• Scout Loves & Scout Tips
• Scout Review
• Alta Skiing
• Alta For Families

• Alta Accommodation
• Resort Activities
• Getting There and Around
• When To Go
• Facts & Figures

Scout Review

Sometimes you wish you could bottle something and preserve it forever in its current state. Alta Ski Area is one of those. Situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, east of Salt Lake City, the resort is one of the least developed among those on Scout, but that is what makes it so special. If you’re after luxury, five-star amenities and endless off-snow activities then you will want to go somewhere else. Alta is about as down-to-earth as you can get in the way of a ski resort, where people come to ski and that’s about it. Their motto sums it up: Ski. Rest. Repeat. With over 80 years of operations, Alta knows a thing or two about the perfect ski holiday.

That’s because Alta is an incredible mountain. A series of new and old lifts service terrain that is varied – there’s something for everyone here - but the mountain does favour the more advanced skier who will be able to find a challenging run, every run. Alta has some of the gnarliest inbounds runs in North America, especially the Baldy Chutes and East Castle. The legendary High Rustler is a steep shot straight down to the base area while the Supreme lift and Catherine’s area have endless lines in trees – you’ll keep finding powder stashes here all day.

One of the most loved developments to Alta has been the opening of several gates to Snowbird and a joint lift ticket allowing you to ski both mountains in one day. It’s definitely worthwhile if you’re here for more than a few days.

Part of the fun of skiing Alta is watching everyone else enjoy it too – incredible skiers flock to the mountain and they can be inspiring to watch as they rip up the powder.

Alta feels like a real ski community where everyone is welcome and locals will happily show you their favourite line. Well, most locals will.

Alta Skiing

Alta Ski Area could possibly be one of the best places you've ever skied. Not only does it boast an abundance of off-piste powder opportunities, it has incredible scenery to match (just don't get too distracted up there!). Alta is up there in the 'legendary' category among the most avid skiers, known for its extremely challenging terrain, super steeps, fantastic tree skiing and cliff hucking. Plenty of alpine areas with powder-filled bowls, and perfectly spaced glades provide for some memorable tree skiing (Catherine's area is our favourite). It's also a great place for intermediate skiers to learn powder skiing, with options like the Ballroom a good spot to perfect the powder turns. The Greeley Chutes and Yellow Tail areas offer up countless spots to drop in for some fantastic runs, or take a hike out to the Devil's Castle or Baldy Chutes and be rewarded with steep powder (face-shots guaranteed!).

Alta also offers a good spread of terrain for beginners and intermediates. The Albion area has the best facilities in regards to a children's centre and ski school, with the majority of beginner terrain within close proximity. Those new to skiing will appreciate the quieter slopes, away from scarily fast skiiers. 

Alta's big claim among the plethora of world-class ski resorts in North America is that they're home to "The Greatest Snow on Earth". This could possibly be true. Averaging almost 14 metres/550 inches a season, Alta receives snow of incredible quality. Its location in the Little Cottonwood Canyon means the resort is in a perfect catchment area, bringing light dry snow throughout the season.

Only six chairlifts (and a rope tow) provide access to the 2600 acres of skiable terrain, so a little traversing is required at times, however, the reward is always worth the effort. Upgrade to a Alta Snowbird lift ticket to access even more terrain, with easy access to the Snowbird Ski Resort via shuttle bus from the Albion Base (or off the Wildcat chairlift for expert skiers).

Alta/Snowbird is also part of the IKON pass, allowing you to explore more of the resorts in both North America and Canada! Contact us for more information.

Download the Trail Map

Alta For Families

Alta Ski Area does cater to families rather well, depending on personal preference. For those who love the lodge-vibe and community feel of mingling with other families, Alta is a wonderful ski vacation destination. Almost all accommodation runs as it did back in the old days as a communal affair, with breakfast and dinner (and sometimes lunch) included in the room rate. You'll often find many families huddled around the fire, sharing stories from their day on the slopes, or rubbing elbows at the communal dining tables. It's a friendly atmosphere and what makes Alta stand out from other purpose-built ski resorts (with all the bells and whistles).

A small selection of condos and townhomes are available close to the ski area for families that prefer a bit more privacy and a self-contained option. They're generally only within a few minutes drive via the Alta Town Shuttle. They're closest to the Wildcat Base.

The terrain at Alta provides a good spread for beginners through to expert skiers, and the Albion base is a great place to learn to ski. The Alf Engen Ski School provides a great range of ski lessons for kids aged 4 and up, and adult programs. Ski rentals, lessons, and resort facilities are all in a central location, and easily accessible. With not a lot of other activities beside skiing at Alta, children may get a bit restless, however, Alta is a fantastic choice for families who like the traditional ski-lodge vibe and being right the in the heart of the action.

Alta Accommodation

There are just a couple of lodges in Alta, most of which work on the old-school basis of including breakfast, dinner and sometimes lunch in the rate. That’s because there aren’t really any other restaurants in the village. The lodges are more of a communal affair with large dining tables where everyone mixes in together. The lodges are all spread out however you can walk amongst them if you really wanted to (but it can be freezing at night). So usually once you’re in for the night, you generally stay in, but this makes for a great experience to mingle with the locals and share shred stories at the end of the day. 

Find a great map of the Alta Ski Area area and location of some of our favourite lodging here.

Resort Activities

There aren’t fat stacks of other activities in Alta. You can experience snowcat skiing in Grizzly Gulch, which includes five guided runs and breakfast. There are several guiding operators who can safely take you backcountry from the resort.

Getting There and Around

Salt Lake International Airport (SLC) is 33 miles from Alta. Travel time from the airport to Alta is about 45 minutes outside of peak hour. The one access road up the Little Cottonwood Canyon can be slow mornings and nights and sometimes closes due to bad weather or avalanche danger. Allow extra time if heading to the airport. It would be wise to take out travel insurance in case you are stuck.

The Alta Shuttle departs every 20-30 minutes from the airport until 1am and costs approx. $45 pp one way. Book in advance.

When To Go

Alta opens towards the end of November (usually around the 22nd, conditions permitting) and stays open until the end of April. It continues to open on weekends until the first weekend of May (conditions permitting).

Alta can get very cold – particularly in late December and January. But the snow can be fantastic. February is usually the most reliable month and sometimes the snow can be excellent until the end of the season.