A.E.C. Winter Events

Every year, the Alta Environmental Center (AEC) and its partners, the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Tracy Aviary, and the U.S. Forest Service Salt Lake Ranger District host winter events that are open to the public. These events provide an opportunity to learn more about the ecology and environment of Alta and Little Cottonwood Canyon, as well as the critters that call Alta home. Make plans to join us at one of our many winter events.

If you can't make it to Alta for one of these great events, follow along with some of Alta Environmental Center's ongoing studies. Alta Ski Area, along with WildUtah, Tracy Aviary, Utah State University, and the Utah Department of Natural Resources, have partnered in a Black Rosy-finch study to gain the baseline information needed to keep these birds thriving.

Click here to learn more about the Black Rosy-Finch study

Birding On Skis

Join an expert birder from the Tracy Aviary on skis in search of our feathered friends that call Alta home. This is a great educational opportunity for the bird lover in you. Get a complimentary pass for the tour, or get a half-off day pass to continue skiing once the tour is complete. Surveys will be held from 9am-Noon on the 2nd Friday of each month (weather dependent), starting in December 2019 through April 2020, and registration is required.

Click here to register for Birding on Skis

Birding On Skis Dates:

• January 10, 2020
• February 14, 2020
• March 13, 2020
• April 10, 2020

Ski With A Ranger

In coordination with Cottonwood Canyons Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service Salt Lake Ranger District, join a volunteer Naturalist Ranger for an informative and fun learning experience. Bring the whole family! The complimentary 45-minute tour starts at the top of Sunnyside lift at 1pm, and will be held on Saturdays and Sundays starting in January. Ski down an easy run while learning about the geology, history, winter ecology, watershed, wildlife, and more, of Alta. No registration is required, however, a lift ticket or season pass is required. The first tour will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2020, and tours will be held every Saturday and Sunday through March 29th, 2020.

Ski With A Ranger Dates:

• January 2020: 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, & 25-26
• February 2020: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, & 29th
• March: 1st 2020, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, & 28-29

Snowshoe With A Naturalist

Join in on a nature tour led by a volunteer Naturalist Ranger in coordination with the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation to introduce you to the winter wonders of Alta on snowshoes. A great option for those who aren’t as comfortable on skis, or for anyone looking for a slower-paced tour. Look for wildlife tracks and droppings in the snow and learn about animal adaptations, trees, and the history of Alta and Little Cottonwood Canyon. You’ll feel connected to the land we call home and learn about the delicate balance of the mountain environment. Registration and a $10 fee is required to attend (note: the fee supports the Cottonwood Canyon Foundation).

Click here to register for Snowshoe with a Naturalist

Snowshoe with a Naturalist Dates

• January 25, 2020
• February 22, 2020
• March 28, 2020
• April 18, 2020