Welcome to Alta Ski Area, a skiers-only mountain nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah's Wasatch Range. Alta Ski Area is one of North America's first ski areas, founded in 1938 with the help of the US Forest Service and the Utah Winter Sports Association. Alta is known for the quality and quantity of snow, averaging 548 inches annually. It is also one of three ski areas in North America that does not allow snowboards on its lifts.
Our mission is to provide an authentic skiing experience in a natural mountain environment. Our 2,614 skiable acres and 2,538 vertical feet of skiing are accessed by five lifts and a transfer tow that connects the Wildcat and Albion base areas. Traversing or hiking to access parts of the ski area is part of the Alta experience. We do not have a terrain park, roller coasters or even heated seats on our lifts.
Alta accepts the Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Plus Pass
Alta Ski Area has been an Ikon partner destination since the inaugural launch of the Ikon Pass for the 2018–19 season. Multi-resort passes, such as the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective, have become flexible pass options used by first-time and deep-rooted Alta skiers. We welcome all skiers to come and experience the magic and mystique of our mountain.
Ikon Pass Access
Your 2024–25 Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Plus Pass provides direct-to-lift skiing at Alta and Snowbird. Skiers can choose to start their day at either Snowbird or Alta.
- Ikon Pass: 7 days | Ikon Pass provides seven days of skiing between Alta and Snowbird
- Ikon Base Plus Pass: 5 days | Ikon Base Plus Pass provides five days of skiing between Alta and Snowbird with the following blackout dates:
- Winter Holidays: December 26–31, 2024
- MLK Weekend: January 18–19, 2025
- Presidents Weekend: February 15–16, 2025
Ikon Friends & Family Discounts
Receive 25% off the purchase of an Alta day pass or an Alta-Bird day pass for a friend or family member (not yourself), available the day of at any ticket window. You must be present at the time of purchase to receive this discount. Discounted passes can only be purchased at the ticket window and are not available online.
We do not provide an Ikon discount on food and beverage, retail and rental or other services.
Parking reservations are required Friday–Sunday & holidays from 8am–1pm
Parking Reservations
The 2024–25 season will be our fourth season requiring parking reservations at Alta. The parking reservations system has been a huge success and helped us provide a better skiing experience for all of our guests.
- Parking reservations are required Friday–Sunday & holidays from 8am–1pm
- Parking and ski area facilities open at 8am
Ikon Passholders can purchase parking reservations for $25, ride the UTA Ski Bus for free or plan to park and ski after 1pm.
Alta 101: Tips for skiing Alta
Enjoy some tips and tricks for making the most of your time at Alta.
First Time Skiing Alta?
Everything that makes Alta magical also contributes to the distinct nuances that make it unique. The town, access and the way the mountain is skied are likely different than other mountains you have skied.
Additional resources
The Alf Engen Ski School at Alta Ski Area
The Alf Engen Ski School now offers reservations for kid's class lessons and camps as well as adult class lessons.
Online Rental and Demo reservations with the Alta Ski Shop
Did you know? You can now make online reservations for your rental and demo ski gear from the Alta Ski Shop. Order ahead, skip the line and pick up your gear at the Albion ski shop location.
Highway 210—Little Cottonwood Canyon
Alta Ski Area is located at 8,530 feet at the top of a dead-end canyon road. Highway 210 is the only route in and out of Alta. Enjoy the incredible views on your 4,000 climb from the Salt Lake Valley to Alta, but remember, the road and everything surrounding you is trying to kill you.
On snowy days, the typical 30-minute drive to Alta can take double or triple that—each way. If you have plans in the evening, consider leaving early. Plan ahead, keep an eye on the ever-changing weather and make sure your vehicle is ready for Highway 210. If you don't feel comfortable driving through winter conditions on a steep and winding road, hire a shuttle or take the UTA Ski Bus.
During winter storm cycles, road closures occur frequently and the Traction Law is often in effect.
Steeped In Tradition
Alta Ski Area and Sweetgrass Productions have teamed up to create an award-winning video series that highlights the unique characters—past and present—that embody the spirit of Alta.