Winter Education
Programs

Branch out and explore Alta through a different lens this winter by participating in our weekly on-mountain educational events. From December to April, we invite everyone to join us on the slopes as we transform the great outdoors into our classroom with a variety of ski and snowshoe tours, led by our local non-profit partners. These tours aim to educate our skiers about ecology, geology, wildlife, history, recreation and more!

All events are free and family-friendly—please check the required skiing or snowshoeing abilities for each event before registering. For program updates or questions, you can email the Alta Environmental Center at environment@alta.com.

*All events are subject to change depending on weather conditions

BIRDING ON SKIS

Join the Tracy Aviary conservation team for our bi-weekly non-breeding bird surveys at Alta—on skis! Explore the mountain with expert birders and learn to identify Alta's avian residents by sight and sound. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced observer, these tours provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with others while discovering more about Alta's diverse ecosystem. Tours take place on the first and third Thursdays of each month, from December to April. We will be skiing on intermediate groomed runs and some off-piste terrain to reach optimal birding locations. All participants must be at least 12 years old and able to ski intermediate terrain. Registration required >

First and third Thursdays of the month | 9am–noon

• December 4th
• December 18th
• January 8th
• January 22nd
• February 5th
• February 19th
• March 5th
• March 19th
• April 2nd
• April 11th | Alta Earth Day

Learn more about Birding on Skis >

TREES AND SKIS

Grab your skis and join certified arborist Ian Peisner from TreeUtah for an exciting adventure on the slopes of Sunnyside. Together, we'll explore the majestic trees that shape Alta's landscape and uncover the rich history held in their roots. During this hour-and-a-half tour, you'll learn how to identify the common tree species that cover Alta's slopes and discover the vital role these trees play in this unique mountain environment. This tour meets at the top of the Sunnyside lift on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month—no registration is required to participate.

Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month | 11am–12:30pm

• December 10th
• January 7th
• January 21st
• February 11th
• February 25th
• March 11th
• March 25th
• April 11th | Alta Earth Day

Learn more about Trees and Skis >

Ski With A Ranger

Join us for a weekly guided tour led by a Volunteer Naturalist Ranger from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, where you can learn about the ecology, geology, wildlife, history and more. We will ski around Sunnyside, stopping for an up-close look at what makes Alta, Alta. These tours take place every Thursday from January to April, meeting at the top of the Sunnyside lift—no registration required.

Want to learn more? Stop by the Albion Day Lodge to chat with a Naturalist Ranger every Thursday from 10:30am–12:30pm and discover all things Alta.

Every Thursday | 1–2pm

• January 8th
• January 15th
• January 22nd
• February 5th
• February 12th
• February 19th
• February 26th
• March 5th
• March 12th
• March 19th
• March 26th
• April 11th | Alta Earth Day

Learn more about Ski With a Ranger >

Snowshoe with a Naturalist

Join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for a naturalist-led snowshoe tour of Alta! Strap on your snowshoes and explore the mountains with experienced guides who will share insights about local tree species, adaptations and the rich history of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Participants will walk along the Summer Road and its surrounding landscapes while learning about Alta's unique backstory. Registration required >

Third Friday of the month | 1–3pm

• January 12th
• February 20th
• March 20th
• April 11th | Alta Earth Day

Learn more about Snowshoe With a Naturalist >

JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORICAL SNOWSCAPES

Join us for a snowshoe tour that explores the rich history of Little Cottonwood Canyon, led by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office and the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program (UCSS). Participants will discover how the landscape of Alta has evolved over the past century—transitioning from a bustling mining town to a popular skiing destination. The tour will take you through historic mining sites and the old Town of Alta, where you'll have the opportunity to view vintage photos and artifacts that highlight the area's legacy in outdoor recreation. Registration required >

Friday, February 27th | 2–4pm

Learn more about Journey Through Historic Snowscapes >

Alta Earth Day

Join us on the snow for Alta Earth Day as we celebrate, educate and take action to protect the place we call home—because there’s no Alta without a healthy planet. Hosted annually by the Alta Environmental Center, Alta Earth Day brings together local, sustainable and non-profit organizations to connect with the community and raise awareness about the impact of climate change on our mountains. This action-packed day features educational tours, interactive activities, giveaways, ski demos, an Art Market, live music and more—all designed to inspire environmental stewardship and collective action.

Saturday, April 11th | All Day

Partner organizations

• Alta Ski Area
• Alta Environmental Center
• Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (CCF)
• Tracy Aviary
• TreeUtah
• Utah State Historic Preservation Office
• The U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

For more information, please contact environment@alta.com.

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