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An Insiders Guide to Alta Ski Area

An Insiders Guide to Alta Ski Area

By Adam Fehr 12-19-2017

Alta is a skier’s paradise—ski it like an insider

The resort’s motto "Alta is for skiers" is a profound understatement. Blessed with geography that invites some of the best snow quality in the west, spread over more than four square miles, and lift-served terrain of more than 2,500 vertical feet, Alta is a skier’s paradise, but if you're new to the ski area it will help to have some tips from some Alta insiders.

DAY 1: Explore the Albion Basin

WHERE TO START On DAY One

Take Little Cottonwood Canyon’s Highway 210 all the way to Albion Base. The adventure begins at the Albion Day Lodge. Lift tickets are available just steps from the car or the bus stop, where you can also stop by the ski school offices and ask about a two-hour ski lesson with the Alf Engen Ski School. If the kids aren't quite ready to hit the slopes, check out the Alta Children's Center.

To fuel up in the morning try the breakfast specials at the Albion Grill or stop by Alta Java for a hand-crafted coffee and a breakfast burrito.

Group of young skiers sitting with coffee at Alta Java

Need some gear? The Alta Ski Shop at Albion has everything you'll need for a day on the slopes, located just down the steps from the Albion Grill.

WHERE TO WARM-UP

Time to hit the slopes. Hop in line for Sunnyside lift and ride it up for your first chance to sit and take it all in. The starting point for beginners is the Crooked Mile, which cruises back down to the bottom of Sunnyside. Intermediates should warm up on Blue Bell or Race Arena. Experts should test their skill on Vail Ridge. All of these set you up to lap Sunnyside lift until you are sufficiently warmed up and ready for the rest of the mountain.

WHERE TO STEP IT UP

Sugarloaf chairlift heading up the slope with skiers riding.

From the top of Sunnyside, ski over to the Sugarloaf area via Dipsy Doodle. Beginners can take a few laps on Home Run before progressing to the blue runs near Sunnyside. Intermediates should go straight to Sugarloaf lift and ski down Devil’s Elbow to the Supreme lift. Exit to the right and take Upper Big Dipper to Big Dipper back down to the Sugarloaf base. Experts may want to skip the blue terrain and drop Sugar Bowl or Gravy Boat from Sugarloaf lift, then use Devil’s Elbow and Supreme Access to get on the Supreme lift, and explore Supreme’s menagerie of black terrain until it’s time for lunch.

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE

Dining room view window of the bottom of Supreme chairlift

If you are busy ripping it up in Albion area, pause for lunch at Alf’s Restaurant, which is right at the base of the Sugarloaf lift. If you find yourself back at the very bottom, Albion Grill in the day-lodge building is a quick and tasty cafeteria with great views.

WHICH SLOPES TO HIT

Before the end of the day, beginners should do all the green runs near the Sunnyside lift. Intermediates should definitely do Sleepy Hollow and 3 Bears for fun rides from Supreme lift, and also can explore some mellow tree skiing off the left side of Supreme Access. Experts should try at least one of the black-diamond chutes to skiers’ left of Supreme lift, and you won’t want to miss out on the aptly-named So Long, on the other side of Supreme.

WHERE TO APRES-SKI

When the lifts close, put up your tired dogs at the "P Dog," more formally known as The Peruvian Bar in the Alta Peruvian Lodge. This bar is known for fun vibes and great microbrews, with a cast of regulars that includes internationals and locals alike.

Group of young skiers "cheersing" beers on outside deck of Goldminer's Daughter's cafe

In addition to the P Dog and Sitzmark, skiers can check out the Goldminer's Saloon, known for fun vibes, great microbrews and a cast of characters that include internationals and locals alike.

DAY Two | Test Your Skills at the Wildcat Base Area

WHERE TO START dAY Two

Once you've mastered the terrain and lodges of the Albion Basin, it's time to try something new. The Wildcat base area is home to more advanced terrain and a few different lodges to explore. Start your day with a delicious breakfast and coffee from the Slopeside Cafe at the Goldminer's Daughter Lodge, just steps from the Wildcat parking lot and bus stop. Lift tickets and rentals and demo gear are available from the Alta Ski Shop in the Wildcat Ticket Office.

WHAT SLOPES TO HIT

This is the day to step it up. Intermediates and experts should spend the day in Wildcat Area, on Collins and Wildcat lifts. For an introductory run, ski Mambo to Meadow to Corkscrew for a huge amount of vert and a glimpse of some of Alta’s most iconic expert terrain. This is the easier way down, so lower intermediates can take this route too, but there are no green runs here. Another option for intermediates is to ride Collins and traverse over to Sugarloaf’s blues and the Albion Area via Devil’s Way. A must-do intermediate run from Collins lift is Ballroom, a wide bowl that collects superb powder and offers a chance at untracked real estate.

Woman skiing fresh snow on a moderate slope.

From Wildcat lift, check out Aggie’s Alley, and if that feels good, try Johnson’s Warm Up for an intro black diamond. Experts will want to move on to the High Traverse, the access road that leads from Collins lift to some of the steepest shots on the mountain. Alf’s High Rustler and Gunsight are two requisites for any aspiring Alta steep skier.

WHERE TO GO FOR MID-DAY FUEL

If not eating at your lodge, the Collins Grill is the place to grab a bite in the Wildcat Area. It is located one floor above Watson Cafe in Watson Shelter.

Waiter bringing plates of desert to table at Collin's grill, a mid mountain restaurant

After lunch, make the most of your last hours at Alta by repeating your favorite runs, or finding that inspiring line you spotted from the lift and sending it.

WHY COME BACK?

No matter how much action you can squeeze into one weekend, Alta is sure to leave you craving more. Alta is known worldwide and all it takes is one solid trip to see why. Use these insider tips to maximize your weekend. You may soon find yourself an Alta Ski Area insider.

Written by Jesse Weber for RootsRated Media
Updated 3/13/19 by Adam Fehr
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