Alta Ski Area - Utah
Alta is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Cache National Forest.
As one of the country's first ski areas (1938), Alta's philosophy has been to strive to offer a consistent quality ski experience for all levels of skiers.
Nestled in a naturally beautiful setting and graced with splendid light, dry powder, Alta is an experience set apart from the rest and is noted for some of the best snow conditions in the world.
Alta receives an average seasonal snowfall of 500 inches. And the terrain offers something for everyone: 25 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 35 percent advanced.
At first glance, Alta looks intimidating, but there is probably not a finer ski area to learn powder skiing. Or for new skiers, Alta offers a variety of groomed runs too. At Alta you get the best of both worlds!
If you have never skied powder, or need some fine-tuning, it is best to take a lesson at the Alf Engen Ski School. Founded in 1948 by ski legend, Alf Engen, the ski school offers a wide variety of lessons for all skill levels. For an alternative ski experience, consider a private lesson focusing on free heel techniques using Telemark skis.
At Alta's Children's Center, children age 6 weeks to 12 years can play, learn, explore and create in various environments within the center. A special area is dedicated in the center to meet the needs of even the smallest of infants. The center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are requested, especially during holidays.
Alta Ski Lifts Company owns and operates the ski area. All other businesses are privately held. This unique approach enables Alta to focus on skiing and allows each lodge, restaurant, ski shop or other related business to offer its best.
Located only 45 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport. Alta is a memorable destination and easy to get to, you can ski in the same day you arrive!
| MOUNTAIN STATISTICS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Base Elevation: | 8,530 ft | (2,600 m) |
| Summit Elevation: | 10,550 ft | (3,216 m) |
| Vertical Drop: | 2,020 ft | (616 m) |
| Skiable Area: | 2,200 acres | (891 hectares) |
| Annual Snowfall: | 500 in | (1,270 cm) |
| Longest Run: | 16,800 ft | (5,121 m) |
| Snowmaking: | 2 % | |
| Number of Lifts: | 11 | |
| Uphill Lift Capacity: | 11,248 per hour | |
| Types of Lifts: | 4 Surface Tows 3 Double Chairs 2 Triple Chairs 2 High Speed Quad |
|
| Number of Trails: | 116 | |
| TRAIL RATINGS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Easiest: | 25% | |
| More Difficult: | 40% | |
| Most Difficult: | 35% | |
| Experts Only: | 0% | Trail ratings indicate the relative difficulty of the runs within a given ski area and are not meant to be used for comparison between ski areas. |
| AREA DETAILS | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Skiing: | Yes | ||||||
| Heli-Skiing: | Yes | ||||||
| Snowcat Skiing: | Yes | ||||||
| Cross Country: | 10 km | ||||||
| Snowshoe Trails: | Yes | ||||||





