Family Ski Resort Guide | Alta Ski Area

The moment you step on the snow at Alta Ski Area you immediately feel a powerful sense of history. When the silver mines shuttered, famed Norwegian skiing legend Alf Engen submitted a proposal to the U.S. Forest Service in 1935, declaring Alta possessed the perfect landscape for a future ski resort. The first chairlift in Utah and one of the first in America began spinning in 1939—you can learn Alta history more here.

Alta is about as family-friendly a resort as you’ll find. From gently sloping learner’s areas to gnarly chutes, legendary powder snow, steeps and trees, Alta has enough variety and expanse to keep any family busy for generations. The community, history, scenery, and charm are what makes Alta a world-class, skiers-only destination. 

ALTA'S LOCATION
Alta Ski Area is located near Salt Lake City at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon just beyond Snowbird. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below:

Salt Lake City: 33 miles – 45 minutes
Provo: 48 miles – 1 hour, 20 minutes
Ogden: 69 miles – 1.5 hours
Logan: 113 miles – 2 hours, 15 minutes
St. George: 305 miles – 4 hours, 45 minutes

In a 5th Grader’s Words:
“Alta feels different than other places I've skied because there are so many different runs and you just feel really free there. I like Alta because it has so many secret stashes and nooks.” - Grace, Age 10

Alta's Terrain & Mountain Stats

Skiable Acres: 2,614 Acres
Vertical Drop: 2,538 Feet
Number of Runs: 119
Average Snowfall: 546"
Terrain: 15% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 55% Advanced
Chairlifts: 5, 2 Surface Conveyers
Night Skiing: None

Deals at Alta 
For kids (and adults) who are learning, Alta offers a $99 Sunnyside at 3 season pass that grants daily access to the Sunnyside chairlift from 3-4:30PM. The Sunnyside chair primarily services gentle blue and green runs that are ideal for beginners to practice their skills with an affordable ski pass option. Season passes for children 6 and younger are just $109. 

 

A Note About Interlodge
Specifically because snowfall rates in Little Cottonwood Canyon can reach extreme levels, the town of Alta does occasionally impose Interlodge Restrictions. When in place, Interlodge requires all guests to remain indoors while crews mitigate the avalanche danger. This means it is illegal to leave the building, travel between buildings, or drive on Highway 210.

 

Interlodge restrictions are typically implemented overnight and only affect hotel guests. On very rare occassions, midday road closures or midday Interlodge restrictions may be imposed to allow crews to perform mitigation work. Guests should follow all instructions from staff or hotel personnel in the event of Interlodge. 

 

 

Pro Tip: If you have beginners, be sure to check out the Sunnyside at 3 program, which offers affordable packages for accessing Alta's beginner terrain in the late afternoon. 

There are steeper blue and black runs off the Sugarloaf Chairlift, accessible via Sunnyside. The easiest blue trail is Little Dipper. A nice long and winding blue run is Devil’s Elbow; Rollercoaster is a much steeper and thrilling blue route back down to the Sugarloaf chairlift. Advanced skiers will enjoy Sugar Bowl or Keyhole Gulch and in the aftermath of a powder storm, a bracing sidestepping hike up into the Devil’s Castle will get the blood pumping. Additional steep terrain, the legendary powder of Catherine’s Area, tree skiing, and a handful of swooping groomers are available off the Supreme Chairlift for strong intermediate and advanced skiers.

If coming from Sugarloaf, Supreme, or Sunnyside, the Wildcat Base area can be accessed via the Transfer Tow or the East Baldy Traverse. There are no easy runs from the Wildcat Base due to the steep slopes; all runs are rated blue or black. Perennial favorites include any of the steep terrain off the High Traverse, Fred’s Trees, and the playful terrain surrounding the charming, old Wildcat lift. Note that there is only one blue cat track run off Wildcat, Aggie’s Alley; the remaining terrain off the Wildcat chair is all rated for expert/advanced skiers.

Pro Tip: Be warned, blue or black-rated trails at Alta are often more difficult than what you may have come to expect at other resorts!

 

 

Little Cottonwood Canyon can experience major road delays in the event of big storms, holiday or powder weekends, or necessary avalanche mitigation. You should always check road conditions in inclement weather and never attempt a drive up either of the Cottonwood Canyons without proper tires and 4WD, AWD, or chains. Consider traveling during off-peak periods and use public transit or carpooling. It is not permitted to camp overnight in a vehicle at Alta or anywhere in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

 

THE UDOT TRACTION LAW
In times of heavy snowfall, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will implement a mandatory Traction Law. It is required by law to ensure you have appropriate traction devices or tires for winter driving. For current road status, you can check the UDOT Twitter Account.

Tickets are issued for drivers who defy the requirments. For this reason, it's a great choice to ride the UTA Ski Bus! 

Pro Tip: If driving down a 10% grade in a howling blizzard during a whiteout isn't your jam, consider public transport or one of the many shuttle services. It can snow more than an inch per hour in the Cottonwood Canyons and unprepared visitors often cause hours-long traffic jams by sliding off the road or causing dangerous accidents. 

 

THE UTA SKI BUS
The UTA Ski Bus service allows skiers to avoid driving and helps reduce canyon and parking congestion. In the winter months, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), runs daily service from November or December through April. Route 994 services Little Cottonwood Canyon at 30-minute intervals during peak hours from the Historic Sandy Station. Check the UTA website for a current schedule and read our Guide to Ride the Ski Bus.

WEEKEND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
To encourage carpooling and alleviate pressures on parking inventory, Alta has implemented mandatory parking reservations on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and during peak holiday periods from mid-Dec through March. A parking reservation is required to park on weekends from 8AM to 1PM. After 1PM, you can park on weekends without a reservation. Parking reservations are free for qualifying passholders and $25 for Mountain Collective or IKON passholders. Those who purchase lift tickets will need a $10 parking reservation. Use this webpage for current info. You can always check the status of the parking lot using the Alta Alerts Twitter account.

 

A good number of reserved ADA parking spots are located in both the Wildcat and Albion parking lots.

 

Alta has two main base areas, Wildcat (near the Wildcat and Collins chairlifts) and the Albion Base Area located further up the canyon (near the Sunnyside lift). Daily rental lockers are located near ski school, the basement of the Albion Grill, and the Goldminer’s Daughter; Alta Java provides overnight ski check.

Ski lessons will depart from the Alf Engen Ski School building at the Albion Base, so it’s best to park here if lessons are on the menu or gentler terrain is desired. You can head inside the Albion Grill and get ready there before making your way to the Ski School building to check in. The grill is also a nice spot for non-skiers to hang out or wait for lessons to wrap up. Lift tickets can be purchased from the top level of the Ski School building.

From the Wildcat Base Area, you may head indoors to the Slopeside Café in the Goldminer's Daughter Lodge to grab an espresso or snack here before starting your day. Lift tickets can be purchased from the Wildcat Ticket Office adjacent to the Collins lift. Note that there is no easy terrain on this side, so if you have beginning or beginner/intermediate skiers, it’s best to park at the Albion Base Area and start your day there.

Since 1948, the Alf Engen Ski School has built on decades of tradition, helping skiers develop their confidence all across the storied slopes of Alta. Alta divides their adult and children’s lessons into various groups based on experience and ability level. Lessons are offered in half, full, and multi-day blocks. Alta provides a good number of clinics, workshops, camps and seasonal programs, and even telemark skiing lessons; check their website for current offerings. The Alf Engen Ski School is located at the Albion Base adjacent to the Albion Grill.

Adult Lessons
Lessons for adult skiers are offered in group or private settings to develop skills, explore more terrain and have fun meeting like-minded skiers. Options span the entire spectrum from beginner group lessons to expert off-piste workshops. Private lessons are available for adult skiers interested in honing either alpine or Telemark technique. Reservations are required for private lessons. Check out the options for guided skiing and early-bird access.

Children's Lessons
Group lessons for children are broken down into several levels. Gear rental is not included in lesson pricing.

First-Time Ski Adventures (Ages 4-12)
These lessons are for those who are first-time skiers and provide an introduction to skiing. Students will learn how to complete consistent wedge turns and speed control on easy green slopes. Lessons offered in 2 and 4 hour blocks.

Advanced Beginner-Intermediate (Ages 4-12)
Children will learn and fine tune the art of parallel turns and hone the skills needed to explore green and blue terrain safely. Ski equipment and lift ticket not included.

Advanced Mountain Explorers (Ages 7-Early Teen)
More experienced skiers will learn skills to access the mountain with confidence while focusing on intermediate to advanced terrain progression. Ski equipment and lift ticket not included.

Advanced and Expert Mountain Explorers (Ages 7-17)
Alta's top ski instructors will work with advanced-level children to refine their skills and confidently navigate around the entire mountain. Lessons are offered in 5-hour or 2.5-hour blocks. Ski equipment and lift ticket not included. Young adults aged 13-17 are placed in the Teen Mountain Explorers.

Children's Private Lessons (Ages 4 & Up)
Children four and up can be booked into private lessons that tailor the class to the child’s skill and area of focus. Parents may join children on their private lesson and several different lengths of lessons are offered.

 

Alta has a handful of shops offering boot fitting, demos, rentals, and a wide selection of ski equipment and accessories in addition to exceptional logo gear. There are a variety of shops available both on the mountain and at each base area.

At the Wildcat Base, rentals are located in the Wildcat Ticket Building in the Alta Ski Shop for alpine, Telemark and Nordic skis, and snowshoes. Package deals are available for multi-day rentals. Skiers are welcome to swap out demo skis during the day as conditions change. Brands include Atomic, Dynastar, DPS, Elan, Kastle, Nordica, Wagner, and WNDR. Tuning services and overnight ski check are also offered. 

For those visiting the Albion Day Lodge, the Alta Ski Shop is located beneath the grill near the Alta Java coffee shop.

 

Four of Alta’s five lodges offer ski-in/ski-out access. The newest lodge, completely rebuilt in stunning mountain modern style, is The Snowpine Lodge. This 5-star luxury hotel offers exquisite views, fine dining, a world-class spa, and beautiful rooms. 

A more traditional Alta experience can be had by booking a few nights in the Alta Peruvian Lodge, the Goldminer's Daughter Lodge or the Alta Lodge. Many different options are available ranging from simple dorm rooms to luxe suites. High-class lodging can also be secured at the Rustler Lodge. All lodges, excluding the Alta Peruvian, feature ski-in/ski-out access. It is a short walk across the parking lot from the Alta Peruvian Lodge or they offer a free shuttle service to either base area.





For those lapping Sugarloaf, Supreme or Sunnyside, the Albion Grill or Alf's Restaurant is ideally situated for a hot meal or snack. Indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views are guaranteed. Alf’s is a fun spot to stop off and admire the collection of antique skis, photos, and Alta memorabilia dating back to the 1800’s. Downstairs at snow level there is also the Cecret Coffee for quick on-snow access to coffee and grab-and-go food from a pick-up window. The Albion Grill at the Albion base area is a convenient place to fuel the kids after lessons. Locals favor Alta Java for a quick snack; it’s a little walk-up coffee shop beneath Albion Grill with piping hot empanadas, grilled paninis, and the best coffee around.

Over on the other side of the resort, most folks opt to stop off and warm up or grab a meal at the Watson Cafe. Superb views of Mount Superior and Mount Baldy can be enjoyed here along with an extensive menu of salads, pizza, soups, chili, sandwiches, and daily specials. Watson Cafe is convenient because it is located mid-mountain near the Collins chairlift angle station. Great coffee, espresso drinks, and snacks are whipped up daily at Baldy Brews with a few outdoor tables. A full-service, fine dining restaurant, The Collins Grill, is located on the 3rd floor of the Watson shelter featuring a European style bistro menu.

At the Wildcat base, cafeteria-style food, espresso drinks, and adult beverages are served out of the Goldminer’s Daughter from the Slopeside Café which features a sunroom and patio seating. 

Alta offers childcare out of the Alf Engen Ski School building through a state-licensed and full-service daycare called the Alta Children’s Center. Children two months to age 12 are welcome to spend the day here and will enjoy world-class care and excellent, nutritious food offerings. Many different packages are available and childcare is guaranteed for every reservation made 24-hours or more in advance. The center is conveniently located upstairs above the ski school.