Alta Ski Resort Guide
Alta, USA opened in 1939, making it one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States.
It is a resort known for its extreme terrain and experts will love the unbeatable on-and-off-piste powder as well as having a nearby sister resort to explore (Snowbird).
Beginners will enjoy their increasing options as they graduate from the gentle beginners slope to the more challenging green runs.
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The Resort
Alta ski resort is located in the Wasatch Mountains at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah, USA.
The town is small, without much in the way of nightlife, but the ski resort can and does boast some of the best powder in the world!
Various types of accommodation populate the area, including family-owned lodges, condos and vacation homes.
With ski-in and ski-out access, a highly-rated restaurant and enticing spa services Rustler Lodge is one of the more popular choices for those looking for a charming and convenient place to stay.
There is little shopping in Alta and most of the shops sell only ski gear and souvenirs.
In fact, it may be a good idea to hit the grocery store in Salt Lake before coming, as even the food shopping is minimal.
The nearest airport is Salt Lake International Airport, 32 miles (45 minutes) from the resort. Shuttles are available.
On the slopes
The annual snowfall here is an unbelievable 13.9m of light, dry and fluffy white stuff, making Alta the place to come for powder skiing. There are 2614 acres (10.58 km2) of skiing terrain.
This resort is geared toward the experienced skier, with over 75% of its runs rated as either intermediate or advanced.
With steep chutes, well-marked cliffs, some tree shots, bowls and a few hidden lines this place is a seasoned skier’s dream.
There are also several excellent off-piste options although it may take a bit of looking and a lot of hiking to find the worthwhile spots.
There are 10 lifts, including several high-speed chairlifts and one tow rope for the beginners.
Alta Ski Resort can get pretty busy on the weekends and you may encounter lift lines, but you won’t have to worry about any snowboarders taking up precious space at this resort because snowboarding is not allowed here.
This is one of three ski resorts in the US that do not allow snowboarders.
Alta ski resort shares the area with its sister resort, Snowbird, and a high speed quad chair provides access to both.
From late November to early April, this resort offers excellent conditions and on-slope challenges in a gorgeous setting.
You won’t find much in the way of clubbing or dancing in this little town, but there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and upscale eateries to discover and enjoy.
For on-slope dining with an incredible view, give Watson Cafe a try. Shallow Shaft restaurant is one of your best bets for a fancy dinner out after a day on the slopes.
If you are the kind of person who loves to kick back with a gourmet burger and a beer, you won’t want to miss a trip to Drafts Burger Bar where there are over fifty kinds of beer to choose from, from all over the world.
If downhill skiing is not your thing, or if you feel like something different during your stay, you can always try the cross country or snowshoeing trails.