Exploring Alta’s avian world on skis.
Join Tracy Aviary's team of Conservation Biologists for our bi-weekly, non-breeding bird surveys at Alta—on skis! Explore the mountain alongside expert birders to learn how to identify Alta's avian residents by sight and sound as we gather essential data for the ongoing Alta Bird Monitoring program—led by the Alta Environmental Center and Tracy Aviary. Whether you're new to birding or an experienced observer, these tours offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow skiers while discovering more about Alta's diverse ecosystem and its long-standing history of birding on skis.
Tours take place on the first and third Thursdays of each month, from December to April. We will ski on intermediate groomed runs and some off-piste terrain to reach the best birding locations. All participants must be at least 12 years old and able to ski intermediate terrain.
*Tours are weather permitting
when
First and third Thursdays of the month | 9am–noon
December 3rd
December 17th
January 7th
January 21st
February 4th
February 18th
March 4th
March 19th
April 1st
April 17th | Alta Earth Day
Where
Alta Ski Area | Location disclosed with registration
about
A valid lift ticket or season pass is required to participate
Participants must be at least 12 years of age and able to ski intermediate groomed runs
Alta Bird Monitoring Program
Very little is known about the resilient birds that have adapted to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of the Wasatch Mountains. Since 2015, the Alta Environmental Center has collaborated with Tracy Aviary to study local bird populations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This research aims to better understand which species inhabit the area, the roles they play in the ecosystem, how they have adapted to high-elevation habitats and how we can implement bird-friendly practices in the ski area to protect and preserve their homes.
We invite the public to participate in our studies by joining us for our monthly, year-round surveys—Birding Hikes in the summer and Birding on Skis in the winter—led by Tracy Aviary's Conservation Biologist and Citizen Scientist. Participants of all experience levels can help document bird species, examine their habitats and learn bird identification skills. All data collected is uploaded to eBird, which aids in tracking population trends and informs conservation efforts within the Alta community.
Learn more about the Alta Bird Monitoring program >
Partners
For more information, please email environment@alta.com.
