Alta Ski Area — Attraction in Alta

Alta Ski Resort is one of my absolute favorite places to ski, and the drive up to the resort is part of what makes it so special. The road leading up to Little Cottonwood Canyon is a stunning journey, with towering mountain peaks, snowy landscapes, and breathtaking views around every turn. It’s definitely worth the drive, even before you get to the resort. The beauty of the canyon itself is incredible and sets the tone for the amazing skiing experience that follows.

When you finally arrive at Alta, the snow quality is unbeatable. Known for its deep powder, Alta is a snow lover’s paradise, with an average of 547 inches of snow per year. The terrain is mainly suited for intermediate to expert skiers, and the variety of runs, especially in areas like High Rustler and Catherine’s Area, offer something for everyone who enjoys a good challenge. If you’re an expert, the High Traverse gives access to some of the most exciting lines on the mountain, including Gunsight and Eddie’s High Nowhere.

What makes Alta really special is its skiers-only policy, which creates a peaceful, traditional skiing atmosphere. There are no snowboarders here, which adds to the old-school feel of the place, and I love how it’s all about the skiing experience. The vibe is laid-back, yet the terrain is challenging and rewarding.

The views at Alta are incredible, especially from the top of the mountain. Whether you’re skiing down, taking a break at the lodge, or just soaking in the scenery, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Wasatch Mountains. The panoramic vistas are some of the best I’ve seen at any ski resort.

While the resort itself is a skier’s paradise, getting there can be tricky in heavy snow. The road can get icy, and parking is limited, especially during peak times, so it’s best to get there early. But even with those minor inconveniences, the views and the overall experience make it totally worth it.

If you’re a dedicated skier, Alta is a must-visit resort. The drive up, the views, and the powder are just a few of the reasons why it holds a special place in my heart. It’s the perfect destination for those who want a great skiing experience in a serene, beautiful setting. Highly recommended for anyone who loves skiing in some of the best conditions...

I waited weeks before I logged this review to let my emotions settle. The short of it is that this place isn’t nearly worth the hype. We visited during the holidays so we expected a crowd, but the place was completely oversold and the lines were insane (an hour plus every time) on the day we visited.

We came to ski Utah and were told we had to check out Alta. So we made a plan to ski there on our last day… but what a horrible way to end our trip. On the day of our visit, they opened Sugarloaf 3 hours late and the Supreme lift didn’t open at all, which meant insane waits for the remaining lifts (again, an hour plus for Collins and Wildcat). We only did 5 runs between 9am and 2:30pm and at that point just called it a day and went home.

A few days after we returned home I decided to reach out to the staff. It was nearly $600 for our family of three to park and ski for the day… and when I asked for a refund they offered me $30. Quite frankly, it wasn’t nearly enough to make up for the horrible experience we had.

When I finally got the GM, Mike, on the phone he said “you must do this kind of thing all the time”… by which he meant, shake down resorts. He said the “partial refund seemed to appease others who had complained”… (so it’s nice to know I wasn’t the only miserable visitor that day).

Before I could set the record straight he hung up on me and he has yet to respond to any of my follow-up calls or emails.

To be treated like this after giving some honest feedback is crazy to me. Straight up, don’t waste your money. Stick with Snowbird or Brighton. We had much better experiences at both of those places. Better conditions, nice staff, shorter lines. Life’s too short to wait in hourlong lift lines and then get scolded by management when you...

So, you want the BEST snow Utah has to offer? It comes at a price. While Alta often posts higher snow totals and drier snow than all other Utah ski resorts, they don’t always win. Often the snow and conditions at Brighton and Solitude are far better. The highway to Alta is the most avalanche-prone of any in the US, and the regular shutdowns required for UDOT to control risk cause major delays as traffic backs up into and clogs all local roads and neighborhoods. And yet there are no avalanche sheds and the frequency and reliability of bus service has declined due to labor shortages. On some days it would seem easier to go to Brighton and backcountry ski over Twin Lakes pass to Alta! Once you finally arrive at Alta, you’re welcomed by a rather dilapidated appearing hodgepodge cluster of buildings that are reveled for their nostalgic feel. If you want to step back into the 70’s and try to relive those childhood memories, come to Alta. If you manage to secure a parking spot after your 3-hour, 15-mile commute, and finally get in a few decent runs, it’ll be time to consider your exit plan as both Alta and Snowbird close at 4pm and congestion begins to build as early as 2:30pm. And if you have a flight to catch or a work shift you can’t miss, and snow is in the forecast, you’d better avoid Alta altogether due to risk of interlodge and prolonged canyon closures. There is a certain cult-ish feel at Alta where snowboarding isn’t allowed and where you spend more time traversing than skiing, where one child slowing the whole traverse is frowned upon and yelled at, where the only binding accepted is the Look Pivot 18, and where tradition trumps common sense. Time...