Reforesting Alta, one tree at a time.
Join us on the mountain for our biggest volunteer day of the year as we plant roughly 1,500 Engelmann spruce saplings across Alta's slopes.
Each year, the Alta Environmental Center works with the U.S. Forest Service to plant native trees across the mountain. Cones collected at Alta are sent to a Forest Service grower in Idaho, where they spend a year strengthening their roots. Come fall, the young trees return to Alta, ready to be planted with the help of our community. Our goal is to increase the age diversity of the tree species here at Alta and aid in regeneration.
This event involves hiking in challenging, off-trail terrain and using hand tools to plant each tree. Participants should be prepared for strenuous activity—we recommend it for those with intermediate to advanced hiking experience. After a rewarding day of planting, we'll gather at the base area to enjoy a free lunch and beverages as we celebrate our collective effort. Registration required >
when
Saturday, September 20th | 8am–1pm
Where
Alta Ski Area | Location TBD
About
- Registration for this event is full—email environment@alta.com to join the waitlist
- Participants must be at least 12 years of age
- This event is recommended for hikers with intermediate to advanced abilities
Roots of reforestation
The earliest documented reforestation efforts in Alta date back to 1933, led by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). After decades of mining starting in the mid-1800s, Little Cottonwood Canyon was left completely devoid of trees, making Alta a dangerous area prone to deadly avalanches, landslides, diseases and polluted water. During the Great Depression, Utah aimed to expand its outdoor recreation industry while providing more jobs and revenue to the community. Alf Engen was tasked with scouting the next prime location for Utah's newest ski area. Upon discovering Alta, he realized it had great potential, but it needed one crucial element—trees.
This marked the beginning of reforestation efforts, as the CCC spent the next seven years planting trees in Little Cottonwood Canyon to make Alta a safer place for recreation. Since then, tree planting has taken place almost every year at Alta Ski Area, with over 42,924 trees planted since 1991.
1919 vs 2019
With the support of our community, we continue this tradition of reforestation by planting approximately 1,500 native saplings every fall. This long-term commitment aims to restore the landscape, strengthen the watershed and protect the alpine environment for future generations. This work is far from finished—but with your help, we’re making lasting progress, one tree at a time.
Learn more about Alta's ongoing land conservation efforts >
