base.
💡Match your parking base to the day: Albion is useful for beginners, lessons and childcare.
💡In summer, use the trail information for Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass when planning an Albion Basin walk.
💡Compare lodge meal arrangements as well as room types; several Alta stays centre the trip around on-site dining.
💡Browse Alta’s community calendar for activities that fall during your visit.

DESTINATION FACTS

Nearest Town

Sandy, Utah (canyon base); Salt Lake City (metro)

Population

~200 (Alta); 96,000 (Sandy); 200,000+ (Salt Lake City proper)

Elevation

8,530 ft base / 11,068 ft summit

Timezone

Mountain Time (MST/MDT)

LIVE WEATHER

Real-time conditions for planning your Alta trip

❄️Snow Depth 🌨️Precipitation 💨Wind 🌡️Temperature ☁️Visibility

Learn to read ski weather maps →

GETTING THERE

✈️

SLC

Salt Lake City

About 30–60 minutes

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For Alta, compare a booked room or rental around Alta with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

Sources & planning context

Historical planning figures · Figures marked * come from earlier references and may differ from current resort figures.

Other names · Alta Ski Area

Local recommendations are editorial guidance. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route and conditions.

Typically late November to mid April

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗

Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗

Official website: https://www.alta.com; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Reported average snowfall (in): 543; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summer and winter destination: Yes; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter: Summer trails to Cecret Lake and Catherine's Pass through alpine wildflowers.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Vertical drop (ft): 2538; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Skiable area (acres): 2614; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Runs: 118; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Base elevation (ft): 8530; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summit elevation (ft): 11068; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Historical mountain figures awaiting field-level confirmation: Lifts.

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Alta reports average annual snowfall of 543 inches. Individual lifts have different closing times.

Alta — planning and arrival ↗Skiers-only area in Little Cottonwood Canyon, with two bases, seasonal transport and parking reservations. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — getting here ↗Alta is at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — mountain facts ↗Retained mountain review supports 8,530 ft base and 11,068 ft summit. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — summer hiking ↗Summer trails to Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass. · Checked Oct 25, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge ↗Lodge near Wildcat and Collins with meals and an indoor hot tub. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alf Engen Ski School ↗Lesson formats and reservation contact. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta Ski Shops — Rentals and Retail ↗Directory leads to actual resort rental operation. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta Ski Shop Rentals ↗Actual rental/demo business and pickup restrictions. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — retained dining and lodge review ↗Full-service meal, third floor of Watson Shelter, mid-mountain location. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — retained dining and lodge review ↗Albion Grill breakfast/lunch format and Sunnyside-base location. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — retained dining and lodge review ↗Lodge breakfast offering. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — retained dining and lodge review ↗Breakfast/lunch/dinner and mountain views. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — retained dining and lodge review ↗Lodge-guest-only restriction, pool/sports/fireplace and adults-only bar area with family space. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta — retained dining and lodge review ↗Lodge setting at the ski-area base. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Alta Ski Area — official hours information ↗
See the verified facts and dates listed above.
Alta Ski Area — official homepage ↗
See the verified facts and dates listed above.
Ikon Pass — 26/27 opening and closing dates (updated September 29, 2026) ↗
Published planned season dates, subject to conditions.
Hiking ↗
Summer trails to Cecret Lake and Catherine's Pass through alpine wildflowers.
Alta Ski Area — official mountain stats ↗
The operator lists 2,614 skiable acres, 118 runs, 543 inches of average annual snowfall, an 8,530-foot base, 11,068-foot summit, and 2,538-foot vertical.

THE REGION

GETTING THERE

WHEN TO GO

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Summer Wildflower Hikes

Outdoor

A summer outing in Albion Basin, with trails towards Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass. Use seasonal trail and access information when planning.

🧘

Cliff Lodge Spa at Snowbird

Wellness

A nearby Snowbird option for time off the slopes; check its current spa access and booking arrangements.

🎭

Alta Community Events

Culture

Look at the local calendar for community gatherings and environmental activities during your stay.

🏔️

Private Ski Coaching

Outdoor

Use a lesson to develop confidence and control on terrain suited to your ability. Discuss goals with the Alf Engen Ski School when booking.

🏔️

Snowbird's Aerial Tram

Outdoor

A neighbouring Snowbird outing; check current tram access and ticket options before travelling down the canyon.

🎭

Oktoberfest at Snowbird

Culture

A late-summer and autumn event to consider for a non-winter visit; consult the organiser’s current edition before making plans.

WHERE TO STAY

THE FOOD SCENE

INSIDER TIPS

💡Compare the seasonal ski bus and shuttle options with driving before choosing your base.

💡Match your parking base to the day: Albion is useful for beginners, lessons and childcare.

💡In summer, use the trail information for Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass when planning an Albion Basin walk.

💡Compare lodge meal arrangements as well as room types; several Alta stays centre the trip around on-site dining.

💡Browse Alta’s community calendar for activities that fall during your visit.