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Alta

State Highway 210, Alta, 84092
Phone: 801-359-1078 Snow Report: 801-572-3939 (snow report)
Alta Website

by Nicole Pelletier

For hard-core skiers, a trip to Alta is so much more than just an alpine getaway…it’s an outright pilgrimage. Just driving up the Little Cottonwood Canyon to access Alta is enough to get a powder nut’s heart racing in anticipation of what’s to come. The most rugged of Utah’s terrain hangs overhead in a vertical landscape, snow loaded and whispering the lore and legend of those that pioneered this incredible corner of the Wasatch Range.

Alta remains one of only three “Skiers Only” holdouts in the North American resort listings (alongside Mad River Glen VT and Deer Valley Resort). As such, the vibe is low-key and grassroots; if you are looking for the ski valet to carry your gear, or the marble flooring in the mansion-esque day lodges…you’d better keep shopping. The local vibe is laid back, with the main focus being on hard-charging and having a good time. This is a place with a history as deep as it’s powder stashes, and from summit to après ski barstool, it is unavoidable to feel that you are skiing a mountain with its very own soul.

With two base areas from which to access the upper mountains, skier traffic spreads out between Wildcat and Albion Basins, as the chase is on up Collins and Albion lifts to the big stuff that sprawls in every direction. Pay attention for the busy looking men and women in the red coats - Alta’s highly-respected ski patrol makes the rounds of avalanche control work as efficiently as possible to ensure safety in this hanging environment, and the best powder runs of your life can be experienced by simply keeping a close eye on when they open the gates for the quick hike up the ridge above Collins chair, indicating Greeley Bowl is good-to-go.

As the highest lift on the mountain, Supreme chair also serves up plenty of adrenaline-inducing fun, with fluff-loaded couloirs and ridgelines turning “Catherine’s” into a busy playground for those with the legs and the guts to give it a go.

If cliff jumping and extreme steeps are not your thing, fear not; Alta has a vast expanse of mellow groomers and low-incline pistes to relax on. The Albion Basin area is a great learning venue, and best of all, has quick access to Alta’s idyllic après ski scene.

When the legs turn to noodles and the Thirst Fairy hollers, roll straight over to The Gold Miner’s Daughter at the Wildcat base area. This is a ski bar of legendary status, with the classic fireplace as the centerpiece and floor-to-ceiling windows giving a heckler’s eye-view of Alta’s notoriously long High Rustler bump run.

At night, feast on delectable Tequila Marinated Shrimp Cocktail, Chipotle Glazed Utah Trout and the vast wine list found at Shallow Shaft, Alta’s best choice for gastronomical bliss. Finally, finish the day off right with a nightcap at The Peruvian Lodge bar, before falling into bed to rest up for more of tomorrow’s Alta adventure.

*all photos courtesy of Alta

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Current Weather:

weather -°

Forecast:
No data available
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SKI CONDITIONS

Latest Report: 20100426T05:28:23
24hr Snowfall:
0		 Last Snowfall:
- N/A"		 Surface:
No data
Base Depth:
-"		 Trails Open:
0		 Total Trails:
114
Percent Trails Open:
0%		 Lifts Open:
icon 0		 Total Lifts:
icon 11
Terrain Type:
Beginner:
N/A		 Intermediate:
N/A		 Advanced:
N/A		 Expert:
N/A
Elevation:
weather Peak Elevation:
10550 ft 3216 m Vertical:
2020 ft 617 m Base Elevation:
8530 ft 2600 m		 Total Acres:
2200 Total Miles:
25
Longest Run:
Crooked Mile
1 mi 		Easiest Run:
Rabbit		 Steepest Run:
Baldy Chutes (if they're open)
Best Bumps:
High Rustler		 Best Trail Name:
Running Dog Nose		  
 

Air Travel

Salt Lake City is a major airline hub, so there are numerous flights into Utah. Many companies provide ground transportation from the airport to Alta, which is a great option if Alta is your only destination. If you want to sample various Utah ski resorts, hiring a car would be very handy but not essential.

Driving Directions

From Salt Lake City airport: From downtown and the airport go east on I-80, south on I-215, take 6200 South exit (turns into Wasatch Blvd) and then follow the signs to Alta and Snowbird. Little Cottonwood Canyon is very avalanche prone, so sometimes it is closed for avalanche control. Up to date road information is provided on the radio station AM 530.

Ground Transportation

If you're staying in Salt Lake City, you can take the Utah Transit Authority light rail (UTA TRAX) from downtown and transfer to a UTA ski bus. They have frequent pick-ups from multiple stops around the city including 10 different hotels, and it is incredibly cheap - $6 round-trip. The only downside depending upon where you’re staying is that on Sundays, TRAX doesn't run from downtown until after 10 am, so on a powder day you can call a cab to take you to a ski bus stop. There are also park-and-ride stops at the entrance to the canyon where you catch the UTA buses.

Another alternative to get to Alta is to use a private transportation service such as Canyon Hop. A return trip costs $45 per person with an 8am pick-up.  Canyon Hop also provides transportation between other ski resorts throughout Park City region.

 

Alta has a free white shuttle bus that makes continuous loops between the bases and along the road to the condos. To get to Snowbird you can either ski over, or catch the UTA bus. Some of the lodges also provide their own shuttle services.

Parking Info

Day Use: 

Wildcat Base - Parking for intermediate to advanced skiers (offering access to the entire mountain), Alta Ski Shop, Main Office, Collins Lift and Wildcat Lift.

Albion Base - Parking for beginning to intermediate skiers, Ski School, Albion Day Lodge, Adventure Center, Ski Free After 3, Sunnyside Lift and Albion Lift.

Overnight Use:

Overnight parking in Alta is limited. Avalanche and watershed restrictions prohibit overnight camping and dogs. If you are staying in Alta it is not necessary to have a car. Most lodges and condominiums are slopeside or provide transportation.