The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Alta operates across 2,614 acres between 2,600 and 3,373 metres elevation in Little Cottonwood Canyon, delivering 773 metres of vertical drop across 119 runs. The resort receives an average of 545 inches of snowfall annually, measured at the Collins Study Plot since 1980, with the 2022-23 season recording a record 903 inches. One of three remaining skiers-only areas in the United States alongside Deer Valley and Mad River Glen, Alta first opened its lifts in January 1939 as the second chairlift-served resort in the western United States.
Terrain divides into 15 per cent beginner, 30 per cent intermediate and 55 per cent advanced, with no distinction between single and double black diamond ratings on the trail map. The Albion Basin side centres beginner skiing on the Sunnyside lift with runs like Crooked Mile and Home Run, whilst advanced terrain dominates the Collins Gulch side. Alf's High Rustler drops 1,000 vertical feet at a sustained 45-degree pitch from the High Traverse, and Devil's Castle requires a bootpack from the Supreme lift to access over 500 vertical feet of open, steep terrain. Ballroom bowl spreads across massive open faces below Mount Baldy, and the Spiney Chutes near Supreme Point deliver 40-degree tree skiing.
The mountain operates from two base areas connected by a bi-directional rope tow - Wildcat serving expert terrain via the Collins lift, and Albion supporting beginners and intermediates around Sunnyside. Five independently owned lodges including Alta Lodge and Goldminer's Daughter provide ski-in ski-out accommodation at the base, maintaining a traditional atmosphere focused on skiing rather than resort amenities. Watson Shelter at mid-mountain houses Collins Grill for fine dining and Baldy Brews coffee shop, whilst the Albion Day Lodge anchors services at the second base.
Alta appears on both the Ikon Pass (7 days shared with Snowbird) and Mountain Collective (2 days plus 50 per cent off additional days), with the resort's own season pass priced at $899 for 2025-26. The Alta-Bird combination pass launched in 2002 provides unlimited access to both resorts totalling 5,114 acres via gates connecting through Mineral Basin. Daily lift tickets range from $89 to $125 depending on season, with children six and under skiing free. The resort suits powder-focused skiers willing to traverse and bootpack for terrain, with the local saying 'Alta is for skiers' reflecting both the snowboard ban and the mountain's technical character.
2,536ft
Vertical
119
Runs
2,614 acres
Skiable
45ft
Annual snow
Ikon / Mountain Collective
Pass
The Terrain
119 runs across 2,614 acres skiable
Alta covers 2,614 acres (1,058 hectares) at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah, rising from an 8,530 ft (2,600 m) base to 11,070 ft (3,373 m) at the summit for 2,540 ft (773 m) of vertical. Across 119 runs the split is 15% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced and 15% expert, so the mountain leans towards confident skiers. Snowfall is the real draw, averaging around 545 inches a year. Alta is a skiers-only mountain, with snowboarding not permitted, and its mostly fixed-grip chairs are slow by modern standards, which suits the unhurried, powder-first culture.
Collins Gulch is where the steep skiing starts. The High Traverse, the access road from the Collins lift, leads to Alf's High Rustler, a famous pitch that begins at about 45 degrees, while Ballroom is a wide bowl that collects excellent powder. Devil's Castle needs a bootpack from the Supreme lift for more than 500 vertical feet of open, steep terrain. Albion Basin is the gentler side, where the Sunnyside lift serves beginners on Crooked Mile and Home Run, the longest run at Alta at 1.3 miles. Alta suits powder-minded skiers who are happy to traverse and hike, and the joint Alta-Bird ticket opens up neighbouring Snowbird via Sugarloaf Pass into Mineral Basin.
Terrain split
119
runs
119 runs across 4 grades
Beginner18 runs · 15%
Intermediate36 runs · 30%
Advanced48 runs · 40%
Expert18 runs · 15%
Time it right
When to visit Alta
The 2025-26 season opened 7 December 2025 and runs through 26 April 2026, with lifts operating 9:15am to 4:30pm daily. Typical season length spans mid-November to late April, though opening dates vary based on early-season snowfall and snowmaking coverage. The 88th consecutive winter of operation continues Alta's legacy as one of North America's oldest continuously operating ski areas.
Alta averages 548 inches of snowfall annually at the Collins Study Plot, with measurements ranging from pedestrian seasons around 400 inches to the record 903 inches recorded in 2022-23. Lake-effect snow from the Great Salt Lake combines with orographic lift from Little Cottonwood Canyon's steep walls to produce consistently dry powder averaging 8.5 per cent density. The resort averages 64 snowfall days per season, with February historically the snowiest month receiving over 100 inches, followed closely by January and March. Snowmaking covers approximately 140 hectares of key terrain to ensure coverage across beginner zones and main thoroughfares.
Peak powder conditions arrive late February through early March, though substantial snowfall occurs throughout the December to April window. Spring skiing extends into late April with corn snow conditions developing on south-facing aspects, whilst north-facing terrain retains powder quality due to high elevation and shaded exposure. January through March provides the most consistent deep snow and coldest temperatures, with storm cycles often delivering 10-plus-inch powder days - the 2022-23 season saw 36 such days compared to a typical season's dozen.
Closing Day on 26 April traditionally features the Frank World Championship costume event with DJ entertainment in the Wildcat parking lot. No night skiing operates at Alta, keeping the focus on daytime powder skiing. The resort implemented weekend and holiday parking reservations from 8am to 1pm beginning December 2025, requiring advance booking through April except for passholders who reserve for free. Summer uphill access opens after closing day for backcountry skiers and hikers, with no ski patrol or avalanche mitigation during the off-season months.
Season 2026 - 2027
20 Nov 2026
Opens
25 Apr 2027
Closes
156
Days open
45 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Alta, and where to stay
Alta sits at 2,600 metres elevation at the terminus of Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, within Salt Lake County. The town of Alta occupies Albion Basin and Collins Gulch approximately 48 kilometres from the Great Salt Lake, with the ski area bounded by Snowbird resort to the west and backcountry access to Grizzly Gulch to the east. Mount Baldy rises to 3,374 metres as the highest point, with Sugarloaf Peak at 3,368 metres and Devil's Castle forming the dramatic eastern skyline.
Salt Lake City lies 40 kilometres northwest with a driving time of 45 minutes in normal conditions, whilst Park City sits 72 kilometres distant requiring 90 minutes. Sandy, the closest substantial town, is 34 kilometres away at the canyon mouth. The historic mining town of Alta dates to 1871, reaching a population of 3,000 during the 1872 silver boom before declining to ghost town status by 1930, then reviving as a ski destination from 1938. Five lodges and scattered condominiums comprise current accommodation, with most skiers staying slopeside or commuting from the Salt Lake Valley.
State Highway 210 provides the sole access route into Little Cottonwood Canyon, beginning at the junction with State Route 209 in Sandy and climbing 1,036 metres over 14.5 kilometres of two-lane canyon road. The road passes through Snowbird at 11 kilometres before reaching Alta at the canyon head. Interstate 15 and Interstate 215 serve as primary approach routes from Salt Lake City, with the drive traversing suburban areas before entering the canyon. Winter driving requires 4WD, AWD or chains under Utah's Traction Law, with UDOT frequently implementing restrictions during storms and closing the road for avalanche control work.
Salt Lake City International Airport serves as the primary gateway 51 kilometres from Alta with a 45-minute transfer in good conditions. UTA Ski Bus Route 994 operates daily from Historic Sandy Station to Alta from early December through mid-April, running at 30-minute intervals during peak hours with free ridership for Ikon and Alta passholders. Private shuttle services including Alta Shuttle and Alpine Transportation provide door-to-door transfers. The canyon's 10 per cent grade and exposure to avalanche paths make Little Cottonwood one of North America's most avalanche-prone roadways, with interlodge periods occasionally trapping overnight guests and employees when Highway 210 closes for extended mitigation work.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Alta, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Utah Ski Resorts 2026-27: What’s New at Alta, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain and More
Utah is still building flat out. For 2026-27, Powder Mountain opens a steep new Skytrac chair into more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain, Deer Valley adds 200 acres on Hail Peak, Sundance gets a new quad and Park City adds a gondola from its new parking structure. Snowmaking is expanding almost everywhere, Eagle Point stays closed after the Cottonwood Fire, and the 2034 Games are setting the pace. Here’s what’s new, resort by resort.
13 Oct 2026
Vermont Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Few Dates Set, Killington Waits on the Cold
Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.
9 Oct 2026
Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships President Resigns Ahead of Fraud Hearing
Less than four months out from the Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships, the man running the organising committee has stepped down. Claude-Alain Schmidhalter resigned as Swiss-Ski vice president and OC president after being indicted over a business dispute unrelated to skiing. He denies the allegations and faces court on October 27. Interim leaders are in place for the February 1-14 event.
9 Oct 2026
Kelly Canyon, Idaho, Adds Snowmaking, a Bigger Terrain Park and More Parking for 2026-27
Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.
9 Oct 2026
Valle Nevado Extends Season to November 8 After 108 cm in 48 Hours
Winter was meant to be winding down in Chile. Then Valle Nevado took 108 cm in 48 hours in early October, and the resort has pushed its closing date out to November 8 - its latest in 38 years of operation. That makes 143 days of skiing since opening day on June 19, with 690 cm banked for the season. Only part of the mountain is running while the storm settles, so check the mountain report before you plan a trip.
9 Oct 2026
Alps Snow Forecast: Cold Front Brings Thursday Snow to the High Alps
The Alps look a lot more like winter today, for a day or so. A cold front is moving west to east, dropping up to 35 cm on high glaciers and peaks, with snow levels falling to around 1,500-1,800 m at times. Don’t plan a trip around it: mid-elevation snow will be thin and wet, every area is closed bar a limited Sölden glacier opening tomorrow, and warmer weather returns by Monday.
8 Oct 2026
California Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Mammoth Leads, Tahoe Follows
Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.
7 Oct 2026
Colorado Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: A-Basin and Keystone Race to Be First
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.
5 Oct 2026
Alta Webcams
8 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Alta's live webcams
Check live conditions across Alta with 8 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Alta Snow Stake8,681ft
- The most important webcam at Alta ski resort where you can see just how many inches of fresh snow has fallen across the resort.
- Mount Superior8,681ft
- Monitor the dramatic east-facing slopes through this commanding Alta webcam showcasing Mount Superior's imposing presence at 2646 meters elevation. This Alta live cam captures the raw beauty of backcountry terrain visible from the resort, offering essential visibility updates for advanced skiers planning their approach to Alta's legendary steep terrain. Check current snow conditions and weather patterns through this Alta web cam as you prepare to experience some of Utah's most challenging and rewarding skiing.
- High Rustler8,681ft
- Witness Alta's most challenging expert terrain through this High Rustler Alta webcam positioned at 2646 meters elevation above some of Utah's steepest inbounds skiing. This specialized Alta live cam provides crucial visibility information for advanced skiers seeking Alta's legendary high-altitude powder stashes and extreme terrain. Essential for assessing conditions in the High Rustler zone, this Alta web cam helps experienced powder hunters time their approach to these demanding slopes that define Alta's reputation among serious skiers worldwide.
- Sugarloaf Peak10,390ft
- Discover Alta's most remote and pristine terrain through this exclusive Sugarloaf Peak Alta webcam positioned at 3167 meters elevation in the resort's backcountry-adjacent zones. This specialized Alta live cam provides rare visibility into advanced and expert-only areas where Utah's deepest powder accumulates, offering crucial information for experienced skiers planning backcountry-style adventures within the resort boundaries. Monitor conditions through this unique Alta web cam as you prepare to explore terrain that epitomizes Alta's reputation for untracked powder and challenging skiing.
- East Greeley8,681ft
- Track conditions across Alta's diverse intermediate and advanced terrain through this strategic East Greeley Alta webcam at 2646 meters elevation. This Alta live cam offers expansive views of the resort's varied skiing options, from groomed cruisers to challenging off-piste areas that attract powder seekers from around the world. Monitor snow quality and visibility through this essential Alta web cam while planning your route through Utah's most storied ski destination, where every turn promises legendary Little Cottonwood Canyon powder.
- Salt Lake Valley8,556ft
- Enjoy a spectacular dual perspective through this unique Alta webcam at 2608 meters elevation, capturing both the resort's pristine alpine terrain and the sprawling Salt Lake Valley thousands of feet below. This distinctive Alta live cam showcases the dramatic elevation contrast that makes skiing at Alta such a remarkable experience, offering views from Little Cottonwood Canyon's towering peaks down to Utah's urban landscape. Perfect for sharing the majesty of Alta's location, this Alta web cam demonstrates why this mountain destination attracts powder seekers to experience skiing above the clouds.
- Albion Basin8,681ft
- Experience the legendary powder conditions of Little Cottonwood Canyon through this essential Alta webcam positioned at 2646 meters elevation in Albion Basin. This Alta live cam provides stunning panoramic views of the resort's high-alpine bowls and expert terrain, helping powder hunters assess conditions in Utah's most revered ski destination. Perfect for monitoring snowfall accumulation and visibility across the challenging runs that make Alta webcams essential viewing for serious skiers seeking that famous Utah powder experience.
- Mount Baldy10,390ft
- Experience breathtaking summit perspectives through this high-altitude Mount Baldy Alta webcam positioned at an impressive 3167 meters elevation, offering commanding views across Utah's Wasatch Mountains. This elevated Alta live cam showcases the dramatic alpine environment that makes Alta legendary among serious skiers, providing essential weather and visibility updates from the resort's highest accessible terrain. Check current conditions through this premier Alta web cam before tackling the challenging runs that flow down from these spectacular summit elevations.
Alta snow cams FAQ
How often do Alta snow cams update?
All Alta snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Alta.
Which Alta webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Sugarloaf Peak webcam at 3,167m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Alta webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Alta lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Alta snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Alta snow cams?
Check Alta webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Alta lift tickets?
Use our Alta webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Alta webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Alta snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Alta intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.