Celebrating the Final week of our 88th season.
Between warm days and wild storms, spring skiing season has arrived on the slopes of Alta. Following a historically warm and mild 88th winter, April has brought the return of sunny slush laps, wintry storm skiing and bluebird powder days.
The first storm cycles of April delivered 28.5 inches of fresh snow before the skies cleared for an Easter weekend filled with bluebird powder skiing. Following a week of warm weather and slush bumps, winter weather returned for the penultimate week of our 88th season, delivering another foot of cold smoke and terrain openings under blue skies.
The final month of our 88th season got off to a fantastic start as over 40 inches of snow blanketed the slopes of Alta.
The roller coaster ride of a season has continued into our Closing Weekend. Sunny spring weather has yielded to a final round of winter weather. Snow is currently falling and fresh tracks are in the forecast as we look to end our 88th season with some closing weekend Powder 8s.
Closing Day of our 88th season is Sunday, April 26th >
April 17th: Townsend Reed and Michael Cherchio put down some powder 8s | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Best Worst Season—Spring Celebration
Because we're still open and still having fun skiing, we want to share our mountain by offering 50% off lift tickets all spring for season passholders from other resorts.
- This offer is not valid on Closing Day, April 26th
April 18th: An Alta skier finds fresh snow in Devil's Castle | Photo: Photo-John
Closing Day is April 26th
Alta is open daily through Sunday, April 26th. Whether it's sunny spring laps or a sleeper spring powder day, the late-season stoke is palpable, the smiles are as plentiful as the glitter and the energy is contagious. As a reminder, parking reservations are required for Closing Day.
Morgan Schild shreds some spring slush bumps | Photo: Photo-John
You may wonder with all this snow, why don’t we extend our season? Most of our employees are seasonal employees and we need to honor our commitment to them so they can leave for their summer employment. And as the temps rise in the valley, many skiers embrace other sports such as mountain biking, hiking and golf. Backcountry skiers will have the opportunity to keep skiing at Alta after our crews have cleared the mountain of ropelines, bamboo and all other operational materials. We will still offer skiing, but our lifts will go on summer vacation with the rest of you.
How We Got Here.
Alta and most of the West have been experiencing a weird “winter”. A wet October gave way to the driest November on record. A few well-timed December storms had the lifts spinning and fresh snow falling through the holiday season and the New Year started with a bang. But much like a firework show ringing in a new year, the sky filled with a flurry of activity, and then nothing. High pressure continued into the first week of February before a welcome pattern change provided our best powder days of the season.
For a few weeks from the middle of February through the first week of March, it looked like winter was here to stay—until it wasn't. Unseasonably warm temperatures and spring skiing conditions persisted for three weeks, but colder temperatures and snow returned by the end of the month or into early April. Our 88th season has been warmer than usual, producing higher-density snowfall. Season-to-date snowfall totals are well below average, but our total for season-to-date water is close to average. It hasn't been the best year for powder skiing, but the mountain has been skiing great. If this is as bad as it gets, we have it pretty good.
With a 79-inch base and 100-plus runs open daily, conditions are prime for a solid end of the season.
Making the most of the Final Week of Skiing.
Traditionally, April is a warm and welcome change from the cold, dark and snowy days of winter. April in Alta often means a few days of warm weather between snowstorms. As we've done all year, we’ll just keep skiing whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
April Snow Showers
Don't take off those snow tires just yet. Our closing week forecast is calling for plenty of snow.
- Keep an eye on Alta's Mountain Cams and weather forecasts—it may be warm and balmy in the valley, but storming at Alta
- Spring storms can hit fast and hard—check our Driving to Alta page for updates from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)
- Following a storm, conditions permitting, Alta Ski Patrol will work hard to open expert skiing terrain in Devil's Castle, East Castle or the hike to Baldy Chutes—check the Lift and Terrain Status for updates
- Obey all on-mountain signage and don't duck ropes—learn more about Avalanche Closures
April 2nd: Aaron Rae and Myles Barrett ski a spring storm | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Fun In the Sun and Slush
When it's not snowing, there are plenty of groomers, soft spring bumps, sunshine and corn snow to keep even the most die-hard powderhound entertained. Spring weather often requires active terrain management.
For a stellar spring at Alta, here are a few suggestions.
- Keep costumes gate-friendly, family-friendly and safe for skiing—also, don't forget your pass
- Stay tuned to the Lift and Terrain Status page for real-time terrain openings and closings
- Check the weather forecast and don't forget the sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Start your spring morning with soft groomers on Sunnyside and Sugarloaf before heading to Supreme, Wildcat and Collins
- Avoid the snow that shines and watch for signs of firm snow when venturing off-piste on clear spring mornings
- Stay properly hydrated and fueled to enjoy a long day in the sun
April 8th: Kendall Goodman keeps his spring ski tips up | Photo: Tyler Struss
Parking Reservations and Transportation Tips
- Parking reservations will be required on Closing Day from 8am–1pm
- Remember to carpool
- Tailgating is permitted in Alta lots, but please be respectful of your car neighbors
- UTA Ski Bus service ended on Sunday, April 12th
First Time At Alta?
Whether you're visiting Alta for the first time or the first time in a decade, we have some handy resources for brushing up on the little nuances that are specific to Alta and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Alta 101 : Avalanche Closures | Video: Tyler Struss
- Alta 101 : How To Ski Alta Like a Local—a video series featuring tips and tricks for making the most of your time at Alta Ski Area
- First Time Skiing Alta? A first-timer's guide to skiing Alta
- Ikon and Mountain Collective—navigating Alta Ski Area with your Ikon or Mountain Collective
- Safety and Awareness Tips—helpful tips for a great day
April Events at Alta.
As the days get longer, spring is an incredible opportunity to ski all day before spending some time with members of the Alta community once the lifts stop spinning.
Winter Education Programs with Alta Environmental Center
March 19th – April 11th
Embrace the longer days of spring and take part in some of Alta Environmental Center's on-snow education events. Do some Birding On Skis, Ski With a Ranger, Snowshoe With a Naturalist or learn about the trees of Alta on a guided Trees & Skis tour.
Join us at Alta Ski Area as we turn the great outdoors into our classroom with a variety of on-mountain education events, led by our partner non-profit organizations.
Get Involved with Alta Environmental Center >
Alta Community Enrichment Snowflake Festival
March 23rd–28th
Alta Community Enrichment celebrates the arrival of spring with its annual Snowflake Festival—a weeklong series of community-focused events and fundraisers. Do some yoga, tie-dye clothes with snow, take in a talent show, enter a mustache competition, join the 36th annual Chili Cook-off, find the elusive gnome or cheer on competitors in the Alta Biathlon.
Learn More about the Snowflake Festival >
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 5th
The Easter Bunny will be visiting Alta Ski Area on Easter Sunday. The Alta Children's Center prepared 3,500 hand-painted, chocolate-filled eggs for this year's Easter Egg Hunt.
This is a free event for our young skiers. Meet at 11am at the Alf Engen Ski School Explorer Hut in the Ablion base area.
Alta Gala and Opportunity Drawing
Friday, April 7th
The Alta Gala is a collaborative fundraiser for Alta Community Enrichment, Friends of Alta & Alta Historical Society. The Alta Gala Opportunity Drawing is a great way to support local nonprofits while being entered to take home an Alta Season Pass or a day of heliskiing with Powderbird.
Season Pass Pricing Release
Wednesday, April 8th
Season pass pricing for the 2026–27 season was released on April 8th. No need to purchase next year's pass before the lifts stop spinning—season passes will go on sale in May 2026.
Alta Earth Day
Saturday, April 11th
Join Alta Environmental Center for the 17th annual community Alta Earth Day. Connect with sustainability-focused and local companies from the Salt Lake area. Get on the snow with Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Tracy Aviary, and TreeUtah for our educational nature tours and gain a fresh perspective of the ecological habitats of Alta.
Check out the basecamp/vendor village at the base of the Collins lift and demo some gear.
Alta Earth Day | Photo: Photo-John
This event encourages environmental stewardship, diversity in outdoor recreation, responsible recreation, and awareness of the relationship between climate change and the future of the ski industry in Little Cottonwood Canyon and beyond. There will be a generous opportunity drawing—win new skis, outdoor gear, a fly rod, climbing gym passes, and more! Enjoy live music on the Goldminer's Daughter Patio from 3:30-5:30pm.
Powder 8s for our 88th Spring.
After months of waiting, the first week of April delivered the perfect storm to host our 2025–26 Alta Powder 8s Championship—in celebration of Alta's 88th season. Nine of Alta's departments had nominated teams of two employees to compete. Spectators riding the Sunnyside lift were treated to an impromptu show as the employee teams vied to lay the most perfect collection of Figure 8s.
April 3rd: Sarah Kaye and Kristin Beard put down powder 8s on the Backside | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
High fives were shared as the points were tallied, as the Alta Ski Patrol team, represented by Andrew McCloskey and Caroline Dillon, took home the trophy—the first team to do so since our last Powder 8 Championship in 1998.
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