Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, to the southeast of Salt Lake City, Alta ski resort is a paradise for experienced skiers looking for powder and is known for its terrain of trees and sheltered gullies. Beginners are also welcome here but, unfortunately, snowboards are banned, which is somewhat ironic as Alta also boasts a terrain park.

The ski area covers the front and back sides of the mountain and two base stations. Wildcat base area is the first one you reach and has basic facilities, including a ticket office, restaurants, restrooms and ski patrol; while Albion base houses the children’s centre, ski school, restaurant, and retail and rental operations.

Accommodation is in traditional rustic lodges at Alta resort, with five base lodges offering ski in/ski out accessibility; vacation homes and condominiums are also nearby. Additional lodging and big city entertainment is in nearby Salt Lake City. The self-contained lodges offer the perfect ski experience and come with après-ski restaurants and bars.

Alta ski resort consists of 54 well-groomed trails as well as plenty of ungroomed powder fields. The longest stretch is 5.5kms and the emphasis is on intermediates and experts. Thirteen lift systems, including high-speed quads, have an hourly uplift capacity of over 11,000 people and operate over a 616-metre vertical to supply the pistes.

For alternative skiing and for snowboarding, Snowbird resort is next door, and there is some wonderful driving from the towering Timpanogos to the low shrub valleys of the region. Salt Lake City is the gateway to 10 national parks and is a thriving cultural centre, offering fine dining, noted attractions, historic sites and great shopping.

The ski season at Alta ski resort runs from mid-November to late April, with abundant snowfalls throughout. The best way to get here is to fly to Salt Lake City and transfer by shuttle bus or taxi; most lodges at the resort will transfer you for free.