Celebrating the Final month 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 first half of Alta’s 88th season, the second half got off to a relatively strong start. As quickly as wintry weather arrived in early March, high pressure and unseasonably warm temperatures settled in above Alta and the West—an early three-week spring break during what has historically been Alta's snowiest month. The final days of March and the first week of April saw our 25-day spring break come to an abrupt end.
The final month of our 88th season is off to a fantastic start as almost 30 inches of snow has blanketed the slopes of Alta.
Sunshine and slush gave way to a strong spring storm and the return of storm skiing and deep turns. The first storm cycle of April delivered 28.5 inches of fresh snow before the skies cleared for an Easter weekend filled with terrain openings and bluebird powder skiing.
Thanks to the recent snow, Alta will remain open daily through Sunday, April 26th >
April 3rd: Cole Shaffer spring skiing at Alta | Photo: Photo-John
The new snow offered a welcome return to wintry conditions and a big boost to Alta's settled snow depth. We've weathered the Best Worst Winter on record and, with more unsettled weather and snow in the forecast, we hope to send Alta's 88th season out on a high note.
With an 85-inch base and 100-plus runs open daily, conditions are prime for a solid final month of skiing.
April 3rd: Sarah Kaye and Kristin Beard put down powder 8s on the Backside | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Celebrating 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: Gavin Piva & John Gustaitis III representing Watson Shelter in the Alta Powder 8 Championship | Photo: Photo-John
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.
Powder 8s for our 88th Season >
Making the most of the Final Month 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. 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.
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 have persisted for three weeks, 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.
The Best Worst Winter >
April in Alta is an all-you-can-eat buffet of powder days, storm skiing and slush bumps in the sun.
April Snow Showers
Don't take off those snow tires just yet—April has historically seen 77 inches of snowfall. Spring heatwaves are frequently followed by cold storm cycles. The dynamic weather of spring often provides big storms.
- 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. Warm spring weather often requires active terrain management. Stay tuned to the Lift and Terrain Status page for real-time terrain openings and closings.
For a stellar spring at Alta, here are a few suggestions.
- 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
- Keep costumes gate-friendly, family-friendly and safe for skiing—also, don't forget your pass
March 24th: Jesse Leener leans into a slushy groomer | Photo: Tyler Struss
Parking Reservations and Transportation Tips
- Parking reservations are not required from Monday, April 6th, to Saturday, April 25th
- Parking reservations will be required on Closing Day from 8am–1pm
- UTA Ski Bus service ends on Sunday, April 12th
- Remember to carpool
- Tailgating is permitted in Alta lots, but please be respectful of your car neighbors
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 April. 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 will be 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.
Closing Day
Sunday, 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.
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 on the Mountain.
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 on the Slopes.
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.
April 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
April Lodging in Alta.
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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