Alta isn’t just a ski resort—it’s a pilgrimage. Tucked high in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this snow-covered sanctuary is one of the oldest and purest ski areas in North America. No snowboards. No frills. Just legendary terrain and some of the lightest powder on Earth. Locals call it “Alta Magic,” and once you’ve floated through a thigh-deep storm here, you’ll understand. Alta is more than a mountain—it’s a state of mind.
Quick Stats
- Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah (just east of Salt Lake City)
- Elevation: 8,530 ft base / 10,550 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 2,020 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 2,614 acres
- Annual Snowfall: ~545 inches
- Number of Runs: 119
- Lifts: 6
- Vibe Check: Old-school soul, deep snow, and pure skier joy
The Vibe
Alta is what skiing felt like before the corporate era—simple, soulful, and completely snow-obsessed. You won’t find a terrain park or luxury mall here. What you will find is a passionate community of skiers who live for powder mornings, long traverses, and spontaneous high-fives on the lift. The lodges are cozy, the lifties know your name, and the snow falls in such abundance it feels supernatural. This is Utah’s holy grail—a place that values turns over trends.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Crooked Mile – gentle slope with stunning canyon views, ideal for beginners.
- Meadow – soft, wide open, and perfect for easy laps.
🟦 Blues
- Sunnyside – iconic blue with smooth corduroy and sweeping turns.
- Collins Gulch – a classic cruiser that showcases Alta’s perfect pitch.
- Alf’s High Rustler (mid-section) – a taste of the big stuff without the full plunge.
♦Blacks
- High Rustler – one of the most famous inbounds runs in America—steep, long, and glorious.
- Eddie’s High Nowhere – tight chutes and deep snow for seasoned legs.
- Catherine’s Area – powder-filled trees and hidden stashes all day long.
Après + Town Stays
Alta’s après scene is simple, communal, and heartfelt. You won’t find champagne service—but you’ll find smiles, pitchers, and the warmth of shared stoke.
- Alta Peruvian Lodge Bar – historic, friendly, and full of locals swapping storm stories.
- Goldminer’s Daughter Saloon – slope-side beers and live music at the base of Collins Lift.
- Albion Grill – family-friendly breakfast and lunch spot with big windows and bigger portions.
- Shallow Shaft Restaurant – fine dining with a rustic twist, right near the base.
- Alta Lodge – classic ski-in lodge with roaring fires and communal dining.
- Snowpine Lodge – modern mountain luxury with hot tubs overlooking the canyon.
- Rustler Lodge – iconic, high-end comfort with unmatched views and service.
Travel Tips
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)—Alta is just 35 miles away, but the canyon road can close temporarily during storms (and that’s often). Rent an AWD vehicle or take the UTA Ski Bus from the valley for convenience. Parking is limited, so go early or stay overnight at one of the lodges. Powder days fill fast—locals have been known to sleep in their cars to make first chair.
Fun Facts
- Alta opened in 1938, making it one of America’s oldest ski areas.
- It’s one of only three U.S. resorts that still ban snowboarding.
- Alta and neighboring Snowbird are connected by a gate, allowing shared access on dual passes.
- The snow here averages over 45 feet per year, among the highest in the country.
- Locals proudly call themselves “Alta-holics.”
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Alta made the list because it’s skiing distilled to its essence. It’s soulful, authentic, and drenched in snow. There are flashier mountains and fancier villages, but none capture the heart of skiing like Alta. Once you experience that famous Utah powder here, every other resort becomes the comparison.