Copyright: Alta Ski Area
Skiing Alta's famous powder
|
Description - Alta and skiing have been synonymous for over six decades. The wide variety of terrain, spectacular scenery and unparalleled snow conditions combine to create the setting for cherished outdoor experiences with family, friends and the mountain itself. Alta is dedicated to skiing only, allowing no snowboarding.
Attractions
- Noted for some of the best and most consistent snow conditions in the world, Alta receives approximately 500 inches of snow per season, with depths of up to 15 feet in the spring. Alta rises from 8,530 feet at the base to 10,550 at the summit, for a vertical drop of 2,020 feet. The mountain is serviced by one high-speed double chair, 5 fixed double chairs and two triple chairs. Alta has five base area lodges which offer the convenience of ski-in/ski-out. Each of these lodges has a special place in Alta's history; each attracts a core of regular guests, adding a unique dimension to the Alta experience.
Recreation - Alta offers world-class downhill skiing. Climate - Several weather effects combine to bring Utah its famous powder snow. Prevailing winter winds winds push clouds full of moisture east from the Pacific Ocean, across California and Nevada and to Utah. When the clouds meet Utah's Rocky Mountains, the remaining moisture rises, cools and condenses, and precipitation hits the Utah ski resorts with deep powder snow that is particularly light and dry. Another weather element that feeds Utah's "snow making machine" is the Great Salt Lake Effect. The lake releases water into the air that then rises into clouds of snow, producing squalls on the lake's eastern flanks. These squalls contain some of the lightest, fluffiest snow in the country which falls in feet - not inches- in the Wasatch Mountains. Location -
Alta is located just east of Salt Lake City. Combining the best of both worlds, Alta is tucked in the upper reaches of Little Cottonwood Canyon, within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, yet a comfortable 33 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport. UTA buses conveniently serve skiers from Salt Lake City locations. Taxis, private shuttles and rental cars offer transportation from most Salt Lake City properties.
Directions from Salt Lake City: Travel east up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta, at the upper end of the canyon. Alta is located only 33 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport. UTA buses conveniently serve skiers from Salt Lake City locations.
Seasonal Information:
Normal Ski Season:
Mid-November through Mid-April.
|
Add your own trip Report!
