The new renovation at Alf’s offers even more beautiful views of Alta. My kids get fries, and my husband loves a good CHETO (grilled cheese sandwich with tomato). I highly recommend heading to the furthest side away from the checkout registers for the best tables with windows overlooking the runs.Kid-friendliness: Lots of food options to choose from: chips, fruit, salads, yogurts, fries, chicken tenders, hamburger/cheeseburger, build-your-own sandwich bar, hot chocolate, juices, etc—I guarantee there’s even something to please the pickiest of eaters. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Chilli Bowl of Chili, Bacon Cheeseburger, Cheese Burger
George P.
While living and working in Utah, I skied Alta and Snowbird almost every week. It is a great place to ski. It is worth getting the Alta Snowbird dual tickets so you can use the connector at the top and ski both mountains. Alta is usually less crowded because they don't allow snowboarders, but Snowbird also has a lot of nice runs as well. It's like two mountains in one.
Adam Nevitt
No other choice for ski food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rose H.
Alta Ski Area itself is amazing! The snow conditions are phenomenal, and they really do get the most snow. I am typically a snowboarder who frequents the other resorts, but I have been learning to ski as well and Alta lived up to the hype for me. I am a comfortable blue skier who is starting to dabble in blacks and am learning to do moguls and powder, and Alta was so fun for all of these. We even ventured a little bit into the trees and the trees were not too densely packed. There were multiple gullies that were fun to explore and the snow conditions were consistent no matter where we were on the mountain. The one thing that knocks off a star for me is the parking system. They are really strict about parking and yet they don't label the highway area as reservations required, and because we parked there (due to no signage) we ended up getting a $75 parking ticket at the end of the day. That was a huge scam and there were about 20 other cars that also got tricked like us. I feel like they definitely are trying to milk people for easy revenue and giving parking tickets in a spot that's not labeled as paid reserved parking is just deceitful business practice. Also, be prepared for brutal traffic both up and down the canyon road. It's called the red snake for a reason, and it's one lane each way so if there is an accident ahead of you, you might be stuck for 2-3 hours on that road.
Mikayla K.
The scenery is breathtaking. Even the drive up the mountain is like driving through a snow globe. The runs are immaculate and it truly feels magical being here. The drive takes a long time, so be prepared to spend a decent amount of time enjoying the scenery on the road up the mountain. Both Snowbird and Alta are at the top of the mountain so traffic can get really tough. Plan for at least an hour from base to top, and have at least an AWD car! The only complaint I had was that they closed all the bathrooms for cleaning in both buildings at Albion Base at 4:30 so there was nowhere to relieve yourself before making a 1-hour minimum drive down the mountain with no place to stop.
Max Jansen
Used to be a lot better but recently the food has gotten so expensive and quality has dropped a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Dian M.
If you're skier, Alta is truly the best! One of the last holdouts as a skiers-only resort. It's part of the Mountain collective ski pass. There is also a Mountain collective member locker room with two bathrooms. This year there wasn't too much snow at Christmas 2023, but the whole Mountain was still pretty much open, a few avoidable rocks, here, and there, Closed areas included some steeper sections and chutes and gullies. Felt like California skiing, ha ha ha. But that's not why we leave California to come to Utah. Being an El Niño year, the snow is coming, we just had a dry spell between Christmas and new year. We'll be back!
Sam S.
For the passionate skier, there's no place better than Alta Ski Area; it's Heaven on Earth. Alta is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, operating its first lift in early 1939. Alta has a skiable area of 2,614 acres and receives more snow than most Utah resorts, averaging an annual snowfall of 545 inches! I've been skiing Alta for 13+ years, and every day at Alta is magical. Whether it's a gorgeous bluebird powder day, a storm day, or sunshine and groomers, skiing at Alta is always fun. Alta is an advanced mountain, but they have beginner-friendly terrain accessible from the Sunnyside lift. There are intermediate runs on Supreme, Sugarloft, and Collins. Skiing the best terrain at Alta often requires traversing, hiking, or bootpacking. Finding a knowledgeable friend to be your mountain guide is critical to learning how to find "the goods." Alta's lift operations do a fantastic job managing the lines, and even on busy days, they keep the lines moving efficiently. The lodges and restaurants at Alta are modest but provide decent food and comfortable places to rest. Alta Java, near the Sunnyside lift, is independently owned and operated and has excellent hot drinks, sandwiches, and other reasonably priced items. We have also been impressed with Alta's Alf Engen Ski School. My son was in their JRX (Junior Explorers) program for two years and loved his instructors. He is now in AYC (Alta Youth Club), and his skiing has advanced tremendously. If you're looking for day lessons or other ski instruction, I highly recommend their ski school. For the past few years, Alta has required parking reservations on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday weekends. This change has made the experience of visiting Alta much easier and reduced the morning commute stress. You no longer need to leave at the first light of dawn to secure a parking spot. With a reservation, you can come up whenever it's convenient and be guaranteed a parking place.
Elle M.
Alta /Albion basin is my favorite place to hike or ski in the Wasatch. All that's missing is an alphorn. And apfelstrudel.
Jordache S.
We love skiing at Alta! I have also taken two adult lessons and they have been great! It was the best deal I could find and did not disappoint. Skiing at Alta is a must if coming to Utah in the winter time! We got the ikon pass and have used it mostly at Alta this season!!
Employees are very disrespectful and accused me of being someone else and took my pass. Not professional at all and very poor quality customer service especially compared to Solitude, Brighton, and Snowbird. They also used racial slurs towards me and made me feel very uncomfortable. WILL NEVER GO TO ALTA AGAIN.
dkubert
4 stars — mostly for variety of food — Food quality is OK. Employee spirit not what it used to be here, and certainly not what it was at the predecessor Alpenglow restaurant/outhouse, home of the Alta snow snake.
Andy B.
Its good if you are a beginner but why would you pass snowbird to ski alta. They only really have 1 good lift (Colins) and the vertical is barely there. Ski all day and barely get 20k vertical ft. This place is a joke. Run by children that think having no snowboarders is the key to life. Well hate to break it to you but snowboarders are fine ppl and are no different than skiers. I would highly recommend skipping this hill and heading to snowbird. The drive is shorter from town and the drive down will be quicker as well. Really there is no point in skiing alta. Snowbird should just buy the mountain and integrate the whole thing.
Tabata V.
Fantastic ski area. Snow was incredible. Great service at rentals, easy and convenient, plenty of lockers to store your things, and good options for food and drinks. Expensive all around but worth it. Difficult to reach Alta without a car but there are excellent shuttle services to/from the airport that are very reliable.
Mark Lambert
This place is awesome.pricy but completely understandable due to the location.the chill is good. The vibe goes well with Alta. Great place, just come outside peak hours.
The new renovation at Alf’s offers even more beautiful views of Alta. My kids get fries, and my husband loves a good CHETO (grilled cheese sandwich with tomato). I highly recommend heading to the furthest side away from the checkout registers for the best tables with windows overlooking the runs.Kid-friendliness: Lots of food options to choose from: chips, fruit, salads, yogurts, fries, chicken tenders, hamburger/cheeseburger, build-your-own sandwich bar, hot chocolate, juices, etc—I guarantee there’s even something to please the pickiest of eaters. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Chilli Bowl of Chili, Bacon Cheeseburger, Cheese Burger
While living and working in Utah, I skied Alta and Snowbird almost every week. It is a great place to ski. It is worth getting the Alta Snowbird dual tickets so you can use the connector at the top and ski both mountains. Alta is usually less crowded because they don't allow snowboarders, but Snowbird also has a lot of nice runs as well. It's like two mountains in one.
No other choice for ski food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Alta Ski Area itself is amazing! The snow conditions are phenomenal, and they really do get the most snow. I am typically a snowboarder who frequents the other resorts, but I have been learning to ski as well and Alta lived up to the hype for me. I am a comfortable blue skier who is starting to dabble in blacks and am learning to do moguls and powder, and Alta was so fun for all of these. We even ventured a little bit into the trees and the trees were not too densely packed. There were multiple gullies that were fun to explore and the snow conditions were consistent no matter where we were on the mountain. The one thing that knocks off a star for me is the parking system. They are really strict about parking and yet they don't label the highway area as reservations required, and because we parked there (due to no signage) we ended up getting a $75 parking ticket at the end of the day. That was a huge scam and there were about 20 other cars that also got tricked like us. I feel like they definitely are trying to milk people for easy revenue and giving parking tickets in a spot that's not labeled as paid reserved parking is just deceitful business practice. Also, be prepared for brutal traffic both up and down the canyon road. It's called the red snake for a reason, and it's one lane each way so if there is an accident ahead of you, you might be stuck for 2-3 hours on that road.
The scenery is breathtaking. Even the drive up the mountain is like driving through a snow globe. The runs are immaculate and it truly feels magical being here. The drive takes a long time, so be prepared to spend a decent amount of time enjoying the scenery on the road up the mountain. Both Snowbird and Alta are at the top of the mountain so traffic can get really tough. Plan for at least an hour from base to top, and have at least an AWD car! The only complaint I had was that they closed all the bathrooms for cleaning in both buildings at Albion Base at 4:30 so there was nowhere to relieve yourself before making a 1-hour minimum drive down the mountain with no place to stop.
Used to be a lot better but recently the food has gotten so expensive and quality has dropped a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
If you're skier, Alta is truly the best! One of the last holdouts as a skiers-only resort. It's part of the Mountain collective ski pass. There is also a Mountain collective member locker room with two bathrooms. This year there wasn't too much snow at Christmas 2023, but the whole Mountain was still pretty much open, a few avoidable rocks, here, and there, Closed areas included some steeper sections and chutes and gullies. Felt like California skiing, ha ha ha. But that's not why we leave California to come to Utah. Being an El Niño year, the snow is coming, we just had a dry spell between Christmas and new year. We'll be back!
For the passionate skier, there's no place better than Alta Ski Area; it's Heaven on Earth. Alta is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, operating its first lift in early 1939. Alta has a skiable area of 2,614 acres and receives more snow than most Utah resorts, averaging an annual snowfall of 545 inches! I've been skiing Alta for 13+ years, and every day at Alta is magical. Whether it's a gorgeous bluebird powder day, a storm day, or sunshine and groomers, skiing at Alta is always fun. Alta is an advanced mountain, but they have beginner-friendly terrain accessible from the Sunnyside lift. There are intermediate runs on Supreme, Sugarloft, and Collins. Skiing the best terrain at Alta often requires traversing, hiking, or bootpacking. Finding a knowledgeable friend to be your mountain guide is critical to learning how to find "the goods." Alta's lift operations do a fantastic job managing the lines, and even on busy days, they keep the lines moving efficiently. The lodges and restaurants at Alta are modest but provide decent food and comfortable places to rest. Alta Java, near the Sunnyside lift, is independently owned and operated and has excellent hot drinks, sandwiches, and other reasonably priced items. We have also been impressed with Alta's Alf Engen Ski School. My son was in their JRX (Junior Explorers) program for two years and loved his instructors. He is now in AYC (Alta Youth Club), and his skiing has advanced tremendously. If you're looking for day lessons or other ski instruction, I highly recommend their ski school. For the past few years, Alta has required parking reservations on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday weekends. This change has made the experience of visiting Alta much easier and reduced the morning commute stress. You no longer need to leave at the first light of dawn to secure a parking spot. With a reservation, you can come up whenever it's convenient and be guaranteed a parking place.
Alta /Albion basin is my favorite place to hike or ski in the Wasatch. All that's missing is an alphorn. And apfelstrudel.
We love skiing at Alta! I have also taken two adult lessons and they have been great! It was the best deal I could find and did not disappoint. Skiing at Alta is a must if coming to Utah in the winter time! We got the ikon pass and have used it mostly at Alta this season!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Employees are very disrespectful and accused me of being someone else and took my pass. Not professional at all and very poor quality customer service especially compared to Solitude, Brighton, and Snowbird. They also used racial slurs towards me and made me feel very uncomfortable. WILL NEVER GO TO ALTA AGAIN.
4 stars — mostly for variety of food — Food quality is OK. Employee spirit not what it used to be here, and certainly not what it was at the predecessor Alpenglow restaurant/outhouse, home of the Alta snow snake.
Its good if you are a beginner but why would you pass snowbird to ski alta. They only really have 1 good lift (Colins) and the vertical is barely there. Ski all day and barely get 20k vertical ft. This place is a joke. Run by children that think having no snowboarders is the key to life. Well hate to break it to you but snowboarders are fine ppl and are no different than skiers. I would highly recommend skipping this hill and heading to snowbird. The drive is shorter from town and the drive down will be quicker as well. Really there is no point in skiing alta. Snowbird should just buy the mountain and integrate the whole thing.
Fantastic ski area. Snow was incredible. Great service at rentals, easy and convenient, plenty of lockers to store your things, and good options for food and drinks. Expensive all around but worth it. Difficult to reach Alta without a car but there are excellent shuttle services to/from the airport that are very reliable.
This place is awesome.pricy but completely understandable due to the location.the chill is good. The vibe goes well with Alta. Great place, just come outside peak hours.