Spring SKIING SEASON IS HERE.
This unusual season continues and spring skiing season has arrived early to the slopes of Alta. Following a historically warm and mild first half of Alta’s 88th season, the second half got off to a relatively strong start. A series of winter storms during the final weeks of February and the first week of March delivered the deepest powder days of the season.
With a 92-inch base and 100-plus runs open daily, we are well-positioned to ride out the current tropical weather until the snow returns.
March 7th: An Alta skier catches a bluebird Backside rope drop | Photo: Photo-John
For what seemed like the first time this winter, we experienced the cold storms, prolonged northwest flows and deep powder days synonymous with Alta. During the first week of March—Alta’s snowiest month—44.5 fresh inches of snow blanketed the slopes of Little Cottonwood Canyon. We skied the storm, got some snow in our faces and put down powder 8s and 88s in celebration of Alta’s 88th winter.
As quickly as the recent wintry weather arrived, high pressure and unseasonably warm temperatures have settled in above Alta and the West—spring has sprung and spring skiing season is here.
March 17th: Sunny St. Patty's Day laps | Photo: Tyler Struss
Spring Break is here.
Traditionally, spring break is a warm and welcome change from the cold, dark and snowy days of winter. At Alta, spring break often means a few days of warm weather between snowstorms. This year, it’s just another loop-de-loop in this roller coaster of a season. As we've done all year, we’ll just keep skiing whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
So grab your friends, family, sunscreen and your warm wax and let’s embrace spring break while it’s here.
Despite the warm weather in the current forecast, we hope to see the return of cooler temperatures and snow by the end of the month and into the first few days of April.
Alta will remain open daily through Sunday, April 26th >
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.
March 6th: Powder couple Piper Kunst and Tristen Lilly storm skiing | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
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 should last through this weekend, but colder temperatures and snow look to return by the end of the month or in 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.
Tips for Spring Skiing Season.
Spring at Alta is a non-stop, all-you-can-eat buffet of powder days, slush bumps in the sun and a month of fun-filled events and activities.
Spring is a constant battle between summer and winter—plan ahead before you leave the house. 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
Don't take off those snow tires just yet—March is Alta’s snowiest month, averaging almost 100 inches of snow, and April has historically seen 77 inches of snowfall. Spring heatwaves are frequently followed by cold storm cycles. The unsettled weather of spring often provides some of the biggest storms of the season.
- Spring storms can hit fast and hard—check for updates from UDOT and obey all Traction Laws when implemented
- In the sunny days following a storm, if conditions permit, Alta Ski Patrol will work hard to open Alta's best expert skiing terrain—this might include the Devil's Castle, East Castle or the hike to Baldy Chutes
Our new Getting Here page is a great resource for both local and non-local skiers. Plan ahead and know what to expect before you leave the house.
Fun In the Sun
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. For a stellar spring at Alta, here are a few suggestions.
Morgan Schild shreds some spring slush bumps | Photo: Photo-John
- Start your spring with some groomers on Sunnyside and Sugarloaf, where the snow softens earlier in the day
- Watch for signs of firm snow when venturing off-piste on clear spring mornings—pro tip: avoid the snow that shines
- After a morning of sunshine, great turns can be had on Supreme, Collins or Wildcat lifts in the mid-morning hours
- Don't forget the sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Stay hydrated
First Time At Alta?
Sunny spring days are a great time to discover new ski areas and new terrain. A lot of skiers visit Alta for the first time in the spring. 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 : 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
- The 8 Steepest Ski Runs at Alta—because Alta is more than just deep powder
- The 11 Best Ski Runs of Alta—excellent terrain for all types of skiers
- Safety and Awareness Tips—helpful tips for a great day
Spring Events at Alta.
Alta Ski Area, Alta Environmental Center and Alta Community Enrichment have plenty of fun, community-oriented events and festivities. 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.
Trees & Skis | Photo: Tyler Struss
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 hand-painted, chocolate-filled eggs for this year's Easter Egg Hunt.
Alta Easter Egg Hunt | Photo: Photo-John
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.
2026–27 Season Pass Pricing Release
Thursday, April 8th
Season pass pricing for 2026–27 will be released on April 13th. 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.
Closing Day
Sunday, April 26th
Alta is open daily through Sunday, April 26th. Whether it's sunny spring laps in the wiggle 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.
Closing Day hot doggin' | 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.
Closing Day of our 88th season >
Spring Food & Drink.
Whether you ski seven days a year or seven days a week, skiing burns calories. Add a little high altitude and a dash of spring sun, and you have the perfect recipe for a taxing day on your body. Long spring days in the mountains are upon us. Let's finish the final month of the season strong—and that starts with proper nourishment.
Spring Eats
Speaking of food, spring is also a great time to enjoy the patios, decks and ski beaches at Alta's on-mountain restaurants. Enjoy a cold beverage with your burger and fries on a sunny day at Alf's Restaurant or Albion Grill—both located in the sunny and scenic Albion Basin.
Spring Drinks
In Collins Gulch, the Watson Shelter is a great place to catch some rays on the Watson Cafe deck or Baldy Brews mid-mountain ski beach. On snowy and colder days of spring, warm up with a latte or hot chocolate outside Alta Java or Baldy Brews.
Après-Ski
If après-ski is your thing, the Albion Grill in the Albion Day Lodge and Slopeside Cafe patio at the Goldminer's Daughter Lodge are great places to enjoy some springtime shenanigans in the sun. Keep an ear out for live music on select weekends this spring.
Slopeside Cafe patio at the Goldminer's Daughter Lodge | Photo: Kipp Schorr
Spring Lodging.
The five lodges of Alta—Snowpine, Rustler, Alta Lodge, Goldminer's Daughter and Alta Peruvian—often offer spring deals on a place to rest your head after a long day on the slopes. Great rates can be found in the month of April, whether you are visiting Utah or a seasoned local.
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