Young skiers enjoy the SKE-cology interactive exhibits on the slopes of Alta Ski Area

Explore Alta's mountain ecology.

Alta has transformed the great outdoors into our classroom with ten interpretive signs hidden throughout the slopes of Sunnyside. Each sign reveals fascinating facts about Alta’s ecology, geology, wildlife, history and more! SKE-COLOGY is a self-guided scavenger hunt that allows you to explore Alta while discovering what makes the mountain unique. This program began in the 1990s as a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, Vail Mountain Resort and Alta Ski Area and was initially designed for ski school groups and beginner skiers. Over the years, it has evolved into a year-round educational experience for skiers and hikers of all ages and skill levels.

Grab some popcorn and take a front-row seat for a SKE-COLOGY adventure with Ella and Juni

To join this adventure, follow the map to search for the signs and turn your day outside into a hands-on learning experience—whether you are skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer.

Want to add a little adventure to your day on the mountain? Here's how:

  1. Grab your SKE-COLOGY map and start at the top of the Sunnyside lift
  2. Begin your search for all 10 hidden interpretive signs
  3. Read each sign and challenge yourself to answer the questions provided
  4. Check off each sign you find along the way to track your progress

Have fun, ski in control and follow the trail map as you explore Alta.

Winter SKE-COLOGY Map

Map Coordinates

If you have a GPS device, enter the following coordinates to find the hidden SKE-COLOGY signs throughout Sunnyside. The signs are located within a 15-foot radius of the provided coordinates.

  1. 40.58227° N, 111.61669° W
  2. 40.58513° N, 111.61767° W
  3. 40.58688° N, 111.62303° W
  4. 40.58780° N, 111.62426° W
  5. 40.58782° N, 111.62443° W
  6. 40.57977° N, 111.62038° W
  7. 40.58134° N, 111.62186° W
  8. 40.58560° N, 111.62453° W
  9. 40.58780° N, 111.62426° W
  10. 140.58334° N, 111.61943° W

*Coordinates are subject to change

summer ske-cology

SKE-COLOOGY Summer Map

SKE-COLOGY K-12 UTAH EDUCATOR'S HANDBOOK

With the trademarked SKE-COLOGY program, we’ve revamped the content to focus more specifically on Alta’s unique ecology. While preserving the original program’s vision, we’ve designed the updated version to be easily adapted by ski areas and parks nationwide. This allows the program to highlight the local wildlife and ecosystems of any region while maintaining its core themes of watersheds, recreational etiquette, conservation and more!

Download the SKE-COLOGY Handbook