The historic Alta Ski Area is a renowned ski resort nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, just outside Park City, Utah. Known for its long history in the skiing industry, Alta has been around for nearly eight decades, opening its very first chairlift in 1939.
A ski resort of the purest kind, Alta is one of only three resorts left in America that prohibit snowboarding on its slopes. But don’t let that intimidate you. Known widely as a family-oriented resort, about 65 percent of Alta’s 2,000 acres of terrain is dedicated to beginning and intermediate skiers. The resort is also highly affordable; adult day passes are $84; children’s passes are $45 and beginner passes are just $40. Couple these amazing prices with the inviting slopes and Alta makes for a great family getaway.
Over the years, the resort has received numerous accolades. Forbes Magazine named it the No. 3 ski resort in the entire country and PowderHounds gave it “Best Overall Terrain,” “Best Off-piste” and “Best Powder.”
Alta Trails and Runs
With more than 116 runs, a bevy of blue, green and black runs, and four towering mountain peaks, Alta offers something for every type of skier. There’s even a 3-km groomed track that’s perfect for Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Alta also boasts one of the highest altitudes in the state, so heavy snowfall is not only common – it’s expected. The area gets around 500 inches every year, covering the area with an almost constant blanket of snow. Local terrain ranges from smooth and straight to winding, narrow and full of trees. If you go for the black and blue runs, you’re also in for visual treat. The views and surrounding scenery are breathtaking from atop Alta’s four peaks.
Novice skiers will enjoy and embrace a ample amount of green runs at the base of Devil’s Castle, while intermediate skiers can choose from nearly 30 runs across the property. Advanced skiers are invited to enjoy over 50 black runs that line the slopes of all four mountains – Point Supreme, Devil’s Castle, Sugarloaf Peak and Mount Baldy.
For the competitive bunch, Alta hosts recreational racing every Friday and Saturday at its Sunnyside Lift. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top skiers (not to mention major mountain bragging rights).
Should you find yourself getting tired of Alta’s numerous runs (that would take a while!), you can opt for the Alta Snowbird ticket. This steal of a deal gives you access to both Alta Ski Area and the nearby Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort as well. There, you can snowboard, snowmobile and even delve into night skiing. Summer offers up just as much fun with mountain biking, hiking, fishing and horseback tours.
Alta Amenities
It’s not just the ample snowfall, varied terrain, and corduroy runs that make Alta a top-notch experience; it’s the resort’s amenities, too. Alta offers up a number of restaurants, retail shops, spas, and more to keep you and your family entertained and relaxed throughout your entire trip.
Alta even offers a full-service ski school, complete with adult, children’s, and even telemark ski lessons. Whether you want to brush up your skills, or you’re stepping on the slopes for the first time, Alta can help you refine and hone in so you can enjoy everything the mountain has to offer.
Head to Alta
If you’re looking for a ski-centric getaway at a fair price, Alta Ski Area is your answer. With varied terrain, constant snowfall and a purist’s approach to the sport, you won’t find a better locale than this.