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Major city · United States

Alta

Spend 2–3 days skiing in Alta; one night is enough if you focus on on‑mountain runs and lodge meals.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

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.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
USD
Best months
Dec–Mar, Apr–May (best snow, fewer crowds)
avoid Jun–Sep (limited ski, warm)
Airport
SLC
Nights
1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
  • United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
  • United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
  • United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Alta911 ▾
  • Police / Fire / Ambulance911

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Alta, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeCoffee at Alta Java$3–5
  • Budget bedAlta Peruvian Lodge, a night, per personUS$150
  • Mid-range bedRustler Lodge, a night, per personUS$350
  • High-end bedRustler Lodge, a night, per personUS$500

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$120 · Mid US$200 · High US$350

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Alta Ski ResortPowder skiingAlf's Restaurant
Airports
SLC Salt Lake City International Airport (45 min drive via State Highway 210)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Best

    −2°C (28°F)

  2. Feb

    Best

    0°C (32°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    5°C (41°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    11°C (52°F)

  5. May

    Best

    16°C (61°F)

  6. Jun

    Avoid

    22°C (72°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    27°C (81°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid

    26°C (79°F)

  9. Sep

    Avoid

    20°C (68°F)

  10. Oct

    not flagged

    13°C (55°F)

  11. Nov

    not flagged

    5°C (41°F)

  12. Dec

    Best

    −1°C (30°F)

Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F) low), wettest Jun (9 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Alta: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

−2°C (28°F)

−12°C (10°F)

5 rd

Feb

0°C (32°F)

−11°C (12°F)

5 rd

Mar

5°C (41°F)

−6°C (21°F)

6 rd

Apr

11°C (52°F)

0°C (32°F)

7 rd

May

16°C (61°F)

4°C (39°F)

8 rd

Jun

22°C (72°F)

9°C (48°F)

9 rd

Jul

27°C (81°F)

13°C (55°F)

7 rd

Aug

26°C (79°F)

12°C (54°F)

7 rd

Sep

20°C (68°F)

7°C (45°F)

6 rd

Oct

13°C (55°F)

1°C (34°F)

5 rd

Nov

5°C (41°F)

−5°C (23°F)

5 rd

Dec

−1°C (30°F)

−9°C (16°F)

5 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting 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 & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time
Salt Lake Citygo

Door to door: ≈1 h

Drive south on State Highway 210, about 45 min

City offers museums, restaurants and airport connections.

Snowbird

go

Door to door: ≈30 min

Drive down Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 10 min

Similar powder, good for a half‑day if you want a change of scenery.

Brighton Ski Resort

go

Door to door: ≈1 h

Take I‑215 east to Big Cottonwood Canyon, then 15 mi drive, about 45 min

Family‑friendly resort with night skiing.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

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, $

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
$120–150 excl. ski pass
Mid
$200–300 excl. ski pass
High
$350–500 excl. ski pass

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Alta Peruvian Lodge2 × 1 night × US$250US$500
Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$200US$400
Alta Shuttle (airport‑to‑lodge, round‑trip)2 × US$45 · checkUS$90
Ski‑rentals (full day, adult)2 × US$100 · checkUS$200
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeUS$119
Trip total≈ US$655 per person per day, bed includedUS$1,309

2026 estimate; flights and ski‑pass excluded.

Prices of common things

Coffee at Alta Java$3–5
Alf's Restaurant entrée$15–30
Ski lift ticket (day)$150–200
Parking (overnight, limited)$10–20

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

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.
  • 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.

Emergency numbers

Police / Fire / Ambulance
911

Pocket card

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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

AltaAlta

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police / Fire / Ambulance911

Embassy

US consulate in Salt Lake City (check address).

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Salt Lake City Airport → Alta (shuttle): about $30 round‑trip per person (check)
  • Ski‑rentals (full day): $70–100 per adult (check)

Say or show

  • Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry
  • Thank you — Thank you
  • How much is it? — How much is it?
  • Where is the lift? — Where is the lift?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Alta. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Dec–Mar, Apr–May (best snow, fewer crowds) · avoid Jun–Sep (limited ski, warm) · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 3 day-trips, door to door
  6. 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
  2. Walking clusters with bag rules
  3. Day plans checked against opening hours
  4. Field-verified times and fares

Meanwhile

Back to United States

Sources

Ask about Alta

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