In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · United States
Alta
Spend 2–3 days skiing in Alta; one night is enough if you focus on on‑mountain runs and lodge meals.
Alta is a ski‑only town at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon, 25 mi southeast of Salt Lake City. The resort offers terrain for all levels, but no nightlife, so a short ski‑focused stay (1–2 nights) covers the main experience. Lodging is limited to five on‑mountain lodges; most visitors park once and walk or use the free shuttle.
- Country
- United States
- Best months
- Dec–Mar, Apr–May (best snow, fewer crowds)
- Avoid
- Jun–Sep (limited ski, warm)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- USD
- Money
- Currency is the US dollar (USD, $). Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors.
- Daily spend
- Budget $120–150 excl. ski pass · Mid $200–300 excl. ski pass · High $350–500 excl. ski pass (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.
- Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz · Chargers are dual-voltage; hair dryers and straighteners from 230 V countries need a converter.
- Tipping
- Sit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.; Bar: US$1–2 per drink or 20% of the tab.; Taxi / ride-hailing: 15–20%, in the app.; Hotel housekeeping: US$3–5 a night.; Porter / valet: US$2–5 per bag or car.; Tour guide: US$10–20 per person for a day tour.; Counter service / tablet prompts: Optional; 0–15%.
- Water
- Tap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.
- Toilets
- Free public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations. Rest areas on highways are free.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee at Alta Java | $3–5 |
| Alf's Restaurant entrée | $15–30 |
| Ski lift ticket (day) | $150–200 |
| Parking (overnight, limited) | $10–20 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- SLC · Salt Lake City International Airport
- 45 min drive via State Highway 210
Typical fares
- Salt Lake City Airport → Alta (shuttle)
- about $30 round‑trip per person (check)
- Ski‑rentals (full day)
- $70–100 per adult (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
One road (State Highway 210) leads into the canyon; cars must carry chains or snow tires 1 Nov–1 May. Most lodges are walkable from lifts; a free shuttle runs between base areas and the Collins chair.
See and do
Known for
- Alta Ski Resort
- Powder skiing
- Alf's Restaurant
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | Drive south on State Highway 210, about 45 min | ≈1 h |
| Snowbird | Drive down Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 10 min | ≈30 min |
| Brighton Ski Resort | Take I‑215 east to Big Cottonwood Canyon, then 15 mi drive, about 45 min | ≈1 h |
Sleep
- Alta Lodge
- Luxury lodge, slope‑side, $$$
- Alta Peruvian Lodge
- Mid‑range, slope‑side, $$
- Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge
- Budget‑friendly, slope‑side, $$
- Rustler Lodge
- High‑end, $$$$
- Snowpine Lodge
- Mid‑range, $
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Excuse me |
| Thank you | Thank you |
| How much is it? | How much is it? |
| Where is the lift? | Where is the lift? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake and 'hi, how are you?' — reply 'good, thanks'; avoid: Treating the question as a real health enquiry
- Restaurants: Tip 18–22% and wait for the check; avoid: Leaving without tipping
- Personal space: Keep an arm's length in queues; avoid: Standing close to strangers
- Politics and religion: Listen more than you speak; avoid: Opening with hot-button topics
- Smoking: Smoke only in marked areas; avoid: Smoking near doors or in parks where banned
Scams and watch-outs
- Avalanche or storm closures can block Highway 210; check road status before travel.
- Overnight parking is limited; plan lodging early in season.
- Snowboarding is prohibited on the mountain.
Alta is safe for visitors; primary risks are weather‑related road closures and ski‑area injuries – carry a basic first‑aid kit and heed avalanche warnings.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Alta yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Alta Ski Resort
- Powder skiing
- Alf's Restaurant
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Alta (Utah), revision 5267760 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5267760
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Alta
To this address, please
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
US consulate in Salt Lake City (check address).
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/alta-utah). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.