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Alta Ski Resort
Category: Hotels & Travel Ski Resorts Ski Resorts [Edit]
Hwy 210Little Cottonwood Canyon
Alta, UT 84092
(801) 359-1078
46 reviews for Alta Ski Resort
46 reviews in English
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Review from Gary W.
Santa Monica, CA
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Alta is sensational! The mountain is conveniently located near Salt Lake City (about 40 minutes away), and it gets some of the best snowfall in all of Utah. As a family, we have spent two spring-skiing seasons here and absolutely love it!
The prices are reasonable, the people are incredibly nice and helpful, ski school staff is fantastic, and it is a skier's paradise.
No snowboarders allowed...this may not be for some...but for us it is sensational! We strongly urge the powers that be to keep this restriction in place. It makes the entire experience that much more peaceful, safe, and enjoyable.
Great combination of all types of terrain and quality levels. We will keep coming back...a true five star experience!
Please continue your policy of a skier's only mountain. I wish more mountains were like you! -
Review from Mark C.
Garden Grove, CA
3/10/2012
This was my first time ever skiing. My wife loves skiing in Park City so it I wanted to learn so I can ski with her when she is over her knee surgery recovery. She likes Alta and so does her family so we trekked out there to take lessons and learn to ski. Plus lessons out there were a lot more reasonably priced than in Park City for both me and my 5 year old daughter.
It was awesome! If you are looking to take lessons the instructors there are awesome. My first time ever, on the first day, my instructor John Corlito, had me skiing like a mad man. So much that we hit the mountain and conquered some green runs in the afternoon. He was great. Hanging with me the whole time making sure my technique was correct and pushing me to reach inside and do better. I finished the day skiing completely exhausted.
Now the beginning runs there are not easy either. At times they were terrifying but really fun. I mean were we're flying at times. What a rush!
We had so much fun there the first day that we went back for our second ski run two days later. I again took lessons this time with Angie and we hit the green runs right off the bat and by the end of my two hour lesson she had me carving some pretty amazing slopes. It was a blast!
All in all we had an amazing time at Alta and will be going back. If you go and take lessons ask for John Corlito or Angie and they will have you skiing like a pro in no time and make it fun!
Snowboards are not allowed.... Alta is for skiers! -
Review from Nicole B.
I've been skiing at Alta my whole life, and I think it's safe to say I've skied Alta more than any other resort in Utah. It's not the best resort out there--Snowbird is better, and I also like Brighton, but as a skier, I love that Alta is skiers only. I also dig the free after 3:00 thing, especially since it's only a 15 minute drive me for to get up there. Being a local, I don't feel like I have to put in a full day to "get my money's worth" or whatever--a couple of hours usually does it during the free time, and I typically fit in 6 or 7 runs. It's a great way to feel like you're getting away, it's a decent workout, and it's just so much fun. Also, they always seem to employ the raddest people, the lifts get you up the mountain quickly, and the scenery is amazing. No complaints here!
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Review from lw h.
Salt Lake City, UT
3/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love Alta. Not sure what else to say, really.
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Review from Briton C.
Salt Lake City, UT
1/20/2012 43 Check-ins Here
Alta is Free after Three featuring the Greatest Snow On Earth.
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Review from andy t.
New York, NY
2/11/2011 3 photos
The first time I skied at Alta was one of the signature moments of my life.
My friends and I, college students in Colorado, set off by car just before midnight, drove 10 hours through a blizzard in Wyoming and arrived at the parking lot at Alta, just as the lifts were opening on a powder day.
We skied our brains out, and I spent the day racing after my expert friends, across mogul fields, plunging down chutes and gliding into powder bowls. I had been skiing all my life but never like this, in such a raw, unspoiled environment. My life and skiing would never be the same.
Last week I returned to Alta (pronounced "Al-TAH", not "All-TAH") after all those years, and I was joined by one of the other guys on that trip, who now lives in Jackson and drove down to join me.
"Ever since that trip during college, I've had this funky attachment to the place," he said when I asked him to explain what Alta means to him.
Alta hasn't changed much over the years and I'm thankful for that. With all due respect, this is not Vail or Whistler or Aspen. The hardy skiers at Alta are the same types of people you see at places like Bridger Bowl, Jackson Hole. Mad River Glen or Revelstoke in BC. The diehards.
Another thing I love about Alta is that, just like a beautiful woman, it doesn't reveal its secrets easily -- it isn't the kind of place where you just get off the lift and start skiing. You certainly can do that, but most of Alta's best runs are accessed via "secret passages" -- aka hikes of varying lengths (all of them are tiring!) or a traverse on some spiny steep ledge. (Don't look down, that's a cliff!)
The payoff is worth it, though, to ski classic runs like Eagle's Nest, Fred's Trees, Glory Hole, Vail Ridge, Sunspot and Westward Ho. These ski runs are the stuff dreams are made of, the moments that you will cherish for years to come. Trust me, Alta got into my blood and it's there to stay. I'm not alone.
Chances are it'll be a powder day when you finally make it to Alta -- there are certainly many of those, with the lightest, driest snow in the US -- when you can feel the stillness in the air and hear the wind whistling through the trees.
If you don't know where to go, just follow someone who looks like they do. You'll probably wind up on Another Long Traverse Ahead (get it: A-L-T-A), but you may discover what it's about. Alta is more than just a great ski mountain, it's like a state of mind.
After my recent return to Alta, I'm more convinced than ever that this gem is America's best pure ski mountain. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly. -
Review from Matt C.
3/12/2011 3 photos
THE BEST!!!
No Snowboarders (ref later below...)
This is the best all around ski mountain in country. Its gnarly, has rugged terrain, its a skiers mountain.
You're pretty much guaranteed good snow quality / good conditions any time you go there..
*****
Dear Alta Ski Area CEO / Executive Planning Staff:
The absence of snow boarders really makes a difference... there is better snow quality on the mountain throughout, the ease of lift service, and overall its more efficient with no "unwanted interruptions" in the ski experience.
Please continue your policy of a skier's only mountain. I wish more mountains were like you.
Highest Regards,
Uncle C-Note.
***** -
Review from Kevin C.
Berkeley, CA
3/4/2012
Who the hell doesn't allow snowboarders? Screw this place. Go to Snowbird. Same snow, better mountain, no nonsense.
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Review from Maria P.
Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY
3/13/2011
Went to Alta last weekend and boy was it great! The day wasn't sunny but it wasn't cold fresh snow had fallen the night before but not too much. The snow was hard but had some push in it. The trails were seemingly empty. The lift lines got lengthy at times but that the beauty of skiing alone, singles line!
Didn't eat there but stopped by the lodge for a rest, it was cozy, your average ski chalet. Not high class like DV, so don't expect it.
Really had a great time, great variation in trails and never got tired of the same ones! -
Review from John C.
Boston, MA
3/4/2008
This is what skiing is about.
1. Steep runs without crowds
2. No lift lines
3. Skiers who are there to ski, not to be seen.
4. Inexpensive food.
5. Thigh deep, untracked champagne powder
6. No snowboarders scraping the mountain clean of snow.
7. Ice cold beer/s while sitting in front of a real, roaring handbuilt stone fireplace at the end of the day
This is ALTA. -
Review from Rachel S.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2009
100th review and THE SPOT is deserving of it.
Alta is my favorite ski resort in the US. Its a family favorite and earns its logo since "Alta is for skiers.." This year I went w/ my best friend for a few days over New Years. The weather was glorious and sunlit, but fresh powder still abounded. Catherine's Area off of Supreme lift is fine for a little hike and bowl skiing and overall the groomers are varied, fun and the mtn views throughout inspiring. We stayed at the Peruvian this year and I've always been lucky to stay right on the mountain, so ski in and ski out is a treat-- ending the day with an outdoor jacuzzi and a gourmet meal. I love not having to share the slope w/ snowboarders and often take a lesson when I come first morning to get my skills back in shape and a local persepctive in the runs etc. Friendly people abound.. The mormons might be strict in rules, but they sure are nice! -
Review from Brianne K.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2006
AL-TA. Repeat after me. AL (as in Big Al) TA (as in Ta-Da!). Now you're pronouncing Alta like a local.
Alta is for skiers...no snowboarders allowed. Now before you start thinking that I'm some sort of extreme Helli-skier, let me inform you that I'm a complete retard when it comes to skiing. I loves me some bunny runs, and Alta has some great ones. The snow is incredible (powder galore!), and the runs are well groomed. The people in the ski shop are extremely helpful, and their rental rates are great.
It's not an uber-fancy sort of resort...just people that love to ski, and I love it for that. Even if I'm a beginner. :) -
Review from Seamus M.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2007
The greatest ski area in North America. Take your Whistler and your Squaw Valley and Aspen for me Alta is the best place on this continent to ski. Why?
1) Amazing snow and lots of it, Alta's position in Little Cottonwood Canyon wrings snow out of storms.
2) Just skiers, now I have nothing against snowboarding, but on a powder day this rule eliminates a huge chunk of people who could be tracking up the snow.
3) The attitude is attitudeless, this is not Squaw where everyone is competing to be the next Glenn Plake. Just a bunch of skiers playing in the snow.
4) Old school lodges, staying at the Peruvian, Goldminer's Daughter or the Rustler is like a time warp to different era.
5) Closer than you think, I can be in Utah on a Friday night in 4 hours. Try getting to Tahoe that fast.
Do you ski, then you have to go and go now. -
Review from Reno C.
3/17/2010 2 photos
This year we choose Alta, as they cater to skiers only. Don't get me wrong, I love to snowboard and the recent snowfall over night would of made this a great day at another resort.
It's been about 6 years since I've put on skis, so I took it easy trying to get the feel and technique back. We stayed on the blue/double blues which accommodated the groups ability. The views from a top were breathtaking. The ski runs were wide and groomed. There were areas where the visibility was limited, but that didn't bother us. They have runs for all abilities and some areas to ski the trees.
Our lunch stop at the mid mountain restaurant served us well. The food (Chili, fries, burgers, etc.) was great. The pitcher of beer also hit the spot. Back at the main chalet after skiing, Alta Java serves up Hot coffees, as my triple shot hit the spot. For those who do not ski or quits early, there are open unsecured WiFi available. -
Review from Rich L.
3/29/2010 3 photos
It's such a good feeling to have sore ski thighs and a raccoon face sunburn. I was able get in my psuedo-annual ski trip this year and went to Alta. This is some of the best skiing out there. I'm lucky to get to ski once a year and this place is close to the top, if not the top, of the list.
I was fortunate to have a place to stay but there a several resorts right close by so you can stay and just ski or take a short trip down the mountain to a few other nightspots.
What was new to me was a fancy card as opposed to a lift ticket. So you stick the card in your pocket or wallet and it opens a gate at each lift instead of somebody visually checking them. You can buy them online ahead of time and get them mailed to you. Then you save $5 when you reload it. It's probably been around a while but new to me.
It was a little bit crowded on the weekend but there were plenty of trails where I was all alone, just me and nature. The lines at the lifts were maybe 5 deep at most. Most were much shorter and several times we were able to hop right on. As you move farther away from Collins, the main lift, the more open and the shorter the lines were.
For stops on the mountain, Alfs has good fries and chili cheese fries. Watson's has good soup. Watson's also has a nicer, take your boots off, sit down restaurant on the 3rd floor. I stuck with the quicker chow and took off soon as I could. -
Review from Damon S.
Sausalito, CA
8/3/2010
Freaking SICK mountain! No boarders, very rare these days . Pure, pure, powder. Good snow conditions well into April.
Cons: Some lifts are slow and I want to get back to the top and do it again NOW. -
Review from Jeff W.
Bellingham, WA
3/15/2007
Although we stayed in Park City, we made the trek out here to ski multiple days last season. Loved it. After skiing the Sierra Cement in Tahoe, it was refreshing to ski some great snow. (Tahoe had crap conditions last January.) Even though cloudy and cold, it was a trade off for great conditions. Nice chutes and drops, challenging terrain, and always enough room to do your thing --- whether mellow or extreme (although I gravitate towards the former).
And I could comment on the lack of those hellion snow boarders, but the mountain was big enough that crowds weren't an issue. Yet it was small enough that we could hook up later in the day (or for lunch if you wanted) with the people in our group.
Very friendly staff, reasonable prices (even in the ski shop, where I needed to buy new poles to replace the one I'd broken), and no froo froo resort crap. Hopefully it will stay that way as a skiers' mountain. -
Review from Josephine M.
Seattle, WA
5/23/2007
My first, and so far only, skiing experience took place at Alta this past March, and it was a blast!!! I had been so nervous about it, and not having to worry about snowboarders (this was just shortly after a skiier was killed when a snowboarder landed on top of them) was helpful, and my experienced skiier friends there with me were very excited about this as well.
It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and I dream about going back all the time. I had a great experience there, and all the staff were very helpful. They were full of great tips and information for me, and were very tolerant of how much trouble I had with the silly chair lift. They even cheered for me the first time I successfully got off the chair without promptly landing on my butt. :)
A first-rate place for beginners and advanced skiiers alike. We all went home very happy that day. -
Review from Lisa L.
Oakland, CA
3/13/2007
Ah...the world without snowboarders. *aaaahhhhh*
Seriously, it took me a whole day to realize what was going on here...why I was having so much fun and why it was so relaxed...then it dawned on me...no snowboarders really, really makes a difference. Sorry guys...no attitude, no jerks..it was a lot, a lot of fun. The people were genuinely friendly and overall very pleasant to be around, the prices were reasonable and the snow was great.
I would go back here in an instant, and with 1.5 - 2 hours flying time and then a very short drive from SLC...it's almost faster than going to Tahoe from the Bay Area, especially in bad conditions. For your snowboarder friends there's always Snowbird.... -
Review from Jennifer H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2007
Black and black-wanna-be skiiers, this is the place for you. Close to downtown and the SLC airport.
What a pleasant experience. Forgot what it's like w/o snowboarders! Few beginners mean that there is little wait or having to slow down too much near the lifts. -
Review from Jennifer A.
Pomona, CA
1/22/2009
Alta is one of my family's favorite places to ski. The snow here is always awesome, the slopes aren't crowded and the lift tickets are still relatively cheap. My mom really loves this place because she doesn't have to dodge any snowboarders laying around on the bunny slope. In fact, a lot of locals must come here because most people I saw were really good.
However, if you are a beginner, they have a beginners chair ticket that only costs $32 ($27 for refill). It lets you ride on the Sunnyside and Cecret lifts which are the only places where there are green runs. There really isn't too big of a selection for beginners, but a lot of the blue runs are fairly easy which is good for an intermediate level, but nervous skier, like me! -
Review from Mark W.
3/30/2009 1 photo
Wow - what a great place.
Cheap rentals ($20/day if you rent next door to the lift ticket office, $35 if you rent @ Mother Lodes 20' away), cheap tickets ($59/day), no snowboarders, and great views.
We went in mid-March and the snow was icy in the mornings, but great by 10:30. Totally relaxed skiers mountain that isn't too busy. A lot of runs we were the only ones in sight (unless you were on the main trails at the very top or bottom).
Prices for food etc were reasonable and people seemed nice. Just wish some of the lifts were "Express" -
Review from Bret C.
3/14/2010
Alta is for skiers.
The best slogan in history. No snowboarders. Period.
When I went to Alta I finally realized what real skiing is. Deep, fresh powder. It snows here all the time. Don't expect any sort of village/stores/restaurants. No frills here - just the sport itself.
And you can pretty much ski anywhere you want! Just remember that the lifts don't have safety bars.
Great runs for all abilities - and man you can find a challenge here. Great bowls. My favorite place is Catherine's Area - and most everything off the Supreme lift is great and lightly skied.
When the sun comes out, it's an entirely different (equally awesome) place.
If you're skiing here, it's easy to find discounted lift tickets. Try the Salt Lake Super Pass - it's the best deal going if you're skiing for a few days in a row.
I will come back here as long as I possibly can!!! -
Review from Sean B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/23/2011
Simply but, this is a Utah skiing icon- there are no snowboarders (awesome!) and you don't have to remortgage your house to get a ticket like you would at the other all skiers place nearby. The snow, scenery, and runs are THE best in Utah hands down (and since we are talking about the best snow in Utah, we are really talking best of the best). It is a locals place, so you won't find many touristy amenities nearby; even so there is no angry local vibe there; everyone just seems to be happy to be out there in the powder. I have to subtract one star for the subpar food and some of the lifts are kind of dodgy but hey- of it gets you away from the masses of tourists and on the best slop in Utah, it's worth it!
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Review from LH V.
Redwood City, CA
2/26/2008
Alta is simply awesome. The ticket price (relatively cheap), the terrain (excellent, steep, perfect for the advanced skier), and just overall a wonderful resort. You can ski 1000' of vert in one challenging run - at least I'm pretty sure Eagle's Nest is that much vert but I could be wrong. Nevertheless, it's worth all the effort of flying out there, getting a place to stay, and skiing your heart out.
I can't wait for the next time I get out to Utah...Alta is first on my list. -
Review from Joann W.
Santa Clara, CA
2/19/2010
This is the most ultimate place for skiers.
Alta has pretty wide runs so it's great for skiers to carve up the mountain. Another plus is that it's only for skiers only but it's a major bummer for all my boarder friends. But then again that's why there's Canyons and Snowbird. Another great attribute is that the snow isn't sticky like it is in California/Nevada since it's pretty cold here. This is the first time I ever had to use foot-warmers but the runs are well worth it. The view from the mountain is breathtaking. I stayed at the Radisson in downtown and took the transit which takes you straight to the mountain and it was a great deal. Hopefully I can plan a trip for next year since I dream of Alta. -
Review from alejandro f.
Salt Lake City, UT
9/7/2007
Greatest place to ski. Only problem is waiting for ski patrol to clear Devil's castle after a powder coating.
Also Catherine's area off of the Supreme Lift can be a good place to go snorkeling, only draw back is waiting in line to get back up there. -
Review from Sam S.
3/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I skied Alta for the first time last Sunday, we had a foot of fresh powder and it was awesome! As a beginning skier I really like Alta for two reasons: 1) no snowboarders and 2) lots of different ski runs. Since I'm just starting out I liked the easy and moderate runs at Alta. They were challenging but not too much for me. I wish some of the lifts were faster but their sluggishness did give me a nice break when I needed a rest. The lodge wasn't lavish or anything but we had a good burger and a much needed rest mid-day before hitting the slopes again. Alta was great for my first visit and I'll definitely be back.
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Review from Jacob W.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/10/2010
Easily my favorite place to ski in the state of Utah. First of all there are no boarders here, skiing only. Not that I am a board hater, It's just nice to have somewhere to go where everyone is not sitting down all over the damn place. Consistently great snow, tons of great runs, never too crowded, fast lifts, and did I mention no snow boarders?
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Review from Scott S.
Salt Lake City, UT
3/31/2008 1 photo
Steep terrain all for plankers! No style meters around just strickly hard core skiing with a shotski at the P-Dog at the days end.
Look for Rob with spademan bindings standing in line for first chair 2 hours before the lifts open on a powder day (can u say Dedication). Then if you can handle the high traverse without being run over by the powderhounds, faceshots await.
There are no friends here on powder days until you stop at the Goldminers Daughter to have a cold beer, chips, and a chat with Trainer.
There are tons of little hidden spots to grab fresh snow even when it looks like its all tracked out from the chair. I won't tell the hidden places to go hit or the when Devil's Castle is opening. That is up to you ta find out and explore.
Have hardy legs? Take the hike up to the "Baldy Chutes", open only a few days of the year. There is even a passing lane for those in the need of a quick fix down the main chute or other xtreme routes. -
Review from John H.
Cape May Court House, NJ
3/17/2011
This week was our first experience in Alta. I only wish we had time to go again! The lifts are well organized and fast. The slopes have great variety...more than my poor ACL reconstruction can handle. The food was very good. The morale is high. Loved it. It is for skiers only which was a unique expereince
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Review from Robert W.
Atlanta, GA
3/14/2011
My new favorite Salt Lake City area ski destination, Powder galore, a great mountain, Go and check it out, you won't be sorry if you like steeps and powder
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Review from Jason W.
California, MD
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Alta was awesome. There were no lines and the snow was in really good condition. I didn't rent skis or dine at the lodge because Alta closes at 4:30 and I wanted to spend every possible minute on the slopes. I like Alta's layout because every run seemed to have different difficulty level options. I never had the exact same route down the mountain all day. Alta is a great choice provided you don't mind the fact some of the lifts close starting at 3:30.
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Review from Chi N.
3/12/2008
wow... i can't even begin to describe how incredible this place is...
the views are amazing from the top of any lift you go to... everything is quiet and peaceful... it's all skiers...
long scenic runs... tons of diff blues at every elevation of the mountain!
many side tree trails to go through...
hot sunny weather... chill at the resort in a tshirt
only downside was the mid point resort didn't have running water... -
Review from Anita B.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2009
We mainly ski at Deer Valley but occassionally, we'll make the treck to Alta. The great part about Alta is that it is another resort that is still ski only. You can't beat that. Runs are great and frankly, they live up to the "Greatest snow on earth" tag.
Listed in: Park City, Utah (and some…
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Review from Peter R.
Waltham, MA
6/28/2007
***Best Mountain i have ever run***
amazing powder, great views, back trails, cool ppl
Just GO you will LOVE it !!!!!
**sorry no snow boarders allowed** -
Review from Victor C.
New York, NY
3/1/2010 2 Check-ins Here
No boarders, an expansive mountain, every lift offers access to a wide variety of terrain including nice groomers and tons of off-piste / tree skiing. Alta is terrific - my favorite of the mountains in the area.
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Review from Nick D.
Puyallup, WA
2/8/2006
This place is one of the few ski areas left that does not allow snowboarders on the mountain. It's pretty much what a ski area would look like if I became a snow god and was able to craft one with my bare hands. It's got some of if not the best snow on the planet and if you plan to ski here, bring your fats. A great local atmosphere, you won't find too many a-hole skiers here, it's a pretty nice place in more ways than one.
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Review from Todd K.
Merrimack, NH
2/27/2008
Big-ass, harsh mountain that gets a ton of snow and has no safety bars on their lifts. Need I say more. 5 big fat stars!
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Review from ellyk E.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2006
If you're a skier, you must, must, must get to this resort at some point in your life. The chairs lead to the top of acres upon acres of steep terrain. If you feel like hiking, throw your skis over your shoulder and you'll be guaranteed first tracks somewhere. Bring your own beer cause this is Utah.
