Highlights from Our inaugural Winter Essentials Drive.
As you may have heard, ski season throughout the West is off to an abnormally slow start. Promising storms have fallen apart as we battled warm weather and high pressure. Alta Ski Area's projected Opening Day came and went, as did the Thanksgiving holiday, while we collectively prayed for winter weather to return. Luckily, it seems that our weather fortunes have turned around with winter weather on our doorstep.
While we patiently waited for Mother Nature to do her thing, we took advantage of the unexpected downtime to bring our community together and give back to families in need this holiday season. On Saturday, November 29th, Alta Ski Area partnered with Alta Community Enrichment (ACE) and the Town of Alta (TOA) to host our inaugural Winter Clothing and Food Drive—and in doing so, we began a new tradition, one we hope to continue for years to come.
Winter Clothing and Food Drive donation drop-off booths | Photo: Adam Fehr
Our Winter Essentials Drive menu
Just like your Thanksgiving plate, we had a variety of menu offerings to bring a little cheer, excitement and goodwill—and maybe a little snow—to the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
- Alta skiers, residents and employees generously donated two full truckloads of canned and packaged foods, winter clothing and other essentials—these winter staples will be distributed to families in need this holiday season through Volunteers of America (VOA)
- Working with Utah Recycling Alliance, we collected and recycled old skis and poles—items that previous generations of skiers burned in sacrifice to the snow gods are now headed for a second life
- Alongside a meet-and-greet with Alta Ski Patrol's avalanche dogs, we brushed up on avalanche skills with the help of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and Amazing Ski and Snow People
- Almost 100 vehicles had their snow tires inspected by our friends at CJ's Pit Stop as part of the UDOT Cottonwoods Sticker Program
- The Goldminer's Daughter Lodge offered up the Slopeside Cafe patio for food, drinks and live music from 7th Street Strangers
- Alta Ski Area employees kept the fires burning and the s'mores melting while we enjoyed a beautiful day in the mountains
L: Avy refresher with Alta Ski Patrol humans and pups | R: Live music on the Slopeside Cafe patio with the 7th Street Strangers
As we step into the colder months of the holiday season, it's a good time to reflect on those around us and recognize the part each of us plays in strengthening our community. By donating food, warm clothing, and essential supplies, we offer a helping hand to those who need extra support this time of year. We're incredibly proud of—and grateful for—everyone who took the time to join us in the mountains on this special day.
Food, winter clothing & essential supplies donated | Photo: Adam Fehr
And if you're wondering, the snow gods were pleased with our offering and Mother Nature rewarded our efforts with ideal snowmaking temperatures and nine inches of fresh snow before the Thanksgiving weekend drew to a close.
We're Still Accepting Donations
If we missed you this past weekend, ACE and TOA will be accepting winter essentials and food donations for the VOA until December 15th. Learn more >
Thank you to all of our partners who helped make this day possible!