Welcome to Alta Ski Area, a skiers-only mountain nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah's Wasatch Mountain Range. Alta Ski Area is one of North America's first ski areas, founded in 1938 with the help of the US Forest Service and the Utah Winter Sports Association. Alta is known for its quality and quantity of snow, averaging 548 inches annually. It is also one of three ski areas in North America that does not permit snowboards on its lifts.
Our mission is to provide an authentic skiing experience in a natural mountain environment. Our 2,614 skiable acres and 2,538 vertical feet of skiing are accessed by five lifts and a transfer tow that connects the Wildcat and Albion base areas. Traversing or hiking to access parts of the ski area is part of the Alta experience. With just five lifts servicing so much terrain, Alta skiers are invited to further explore the mountain off-piste using their own power. It may feel old-fashioned, but we do not have a terrain park, roller coasters or even heated seats on our lifts.
Alta Ski Area has been an Ikon partner destination since the inaugural launch of the Ikon Pass for the 2018–19 season. Multi-resort passes, such as the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective, have become flexible pass options used by first-time and deeply rooted Alta skiers. We welcome all skiers to come and experience the magic and charm of our mountain.
Ikon Pass Access
Your 2025–26 Ikon Pass provides direct-to-lift skiing at Alta and Snowbird. Skiers can choose to start their day at either Snowbird or Alta.
- Ikon Pass: 7 days | Ikon Pass provides seven days of skiing between Alta and Snowbird
- Winter Holidays: December 27–31, 2025
- MLK Weekend: January 17–18, 2026
- Presidents' Weekend: February 14–15, 2026
Alta accepts the Ikon Pass, but the Ikon Base Pass is not valid at Alta
Ikon Friends & Family Discounts
Receive 25% off the purchase of an Alta day pass or an Alta-Bird day pass for a friend or family member (not yourself), available the day of at any ticket window. You must be present at the time of purchase to receive this discount. Discounted passes can only be purchased at the ticket window and are not available online.
We do not provide an Ikon discount on food and beverage, retail and rental or other services.
Parking reservations are required Friday–Sunday & holiday periods from 8am–1pm
Ikon Parking Reservations
- Parking reservations are required Friday–Sunday & holiday periods from 8am–1pm
- Week-of parking reservations are released every Sunday at 3pm (MST)—set a reminder.
- Parking reservations begin December 12, 2025
- Parking and ski area facilities open at 8am
Ikon Passholders can purchase parking reservations for $25, ride the UTA Ski Bus for free or plan to park and ski after 1pm on weekends or holidays.
Mountain Collective Access
The 2025–26 Mountain Collective Pass provides two days at Alta Ski Area—with no blackout dates—and half-off additional days.
- Two days at Alta Ski Area
- Additional ski days will be charged 50% of the daily ticket window price
- The physical Mountain Collective pass is direct-to-lift
- Physical passes can be printed at the Wildcat Ticket Office, Skier Services or the Albion Ticket Office
Mountain Collective Parking Reservations
- Parking reservations are required Friday–Sunday & holiday periods from 8am–1pm
- Week-of parking reservations are released every Sunday at 3pm (MST)—set a reminder.
- Parking reservations begin December 12, 2025
- Parking and ski area facilities open at 8am
Mountain Collective Passholders can purchase parking reservations for $25, ride the UTA Ski Bus or plan to park and ski after 1pm on weekends or holidays.
Additional resources
Alta 101: Tips for skiing Alta
Enjoy some tips and tricks for making the most of your time at Alta.
- Alta 101 : Navigating Two Base Areas >
- Alta 101 : Traversing
- Alta 101 : Using Your Pass
- Alta 101 : Skiing the Fall Line
First Time Skiing Alta?
Everything that makes Alta magical also contributes to the distinct nuances that make it unique. The town, access and the way the mountain is skied are likely different than other mountains you have skied.
The Alf Engen Ski School at Alta Ski Area
The Alf Engen Ski School offers reservations for kid's class lessons and camps as well as adult class lessons.
Online Rental and Demo reservations with the Alta Ski Shop
Did you know? You can now make online reservations for your rental and demo ski gear from the Alta Ski Shop. Order ahead, skip the line and pick up your gear at the Albion ski shop location.
Highway 210—Little Cottonwood Canyon
Alta Ski Area is located at 8,530 feet at the top of a dead-end canyon road. Highway 210 is the only route in and out of Alta. Enjoy the incredible views on your 4,000-foot climb from the Salt Lake Valley to Alta, but remember, weather and driving conditions can deteriorate rapidly in Little Cottonwood Canyon. All drivers must be prepared for hazardous conditions and be capable of navigating slippery, icy and snow-covered roads.
On snowy days, The Utah Department of Transit will implement the Traction Law to ensure all drivers have an appropriate vehicle with capable tires or chains. Check the forecast to plan your commute to Alta and consider leaving early if the weather will turn inclement. If you don't feel comfortable driving in winter conditions on a steep and winding road, hire a shuttle or take the UTA Ski Bus.
During winter storm cycles, road closures occur frequently and the Traction Law will be implemented.
Steeped In Tradition
Alta Ski Area and Sweetgrass Productions have teamed up to create an award-winning video series that highlights the unique characters—past and present—that embody the spirit of Alta.