Alta is the land of free-heel skiing, wool pants, hiking for untracked powder, Wasatch wahoos, and old-fashioned fixed lifts. Alta is old-school skiing at its best—and that also means NO SNOWBOARDING. Quality, not quantity, is what counts here. The best lines are all a hike from the top of the lifts and require a surface tow ride at the bottom to return to the chairlifts. The clientele at Alta not only doesn't complain about the lack of modern facilities, they embrace the resort as remaining true to the sport of skiing. Alta keeps more people in line so there are fewer people on the mountain at any given time, and the lack of capitol improvements keep ticket prices at rock-bottom levels when compared to other nearby ski resorts.
Alta has always been known as the place to be for powder hounds. Alta recently added several highspeed lifts (one a detachable quad) and expanded and renovated the children's center and Adventure Center. With its abundance of powder (500 inches annually), Alta now offers a better experience for families with children.
Where: Alta is tucked in the upper reaches of Little Cottonwood Canyon, within the Wasatch/Cache National Forest. 33 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport.
Ski School: The Alf Engen Ski School carries the name of its founder, skiing legend Alf Engen. Alf and his wife Evelyn began teaching skiing at Alta in 1948, just after Alf had completed his term as U.S. Olympic Ski Team Coach.
Recent Additions
In addition to upgrades to its maintenance shop and Alf's Restaurant, Alta completed the final touches of the Watson Shelter in the summer of 2006.
* Resort expense has been estimated by rating the cost of a daily lift ticket during the prime, non-holiday season (
$60 or less;
$60-75;
$75 or more ), this basis also offers some insight to approximate lodging and dining costs, but transportation (airfare, car rental/shuttle, etc.) has not been factored into account.
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