Alta

Alta Ski Area, One of the Last Skier-Only Resorts in the U.S.

At the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon deep in the Wasatch Mountains, Alta ski resort is located just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. While ski culture often uses the words ski resort and ski area interchangeably, Alta has proudly been a ski area since 1938. It’s not all groomers- there is an entire backcountry to explore, and a rugged spirit that comes along with it. Alta Ski Area real estate captures that same enduring character, offering rare access to a no-frills, high-elevation lifestyle rooted in tradition, powder, and alpine authenticity.

Alta Ski Area At-A-Glance

• Skiable Terrain: 2,614 acres
• Vertical Drop: 2,538 ft
• Average Snowfall: 540 inches
• Lifts: 5
• Runs: 118

Alta Ski Area Lifestyle

• Legendary Ski-Only Terrain: Alta is one of the last ski-only mountains in the U.S., offering powder purists a truly untouched alpine experience rooted in tradition.
• Unmatched Snowfall: Averaging over 540 inches annually, Alta delivers consistently deep, dry powder that draws serious skiers from around the world.
• Backcountry Access & Big-Mountain Vibe: Known for its rugged bowls, steep chutes, and hike-to terrain, Alta caters to advanced skiers who thrive on exploration and challenge.
• Lodges With Soul: From the Peruvian to the Rustler, Alta’s slope-side lodges offer rustic charm, fireside dining, and a tight-knit, generational community vibe.
• A Partnership With Snowbird: Joint passes allow patrons access to both resorts. Four gates to Snowbird allow you to access Snowbird’s 2,500 skiable acres — Sugarloaf Pass, via Sugarloaf, Keyhole, via Wildcat, White Cliffs, via Wildcat, and Blackjack Traverse, via Wildcat.

Updates At Alta Ski Area

• Supreme Lift Realignment: The current high-speed quad, known for its “bump”, is being completely realigned into a straight line. New towers and foundations are being installed now, with completion expected for the 2025–26 ski season.
• Supreme Snowmaking Enhancements: Snowmaking lines are being added along the Transfer Tow to ensure earlier and more consistent coverage between Wildcat and Albion terrain.
• Albion Day Lodge Expansion & Storage Facility: Major construction includes expanded dining, new restrooms, storage, and employee housing. Expect parking shifts and trail detours throughout summer 2025.
• Trail Reroutes & Closures: Summer 2025 — Avoid construction zones at Supreme Lift. There are temporary detours between Wildcat and Albion base areas, and trail closures near Upper Albion Meadow.
• Alta’s new Master Development Plan: Approved Capital Projects include Albion Day Lodge build-out, Sugarloaf patrol building, remote avalanche mitigation systems, Wildcat lift replacement, snowmaking reservoir, and terrain regrading work.

Talk To An Alta Ski Area Real Estate Expert

Whether you're seeking a legacy mountain home, a timeless slope-side retreat, or a quiet alpine escape, Alta real estate offers something truly rare — unmatched snowfall, ski-only tradition, and a lifestyle rooted in community and the love of the mountains. All of this as well as the ski area's close proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport make Alta Ski Area a must-stop for skiers.

Explore nearby communities in Salt Lake City, UT, or request a custom property search tailored to your needs.