Are Alta and Snowbird the Same Resort?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a ski trip to Utah, you have probably heard of Alta and Snowbird. These two ski resorts are located in the same canyon and are often confused with each other. However, they are actually two separate resorts with different ownership, management, and policies.

Location

Alta and Snowbird are located in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. They share a boundary line but have distinct entrances and parking lots.

Skiing

The skiing at Alta and Snowbird is world-class. Both resorts receive an average of 500 inches of snowfall per year, making for excellent powder skiing. They also both offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Alta

Alta is known for its steep and deep powder skiing. It has a strict no snowboarding policy, which means it is a skiers-only resort.

Alta has over 2,200 acres of skiable terrain with 116 runs. The resort is divided into two areas: the Albion Basin area and the Wildcat area.

Snowbird

Snowbird also has steep terrain and receives abundant snowfall. Unlike Alta, Snowbird allows snowboarding.

The resort has over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain with 169 runs. Snowbird is divided into several areas including Mineral Basin, Gad Valley, and Peruvian Gulch.

Lift Tickets

While Alta and Snowbird are separate resorts, they offer a joint lift ticket called the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass. This pass allows skiers to access both resorts as well as Brighton and Solitude ski resorts.

Amenities

Both Alta and Snowbird offer a range of amenities for skiers and snowboarders. They have on-mountain dining options, ski and snowboard rentals, ski schools, and childcare services. However, each resort has a distinct vibe.

Alta

Alta has a more laid-back and old-school atmosphere. The resort is known for its focus on skiing and not much else. There are no high-speed chairlifts or fancy condos at Alta.

Snowbird

Snowbird, on the other hand, has a more modern feel with luxurious accommodations and a variety of dining options. The resort has undergone significant renovations in recent years to improve its amenities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Alta and Snowbird are located in the same canyon and offer joint lift tickets, they are separate resorts with distinct skiing experiences and amenities. Whether you choose to ski at Alta or Snowbird (or both), you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in Utah’s world-class powder.