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Creek melting out in the Wildcat base area

A Sustainable
spring

By Alta Environmental Center 04-30-2026

As the snow melts,
our responsibility doesn’t.

The Best Worst Season has officially come to an end. While Mother Nature threw us a few curveballs this year—record-high temperatures, record-low snowfall and the highest water-to-snow density ratio in Alta Ski Area’s recorded history—we stayed on our sticks with smiles on our faces and made the most of it. In true Alta fashion, we closed things out on a powder day—bringing some much-needed precipitation to our environment and leaving a little fun still to be had on the slopes.

As we move into warmer temperatures, take a look around at the plants and animals returning home to Alta. During this time, these “snowbirds” are going through a sensitive transition as they shed their extra layers and break out the jorts. To ensure these important ecosystems have a chance to survive and thrive this summer, it is important that we respect and protect them.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make a sustainable transition into summer—both in the mountains and at home:

Reload your pass

As we roll out the red carpet for the 2026–27 ski season, please remember to reload your existing Alta card when purchasing your season pass.

Pass reload instructions

How to reload:

  1. Add your desired pass to your cart, then start the checkout process
  2. Log in to your account—your previous season’s card will be registered under the email you used to purchase initially
  3. Add skier information, then press next
  4. Under “Reload & Reuse My Pass,” select the pass with the Web ID that matches your current card
  5. Confirm and save skier information, then finish up the checkout process as instructed

Pass Pickup & Recycling:

If you need to print a new pass, don’t throw out your old one. Whether you’re picking up your pass this summer at Skier Services or next winter, bring your old pass with you and trade it in so we can properly recycle it.

Respect the Melt

As the snow continues to melt, we start to see that crossover between winter and summer mountain sports—with ambitious skiers chasing those last turns and brave hikers taking on mixed, wet terrain. Whether you’ve got ski boots or hiking boots on your feet, we all share a responsibility to tread lightly and respect the fragile subalpine environment beneath our snowpack.

Young recreators traveling over the snow in the early spring

  • Stay on trail and tread lightly – As the snow melts, you’ll run into obstacles like snow piles and muddy patches. Come prepared to get a little mud on your boots by traveling over snow and through mud—not around. Going around leads to erosion and loss of vegetation—your footprint has a bigger impact than you think.
  • Make a plan – Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Pack extra layers, check the forecast, review a Summer Trail Map and read and obey all trail signs before heading out.
  • Keep Alta clean – pick up after yourself (and others). Don’t forget microtrash—those tiny corners of wrappers belong in your pocket, not on the trail.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife – Some of Alta’s larger mammals are returning. Give them space, don’t approach and remember—you’re in their home.
  • Respect the watershed – It takes less than 24 hours for water to travel from Alta to your faucet. Before you put anything on the ground, ask yourself: Would I drink this?

Be Water Wise

Salt Lake City has issued a Stage 2 (Mild) Water Shortage Advisory after snowpack levels reached just 49% of average by mid-March—a clear sign we’re heading into a summer drought. As temperatures rise, now is the time to become mindful of our water usage and do our part off the slopes to protect this limited resource.

  • Fix leaks (even small ones add up fast)
  • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes
  • Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
  • Choose drought-tolerant or native plants for landscaping
  • Be water-wise with your sprinkler usage
  • Ditch grass for shade trees, which can lower ambient air temperatures by up to 10°F

More tips on how to conserve water >

Gear Detox—Reuse, Repair, Recycle

As you start your spring cleaning, think twice before tossing gear in the landfill.

Recycling old ski boots with Utah Recycling Alliance Recycling old ski boots with Utah Recycling Alliance | Photo: Adam Fehr

Donate or Sell

Give your functional gear a second life—pass it on to a friend, bring it to a local gear swap, or donate it to community organizations.

Repair Before Replacing

You don’t need to be a seamstress to extend the life of your gear. Try a DIY fix or visit a local repair shop or clinic.

Retiring Your Gear

If your gear is beyond repair, resale or safe use, it’s time to retire it. Before tossing it, check brand websites for trade-in or recycling programs and explore local options for hard-to-recycle materials.

Get involved

Stay informed and take action on climate change, environmental policy and advocacy at both the national and local levels. Whether you're looking to learn, volunteer or influence policy, these organizations are great places to start.

Federal Advocacy

These organizations focus on shaping national climate policy and engaging with Congress and federal agencies:

Citizens Climate Lobby at Alta Earth Day

Citizens Climate Lobby at Alta Earth Day | Photo: Photo-John

state and local Advocacy

These groups work on state legislation, local issues and community action in Utah:

Grow the Flow at Alta Earth Day

Grow The Flow, chatting with community members at Alta Earth Day | Photo: Photo-John

Local stewardship

Sustainability doesn’t end with ski season. Carry these habits into summer and continue protecting the ecosystems that make outdoor recreation possible. Get outside, connect with your community and make a tangible impact on the places you love by volunteering with local nonprofit organizations such as:

Thank you for helping us keep Alta green and clean. See you next season!