Counting down the days until Alta's 88th season.
Following a busy summer, we are rapidly approaching the start of Alta Ski Area's 88th winter. Early October witnessed the slopes of Alta sporting two feet of top-to-bottom snowfall and our snowmaking crews were recently able to fire up the snowguns to test our newly upgraded snowmaking lines.
Though the temperatures in early November haven't been suitable for making snow, our Mountain Ops teams are on standby, ready to assist Mother Nature the moment the barometer drops. With the long-term forecast looking a bit more favorable for winter weather, we hope to soon welcome skiers to the slopes.
Opening Day is Friday, November 21st—conditions permitting.
While we wait for the return of wintry weather, fall is a great time to review our offseason project updates and do a little preseason preparation as we count down the days until first chair of the 2025–26 season. It won't be long until the mountains welcome us back to the one-of-a-kind feeling of skiing fresh snow with family and friends.
October 28th: Snowmaking operations begin | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Your Preseason Checklist
1. Reload Your Lift Tickets or Season Pass
Lift Tickets for the 2025–26 season are on sale now—Single-Day, Multi-Day, Afternoon, Late-Afternoon, Beginner Area and Sunnyside At 3 lift tickets are now available for purchase online.
There's still time to join our 88th anniversary season. From Alta Family Packages to pay-as-you-ski Alta Gold Cards to reloadable Powder and 10-Day Cards, we have a variety of season pass products that will fit you and your family's winter wish list. Grab your friends and link together some powder 8s this winter in celebration of 88 years of skiing at Alta.
Help us reduce waste by reloading your season pass or lift ticket online. Reloading your current pass allows you to skip the ticket window and head straight for the lift.
2. Manage Your Parking Reservations
Beginning December 12th, parking reservations will be required at Alta every Friday–Sunday & Holiday Periods from 8am–1pm. For qualifying Alta Season Passes, parking reservation codes were sent via email on October 14th—check your inbox.
3. Plan Your Trip
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Or just bring yourself, and experience a natural mountain environment with a rich history of skiing deep powder. Alta boasts a collection of unique, independently owned lodges, condos and vacation homes with incredible views and ski-in/ski-out accessibility.
4. Enroll in the Alf Engen Ski School
The Alf Engen Ski School is offering a full slate of lessons, camps and programs for the 2025–26 season. Our Kid's Season-Long Programs, Adult Camps and Women's Camps are filling up quickly. Reservations are now open for Class Lessons, Day Camps and Adult Season-Long Programs.
A few highlights from the 2025–26 Alf Engen Ski School course catalog:
- Tele Time—new for the 2025–26 season
- Adult Learn-To-Ski—a four-week program for the first-time skier
- Silver Skis—a new five-week program for ages 60 and up
- Beyond the Blues—five-week programs for intermediate skiers on Thursday afternoons.
- Alta Peruvian Lodge Women's Camp—a new four-night, three-day ski camp through the Peruvian Lodge
5. Gear Up at the Alta Ski Shop
The Alta Ski Shop in the Albion base area is now open daily from 9am–4pm.
Preseason is the best time to get geared up or tuned up at the Alta Ski Shop. Bring your skis in for a fresh tune after the long summer, or take advantage of preseason deals and the best selection on last year's demo skis and outerwear. The Alta Ski Shop also offers bootfitting services to dial in your feet for the season ahead, or find the perfect gift for the Alta lover on your holiday list with fun, Alta-branded merchandise.
The Alta Ski Shop is now offering online ski rentals for all abilities and ages. Demo the latest skis from Atomic, Black Crows, Dynastar, DPS, Elan, Faction, K2, Nordica, Scott and Wagner. We offer a wide variety of packages for Adults, Juniors and Kids. Packages include all the equipment you need for a day on the mountain—skis, boots and poles.
6. Get Ready For Winter Driving
Back for another season, the UDOT Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program is the best way to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for winter driving on Highway 210. Stickers are not required, but this free program is a great way to double-check your traction devices before the snow starts falling and helps reduce congestion.
When the Traction Law is in effect and authorities are inspecting vehicles, a UDOT Cottonwoods Sticker on your vehicle's windshield will help you move quickly through the inspection point. Stickers are available free of charge at several tire inspection locations throughout Salt Lake City and Park City.
UDOT Traction Law & Sticker Program
7. Get Involved with the Alta Community
Alta Ski Area and Alta Community Enrichment (ACE) are hosting some great community events this fall.
Alta Community Enrichment Events
8. Join us for our 88th season
The 2025–26 season will signify a memorable milestone for Alta Ski Area and we invite you to bring your family and friends and celebrate 88 years of timeless turns. Join us in paying homage to Alta’s rich history for our 88th winter by visiting your favorite powder stash and leaving powder 8s in your wake.
Add Your Comment