Welcome to Alta, a snowbound sanctuary for skiers. Since 1938, Alta Ski Area has provided a quintessential skiing experience among the high peaks of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. Though famous for deep powder and steep skiing, the gentler slopes of Albion Basin offer ideal terrain for beginning and intermediate skiers.
If you are experiencing Alta for the first time, we invite you to discover our locals' tips for an unforgettable visit. Approaching and enjoying Alta may look a little different than the routine of visiting other mountain destinations, and that’s what makes a visit unforgettable.
Snowboarding is not permitted at Alta Ski Area.
The charm and incomparable alpine atmosphere are what guests of Alta remember most. The ephemeral “Alta Magic” can’t be explained—it can only be experienced among the granite peaks and bountiful snow. Perhaps you’ll even catch one of our legendary Interlodge powder storms. What sets Alta apart can be attributed to the sense of tradition and a focus on slowing down to savor the beautiful natural surroundings. Understanding a few of the nuances that differentiate Alta will enhance a first-timer’s immersion and inspire you to soon return.
A lone skier unlocks a moment of "Alta Magic" | Photo: Photo-John
First Timer Tips.
- For the greatest value on lift tickets, purchase ahead of time on Alta.com
- Mountain Collective or Ikon passholders can ski direct-to-lift, more info here
- Parking reservations are required Fri-Sun and during holiday periods—overnight parking and camping are not permitted
- Check on current road conditions, webcams and road closures for avalanche mitigation via the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) dashboard
- View Alta’s Mountain Cams, Snow Report and weather conditions to plan your day
- Alta has two base areas, decide if the Wildcat or Albion base area is right for you
- Forget something? The Alta Ski Shops provide rentals and stock gear, accessories, outerwear, logo merchandise and more
- Day-use rental lockers are located at the Wildcat base inside the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge or at the Albion base in the upper level of the Albion Lodge with cubbies located on the lower level of the Albion Lodge
- Learn traversing tips, how to explore the mountain, when ski patrol opens powder terrain and more with our Alta 101 videos
- Discover the incredible history and inspiring stories of Alta with our Steeped in Tradition video series
Alta Ski Patrollers wake early to perform avalanche mitigation and provide Alta skiers with unforgettable powder runs | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Getting Here.
Alta is located 26 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, 32 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport and 42 miles from Park City. Visitors are often surprised by how dramatically the weather and temperatures can differ between Salt Lake City and Alta. Over 6,200 feet in elevation lie between downtown and where skiers unload the Sugarloaf lift at 10,500 feet above sea level. The prodigious snowfall that makes Little Cottonwood Canyon world famous may impact your arrival to Alta during periods of intense snowfall. We advise all travelers to prepare for their journey.
Driving To Alta
The route to Alta climbs uphill for 8 miles with a steep grade of 7.2–11.7%. Sixty-four avalanche paths cross the road, earning Highway 210 the highest avalanche hazard index of any major road in America. To mitigate the avalanche risk, The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will routinely implement temporary or overnight road closures to perform explosives work and plow the highway. The stunning and dramatic scenery carved by glaciers will leave a memorable impression but the road commands respect and proper traction devices.
Tips on driving to Alta and Traction Law requirements >
UDOT will implement the Traction Law in the event of inclement weather or forecasted snow—it is every driver's responsibility to abide the Traction Law requirements to promote safe travel.
It's a massive effort to keep Highway 210 open with 543 inches of annual snowfall—road closures are not uncommon | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Parking
Parking reservations are required at Alta Ski Area and within the Town of Alta from Friday–Sunday & holidays from 8am–1pm. The parking reservation system provides Alta skiers with the assurance that there will be a parking space and allows the ski area to better manage skier capacity for an enjoyable experience.
Tips for parking and how to make a parking reservation >
Parking reservations are required Friday–Sunday & holidays from 8am–1pm.
Alta's parking lots open at 8am | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Private Transportation & Shuttle Services
Guests of the lodges near Alta or Snowbird have no need for a rental car and can avoid winter driving and the hassle of digging out their vehicle after an extended stay. Many shuttle options exist for transportation to Alta from the Salt Lake City International Airport or transfers from Park City. Once you’ve arrived at Alta, hotel shuttles or the Town of Alta’s resort shuttle can get you where you need to go—including Snowbird.
Tips on arrival and getting around Alta >
Public Transportation to Alta
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Ski Bus is a great option for those who don’t enjoy winter driving or have vehicles that do not meet UDOT's Traction Law requirements. The Ski Bus can also deliver you to Alta on weekends or holidays if you don’t have a parking reservation. The fare to Alta is $5.00 and Salt Lake Ski Super Pass and Ikon passholders can ride the UTA Ski Bus routes for free. A benefit of riding the Ski Bus is that UDOT will often provide priority access to buses on mornings when the canyon is closed for avalanche mitigation.
Tips on riding the Ski Bus to Alta >
Ditch stressful winter driving and enjoy the scenery when riding the UTA Ski Bus | Photo: Utah Transit Authority
NAVIGATING TWO BASE AREAS—Wildcat & Albion
Alta offers two launching points, the Wildcat and Albion base areas. The two are connected via a ride on skis along the Transfer Tow or catching the Town of Alta Resort Shuttle. Strong skiers can navigate between the two base areas via the upper mountain on blue or black-rated ski runs. Each base area's distinct amenities will dictate where to launch your day, so it’s best to plan ahead.
View a complete list of services and amenities at each base area >
Wildcat Base Area
Ideal for Intermediate & Expert Skiers. Intermediate and expert skiers typically park in the Wildcat parking lot and use the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge as their home base. The ski runs serviced by the Wildcat and Collins lifts are rated black and blue; there is no beginner terrain available from these lifts.
Albion Base Area
Ideal for Beginners & Families. The upper Albion base is ideal for beginners, adaptive skiers, families and those taking a beginner or intermediate ski lesson with the Alf Engen Ski School. The Albion base facilities include the Alf Engen Ski School, childcare, accessible restrooms, a restaurant, coffee shop, ski beach, indoor and outdoor seating, cubbies and a lounge area for skiers. Alta's beginner learning area with the Big Griz and Little Griz conveyors is nearby, as is the Sunnyside lift which services green and blue ski runs.
Ikon & Mountain Collective Passes.
Your Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective Pass provides direct-to-lift access at Alta Ski Area—skip the ticket window and head straight to the lift line. The Ikon Base Pass is not valid at Alta.
If you need to print or pick up a replacement pass, you can do so at Skier Services and the Wildcat Ticket Office in the Wildcat base area or the Albion Ticket Office at the Albion base area.
Tips for Ikon or Mountain Collective passholders >
Enjoying The Alta Vibe.
Our motto is “Come for the skiing. Stay for the skiing.” You won’t find heated sidewalks, bubble lifts or an upscale village with designer labels here at Alta. You will find sublime views, unparalleled powder skiing, a vibrant community and a natural mountain environment that fosters an escape from the ordinary. You’ll find every amenity you need without frills or frivolous distractions. Immerse yourself in a landscape and culture where 9 decades of skiing influence the nostalgic atmosphere. Your experience here contributes to an enduring legacy of winter memories.
Dive into Alta's history and stories >
Lois Engen encourages her young ski school students, circa 1948 | Photo: Alan K. Engen Ski History Collection
Dining at Alta.
Whether you seek a decadent mid-mountain Italian mocha, a quick snack, a smash burger or one of Alf's famous bowls of chili, dining options abound at Alta with a heaping side of scenery. Dining and coffee shops are located at both base areas. There are mid-mountain lodges located in both Collins Gulch and Albion Basin. Don’t miss a memorable meal at Collins Grill where you'll kick off ski boots, don comfy slippers and indulge in an ever-changing mountain bistro menu alongside curated wine and spirits.
Tips on where to dine at Alta >
Enjoy a savory fried chicken sandwich with views of Hamburger Hill at the mid-mountain Watson Shelter | Photo: Kipp Schorr
Exploring Alta.
The Alta Environmental Center hosts educational events throughout the winter, allowing skiers to connect with the mountain and the incredible plants and creatures of the high alpine. Try Trees & Skis to learn about the tenacious limber pine, go Birding on Skis to spy rare black rosy-finches or learn about the mining history of Little Cottonwood Canyon when you Ski With a Ranger. Take a look at the Alta Events Calendar to learn more about these immersive experiences and plan your trip.
Skiers join an interpretive guide from TreeUtah to learn about the trees of Alta | Photo: Tyler Struss
What is INTERLODGE?
On occasion the Town Marshal of Alta will implement a temporary public ordinance called Interlodge. When Interlodge restrictions are in effect, it is prohibited to travel outdoors, remain in a vehicle or drive a vehicle on Highway 210. Interlodge restrictions are implemented during periods of intense snowfall with rising avalanche hazard or when avalanche mitigation is underway. Violating Interlodge results in a Class B misdemeanor with penalties including up to $1000 in fines and up to 6 months in jail.
Interlodge is a magic word for skiers marooned at Alta. To find yourself Interlodged means the chances for deep powder skiing and stories you will recount for a lifetime are imminent. Weathering the tempest will be well worth the best ski day of your life.
The Town of Alta Ordinance 5-4-1 prohibits outdoor or “Interlodge” travel during periods of high avalanche hazard | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Interlodge implementation can last anywhere from several hours to overnight—and on rare occasions, multiple days—based on the rates of snowfall, the avalanche hazard and the weather forecast. The ski area and surrounding lodges will always inform guests of impending Interlodge restrictions. In most situations, Interlodge is placed into effect at 10pm or 12am in the evening until crews complete avalanche mitigation efforts the following morning, aiming for 8:30am. Conditions and avalanche hazard may delay the lifting of Interlodge restrictions as well as the opening of the ski area and Highway 210. Patience is key in the throes of Interlodge. Mountain crews are working tirelessly in the storm alongside UDOT to perform avalanche mitigation and clear snow. We appreciate your patience and understanding when Mother Nature is in charge.
In February of 2021, a legendary and record-breaking Interlodge lasting 60 hours froze time while over 100 inches of snowfall stacked up over the course of the week. When avalanche mitigation efforts were finally completed after the multi-day storm, the skiers stranded at Alta enjoyed an unforgettable day while Highway 210 remained closed and impassable. Go behind the scenes with Alta Ski Area and Alta Community Enrichment who partnered with Sweetgrass Productions and Iz La Motte to tell the story of this historic Interlodge event.
Additional Resources.
Tips For Skiing Alta: 101 video series >
Follow Alta Alerts on Twitter >
Learn about Alta's deep history >