Supreme Realignment

If you visit Alta this summer, you may notice some changes near the Cecret lake trailhead. Alta Ski Area is realigning the Supreme lift throughout the summer and fall of 2025. During this construction timeframe, crews and heavy machinery will be working in the area as a new Supreme lift line is built.

USFS Approval Granted

In April of 2025, the United States Forest Service (USFS) authorized Alta Ski Area to modify the alignment of the existing Supreme lift.

Why Realign Supreme?

In 2017, the Cecret double chair and the Supreme triple chair were removed and replaced with one high-speed detachable quad named Supreme. With the approval of the USFS, Alta used the existing Supreme lift line. This lift build was constructed using a unique eight-degree bend. The bend was created using a series of canted tower sheaves that gradually changed the trajectory of the lift line toward the top of Point Supreme. The bend in the lift alignment did not withstand the test of time—causing a bumpy ride and accelerated metal fatigue in the chair pans and other parts.

The Supreme lift is being realigned during the summer and fall of 2025 to create a straighter alignment that eliminates the eight-degree bend present in the former lift line. The top and bottom terminals were pivoted but remain in their general locations. This realignment will eliminate the bumpy ride and maintenance issues. The Supreme lift is expected to open for Alta's 2025–26 ski season.

Will the lift be reused?

Yes, the existing lift towers will be relocated to new footings along the realignment path. The top and bottom terminals of Supreme were pivoted to match the new lift line, reusing the existing foundations.

What environmental considerations Are Being Taken?

The Alta Environmental Center (AEC), which guides Alta Ski Area's sustainability efforts, is working closely with the USFS throughout this project. Here are a few steps that Alta is taking to mitigate the environmental effects of the Supreme realignment project:

• Alta and the AEC are working collaboratively with regulating authorities with respect to land and water use
• A stormwater pollution protection plan has been implemented
• Prior to construction, the AEC collected small trees around the site that would have been damaged. These trees will be transplanted to other locations within the surrounding forest.
• New tower placements were selected to minimize impacts to wetlands
• Bird nest surveys were conducted in collaboration with USFS biologists and the AEC team to ensure that no nests were present in trees slated for removal
• AEC will oversee cleanup and repurposing of debris caused by tree removal
• Under the guidance of the AEC, the ski area will begin revegetating impacted areas in Summer 2026. The AEC plans to plant native species within the disturbed area for up to three years for land revegetation and restoration purposes.

Alta has a rich land conservation history and is committed to restoring the disturbed new lift line area.

How Will the Timber Be Repurposed?

Timber is milled on-site by Alta Ski Area's summer Trail Crew and will be repurposed throughout the ski area in the following ways:

• Large trees will be used to build snow fences as well as bridges for recreational trails
• Incorporated into the Albion Day Lodge expansion
• Wainscoting and shelving in the Alta ski shops
• New benches and tables
• Sawdust is collected from our sawmill and added to composting toilets located throughout the ski area
• Smaller trees will be chipped for mulch

Summer 2025 Visitor UPDATES:

• Realignment of the Supreme lift is underway—avoid construction zones at all times
• The Supreme lift line is closed to all travel
• Due to ongoing lift realignment, we will have a temporary trail closure of Upper Albion Meadows between Alf's Restaurant and the Cecret Lake Trailhead. Please follow the Upper Albion Meadows detour.

2025 Project Milestones

• April - USFS provides NEPA approval for Alta to realign the Supreme chairlift
• Early June - Supreme's chairlifts were removed and placed in temporary storage and the haul rope was dismantled
• June 10th - The Supreme lift towers were removed via helicopter
• June 28th - The top terminal foundation was repositioned and reset
• July 3rd - The bend was disassembled with the assistance of cranes
• July 5th - The bottom terminal foundation was repositioned and reset
• August 5th - Foundations poured for new tower footings

2025 Summer Projects