Restore, protect & preserve
our natural mountain environment.
Escape the heat and join the Alta Environmental Center and our nonprofit partners in the mountains this summer for our weekly hands-on stewardship and education events. Whether you tag along on an educational hike led by field experts or get your hands dirty in a restoration project, there's an opportunity for everyone to connect with and give back to the land that brings us all together. This summer, you will learn about responsible recreation on National Forest Service land, watershed protection and what it means to be a steward of Alta's natural mountain environment.
*Please note: Event dates may change due to weather conditions.
Summer Stewardship
Beneath Alta's deep snowpack lies a thriving mountain ecosystem, rich in diverse plants, animals and habitats. To ensure that Alta continues to thrive for generations to come, we need to prioritize the restoration of the land—whether the need stems from man-made alterations or natural causes.
We invite everyone in our community to come together in the mountains and get their hands dirty during our stewardship events. Our restoration work includes planting native plants and tree saplings, removing invasive species, harvesting trees, trail maintenance and much more. Register to join us in our efforts to keep Alta green.
Community VOLUNTEER DAYS
Volunteer with us this summer during our monthly Community Volunteer Days and help restore, protect and preserve Alta’s natural mountain environment. We’ll head into restoration zones and other sensitive areas on the mountain to plant native vegetation, remove invasive species, clear debris from the ski season and more. This event is perfect for people of all ages and abilities to get their hands in the dirt and leave a positive mark on our slopes. Registration required >
First Wednesday of the month | 2:30–4:30pm
- July 1st
- August 5th
- September 2nd
Tree Harvest & Restoration
Volunteer with the Alta Environmental Center and TreeUtah to help rescue young Engelmann spruce saplings growing along groomed ski runs and give them a second chance at life. By harvesting, nurturing and relocating these trees, we support the health and growth of Alta’s forests. Registration required >
Summer 2026 date coming soon!
Alta Ski Area Cleanup Day | August 5th
- Saturday, August 5th
- Location: Town Park
- Partners: Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Alta Environmental Center, Alta Ski Area, Friends of Alta
- Registration Required
Alta TREE Planting Day
Join us on the mountain for our biggest volunteer day of the year as we plant over 1,000 Engelmann spruce saplings across Alta's slopes. Each year, the Alta Environmental Center works with the U.S. Forest Service to plant native trees across the mountain. Cones collected at Alta are sent to a Forest Service grower in Idaho, where they spend a year strengthening their roots. Come fall, the young trees return to Alta, ready to be planted. Our goal is to increase the age diversity of the tree species here at Alta and aid in regeneration. Registration required >
Saturday, September 12th | 8am–1pm
Memorial Tree Planting
Join Friends of Alta (FOA) for a special day to plant a tree in honor of a loved one at Memorial Grove in Alta Ski Area. For more information on how to get involved, please contact FOA.
Summer 2026 date coming soon!
Educational Events
Discover Alta through a new lens with our free, family-friendly summer education programs. The Alta Environmental Center invites recreators of all ages to join us in exploring Alta's unique alpine environment—filled with diverse wildlife, vibrant ecosystems and rich history. Whether you're feeling curious, adventurous or simply seeking a meaningful outdoor experience, these programs provide a fun and memorable opportunity to connect with the land and the Alta community.
birding hikes
Explore Alta alongside expert birders from Tracy Avairy on our monthly Birding Hikes as we survey Alta's avian residents. On this adventure, you'll learn how to identify birds by sight and sound while gaining a deeper understanding of the high-alpine ecosystems that support them. Whether you're new to birding or an experienced watcher, these hikes offer a meaningful way to connect with nature, improve your identification skills and join a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts. Registration required >
Second Thursday of the Month | 9am–1pm
- May 14th
- June 11th
- July 9th
- August 13th
- September 10th
- October 8th
- November 12th
HawkWatch BIRD OF PREY Show
Spend an hour in the mountains with live raptors and educators from HawkWatch International. Meet hawks, owls and eagles—Raptor Ambassadors who cannot return to the wild due to injury or imprinting—and discover what makes them essential to healthy ecosystems. No registration required—just show up!
Summer 2026 dates coming soon!
Wasatch Wildflower Festival
Celebrate Alta’s wildflower season at the annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival in Albion Basin. Enjoy a free, family-friendly day exploring the vibrant blooms, meet local organizations and join a guided hike to learn about the native wildflowers that make this alpine area so special. Registration required >
Sunday, July 19th | 9am–2pm
Alta Kids' Day
Bring the whole family to the mountains for a fun-filled day of learning and adventure at the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation's annual Alta Kids' Day.
Young explorers can enjoy hands-on activity booths hosted by local partners—each designed to teach them about Alta's unique environment, wildlife and conservation. This free event is a great way to get outside, connect with nature and discover the wonders of their natural playground. Registration Required >
Friday, August 7th | 10am–2pm
Historical Mining Hike
Step back in time with a guided hike through Grizzly Gulch as we explore Alta’s mining history.
Join the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship (UCSS) for a journey into the past as we explore the rich mining history of Little Cottonwood Canyon with a hike through Grizzly Gulch. Led by Utah’s State Historic Preservation Officer, this guided hike will reveal the remnants of historic mines and share stories of the resilience and ingenuity that shaped Alta into the community it is today. Registration required >
Saturday, September 5th | 8:30–11am
partner organizations
- Alta Environmental Center
- Friends of Alta
- Alta Community Enrichment
- Tracy Aviary
- Cottonwood Canyons Foundation
- TreeUtah
- Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program
- Utah State Historic Preservation Office
- The U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
- Town of Alta
About the Alta Environmental Center
The Alta Environmental Center (AEC) was created in 2008 to guide the ski area's sustainability efforts and look after the natural environment in which we operate. Our mission is sustainability—to protect and improve the well-being of Alta’s natural resources, serving as a community resource and promoting environmental education to inspire awareness and action.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners, volunteers and the Alta community for your dedication to preserving this beautiful mountain landscape. Together, we continue to make a lasting impact on our slopes.
Contact us at environment@alta.com