Skiing at Alta - consistently gets the driest and most snow out of all Utah resorts. Ski magazine ranked Alta at #1 in the nation for snow quality in October of 2005. The reputation of a outdated “locals only” resort continues to fade away despite the snowboard ban that continues again for 2006. There are two main reasons to take a new look at Alta. Number one, the new Collins lift that allows you to get to the top of the mountain in much less time than it did before. And the Alta/Snowbird ticket that allows you to ski these two resorts in one day for an experience unrivaled in the West. In fact, Ski magazine gave Alta/Snowbird the ranking as #1 ski resort in the U.S.

Alta has earned its place among the elite U.S. resorts. For example; the “Traverse” or “High T” takes you to long runs that can have powder, days or weeks, after storms. On the best days, runs like Eagle’s Nest and Stone Crusher can be untouched, steep, powder runs. But remember that the competition is tough and be prepared to wake up early to get the best snow. Alta has plenty of bars and lodging. But travelers expecting five star hotels might be better off down the street at Snowbird.

If you are lucky enough to get to Alta on a snow day, keep in mind that Little Cottonwood Canyon is Avalanche territory and the roads may close at no notice due to avalanche control or unexpected slides. Also, remember that the Alta Sheriff has the right to keep you from leaving the lodge when avalanche conditions are at their worst. Mark

Skiing at Alta - Despite being ranked as the number one ski resort in the US by Skiing magazine four years running, I think of Alta more as a local favorite than anything. The inexpensive day pass ($49.00 for adults) grants you access to a whopping 2,200 acres of mountain, which is divided fairly equally between beginner, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels.

Alta offers little in the way of frivolity such as spas or shopping, which is one reason why Salt Lake City and Park City residents tend to favor the slopes of Alta over Snowbird, although the two are usually grouped together. Alta takes its skiing seriously, and if you do as well then you’ll find it’s the best value for your ticket price in the area.

Alta is located only 25 miles outside Park City, which makes it a great and inexpensive way for Salt Lake Valley locals to have a day or weekend of fantastic skiing on the best powder and terrain the state has to offer. Casey

Skiing at Alta - This is the birthplace of powder skiing and home to the best snow conditions on earth. There is no place on earth that you can buy a season pass for ten years on end and ski powder shots year in and year out. I love the new Collins lift, which offers countless options for deep powder shots in all directions, not just because of the terrain served but because it takes people off of the Wildcat lift, which offers sweet powder shots for days after a storm deep in the forested “Ho”. Supreme Chairlift is the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and a sure bet after windy evenings. If you wake up on a wind-scoured morning wondering where all the snow went, take a look at Supreme and you’ll feel as though you it’s a two foot powder day. Better keep that one a secret. Other than that, there is nothing more to say about alta as far as specific recommendations go other than it’s all good! Joey Smallwood

Skiing at Alta/Snowbird - I lumped these two together because they are. The advantage in being able to cross over from Alta to Snowbird on the same lift pass makes for a week or more of skiing and boredom won’t be an issue. I don’t know if it’s a curse or a blessing, but there’s no snowboarding at Alta. Take that how you will. (I wish one of Utah’s prime resorts would go all snowboarding: think of the massive terrain for jibbers only!) Fair is fair, eh?

I like Alta/Snowbird, but I get lost there. For some reason, it’s so massive that I can never tell where I am, but I really don’t care. The views are fantastic, and there is nothing NOT to like about it except if you’re going from Bird to Alta bases, you can take a shuttle bus or just ski over. That’s not even a negative, so I give this resort A++++ and make it a MUST for anyone who skis. I didn’t lodge on the mountain, but took my chances with a rental car and a $240 a week room at Extended Stay in Sandy (room comes with stove, microwave and refrigerator, full size). So far, I haven’t been shut out by a storm or avalanche danger, so I consider myself lucky. It Does Happen, and frequently, so keep that in mind when you visit and make your arrangements. You can be ‘stuck’ either on mountain or off, so the decision is a big one: stuck where you can ski, but spend more, or stuck where you can’t, but spend waaay less. I’m a risk taker, so I sleep in town. It’s one of our favorite play areas in North America. Bonni