Expert Analysis & Reviews

Alta Ski Area Reviews & Ratings

Top Rated for

4.65 (83 Ratings)

Powder Zones

4.61 (79 Ratings)

Off-Piste

4.61 (28 Ratings)

Advanced

4.57 (43 Ratings)

Experts

4.55 (86 Ratings)

Overall Rating

4.46 (37 Ratings)

Ski School Quality

View All Ratings

Overall Rating

4.55

From 86 Reviews

118

Total Runs

8530

Bottom Elevation

11068

Top Elevation

2614

Skiable Terrain

View Resort Stats

Ski ResortsUSAUtahAlta Ski Area

How Skiers Rate Alta Ski Area

4.55 (86 ratings)

Overall Rating

4.20 (81 ratings)

Value for Money

3.92 (80 ratings)

Quiet Slopes

3.45 (62 ratings)

Après-Ski

3.81 (56 ratings)

Accommodation Options

4.34 (70 ratings)

Family Friendliness

4.37 (83 ratings)

Groomed Runs

4.65 (83 ratings)

Powder Zones

4.25 (84 ratings)

Tree Runs

3.89 (74 ratings)

Mogul Fields

4.61 (79 ratings)

Off-Piste

2.26 (52 ratings)

Snow Parks

4.27 (85 ratings)

Lift Efficiency

3.51 (68 ratings)

Eating Out

4.46 (37 ratings)

Ski School Quality

4.75 (2 ratings)

Beginners

4.35 (13 ratings)

Intermediates

4.61 (28 ratings)

Advanced

4.57 (43 ratings)

Experts

4.50 (4 ratings)

Snowboarders

Read All 50+ Alta Ski Area Reviews

What Skiers Say About Alta Ski Area

Alta is a skiers-only resort drawing primarily advanced and expert skiers, with some intermediate visitors. Reviews consistently highlight exceptional powder quality and snow totals, often described as the best in Utah. The terrain is predominantly off-piste and technical, with many runs requiring traverses or hikes to access. Reviewers frequently mention minimal amenities, a laid-back atmosphere, and limited après-ski or dining options. Common complaints include high lift ticket prices, outdated facilities, crowded lift lines on powder days, parking difficulties requiring reservations, and canyon access issues during storms.

AI-generated summary based on verified skier reviews

powder quality
snow totals
advanced terrain
off-piste skiing
tree runs
skiers-only policy
community atmosphere
lift ticket prices
parking difficulties
lift queues
outdated facilities
limited amenities
canyon access issues
minimal après-ski

Filters

5.0

Overall Rating

Stuart

expert skier ⛷️

Feb, 3 2025

One of the greatest resorts in the West! Amazing snow and terrain options available from beginner to extreme! Completely amazing!

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Pat

expert skier ⛷️

Feb, 2 2025

This is the benchmark in the us. I compare all ski experiences to Alta. It lived up to the hype. I enjoy the skier only environment. We just use the mountain differently. Being able to cut in and out of snowbird is nice but everything you need is at alta

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

4.0

Overall Rating

Andrejs

advanced skier ⛷️

Feb, 2 2025

Alta is famous and lots of people love it. Old school through and through. Been skiing there since I was born in Utah. No snowboarding!

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

4.0

Overall Rating

Adrian

expert skier ⛷️

Feb, 1 2025

My go to resort in Utah. I love the snow quality. Too bad that Utah is a dry state, no alcohol. But the skiing is fabulous, the powder is very light and the lift tickets are affordable.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Ski School Quality

5.0

Overall Rating

charles

advanced skier ⛷️

Feb, 1 2025

Excellent snow, good lifts, no conflicts with snow conditions caused by snowboards, aprex ski not so much.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

5.0

Overall Rating

Mikayla

expert skier ⛷️

Feb, 1 2025

Alta is a beautiful skiers only resort located above Snowbird. Its snow quality is the best Ive ever skied on. There is something for everyone however it does lean on the more advanced side with lots of traverses and hikes to go to the best powder. The runs in the trees are also beautiful with lots of birds and even the rare porcupine sighting. The community is very down the earth and the whole mountain feels like a family.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Christie

advanced skier ⛷️

Jan, 22 2025

Love Alta! Great snow, great vibe, no snowboarders. Crowded in the canyon and hard to park on weekends. Best on weekdays. Incredible scenery.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Ski School Quality

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Zack

expert skier ⛷️

Jan, 21 2025

Alta is the cream of the crop in terms of the many world class ski resorts in Utah. Its storied history can be felt while youre there, and the terrain is unmatched. Incredible experience overall!

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Connie

advanced skier ⛷️

Jan, 21 2025

One of my favorite mountains in the USA. Skiers only. Challenging runs with old school lodges. Great variety of runs, everything from bowls, tree runs, steeps, groomers. Even on a powder day, it wasnt crazy crowded

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

4.0

Overall Rating

Isabella

intermediate skier ⛷️

Jan, 21 2025

Alta is great when youre an intermediate local skier. Not a ton of the amentities at big ski resorts but thats not an issue if youre just there for the love of the sport.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Ski School Quality

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Katie

advanced skier ⛷️

Jan, 17 2025

Alta is such a great place if you are looking for some fun steep and powder filled terrain! My first experience at Alta was knee deep powder, light fluffy, and a day filled with uncontrollable laughter!

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

4.0

Overall Rating

Janni

advanced skier ⛷️

Jan, 15 2025

Good resort. Skiing only. Pizza and Alta bombs are great. The burgers are mediocre. Keep an eye out for the porcupines in the trees.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Ski School Quality

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Nate

advanced skier ⛷️

Jan, 15 2025

Alta was my favorite resort in Utah. It was nice that it was skier only. The conditions were much better than at some of the surrounding resorts. I loved how there weren't just designated groomed runs but that there was also so much open skiable terrain in between.

Off-Piste

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

3.0

Overall Rating

Monica

expert skier ⛷️

Jan, 13 2025

Alta has great rolling hills terrain for skiers. The building are all very old and look original. Probably needs a face-lift. I usually go early season and there aren't many lines. For apres ski you need to go down to SLC. Not a lot of accommodation choices nearby, most people stay in SLC and take the shuttle up or drive. Best thing about Alta is it's skiers only. Not snowboarders to run into you.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

4.0

Overall Rating

Allison

expert skier ⛷️

Jan, 12 2025

Alta has some of the best snow in the world and is a really great skier-only mountain. Lots of runs with some good tree options make for peaceful quiet fast days! And you have the option of connecting to snowbird as well.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

4.0

Overall Rating

Anne

advanced skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States

Jan, 6 2025

Alta used to be an inexpensive serious skier mountain. It also used to be cheap. Now, the resort has gone mainstream, and the prices reflect that. Regular lift tickets are nearly $200, yet amenities have not kept up with the prices. This is still a fun place to ski, but be prepared for typical sky high prices. I recommend only a day or two here, as there is nothing else to do but ski. If you want fine dining or other winter activities, try stating at the bigger Utah resorts.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

4.0

Overall Rating

Aaron

expert skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States

Jan, 4 2025

Excellent experience for skiers of all abilities and a wide variety of diverse terrain, especially when paired with Snowbird!
I love ripping down the gully runs with my kids!

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Tyler

intermediate skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States

Jan, 4 2025

An excellent resort for skiers of all abilities. Terrain ranges from easy groomers to powder-filled bowls and dense glades. As an intermediate skier, I found about 3/4 of the terrain to be skiable for me. For folks traveling in groups with mixed abilities, this is an excellent choice. Many groomers have pockets of trees, gullies, or bumps just off the main run that allow the group to stick together but give everyone the experience they are looking for.

This is a quiet resort with a very laid back atmosphere not much apres to speak of. The base area is minimal - a couple of restaraunts and ski shops, but not much else. For those looking for more lodging or restaurant options, Snowbird Resort is just a couple minutes away with easy transit/driving options.

Speaking of snowbird, the resorts are interconnected if you purchase the appropriate pass, allowing you to take advantage of the best terrain/exposure for any weather situation.

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

4.0

Overall Rating

Nathan

advanced skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States

Dec, 30 2024

Pros: lots of powder runs, great skiing and amazing snow, great for people looking for a premium ski experience without being temped to spend hundreds on an overpriced meal. Ski like the locals and ski Utah!

Cons: most closed road in United States, ski resort is small but if you have a pass for snowbird your options become unlimited, not many places to eat. You ski and then leave, go down the canyon and eat local spots.

Also, snowbird is pretty awesome as well

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Snow Parks

Eating Out

Après-Ski

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Ski School Quality

Accommodation Options

5.0

Overall Rating

Tom

expert skier ⛷️

Dec, 22 2024

Alta is amazing. Champagne powder and no snowboardersnot overcrowded and so much to explore for any level skier.
Accommodations nearby can be pricey, but totally worth it!
Traverse where you can and explore everything! There is something for everyone!

Family Friendliness

Off-Piste

Eating Out

Value for Money

Groomed Runs

Tree Runs

Mogul Fields

Powder Zones

Quiet Slopes

Lift Efficiency

Accommodation Options

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