Alta, Utah, USA

Alta and Snowbird are two well-kept secrets in central Utah as great powder place resorts. Nowadays they are connected with each other and you can ski between them.

Alta is for skiing and especially off piste skiing

Alta is for skiing and skiing alone. Snowboarders are not welcome as is clear from the lift cards: "Skiers only. No snowboarders allowed." So this is the place for those of you who are tired of sharing the slopes with snowboarders. Also, Alta has a restricted number of lift cards per day to make sure that the system is never over-crowded. Alta aims for the highest quality in all areas so this is a place for you who want the most and the best of your skiing holiday.

Snowboarders are more than welcome in Snowbird, which is easy to reach from Alta.

You visit Alta for off piste skiing and Snowbird for the great pistes. Both places get the softest and fluffiest powder snow imaginable. The average snowfall is almost 13 meters a year. The snow cannons have rusted - they say. You can ski in areas up to 2000 meters, which is quite high altitude for being in the US.

In Alta there are more than 110 pistes and several lifts. Many pistes are black or red but there are also pistes for less advanced skiers. But Snowbird is just as good a place for piste skiing with lots of good well kept slopes.

Finding a place to stay

Alta is popular and not that big so book a room, an apartment or a cottage well ahead. There are lots of cosy comfortable hotels, lodges and cottages. If you are travelling with friends or have a big family, why not book a large cottage? It doesn't matter how many you are. The price is the same.

Getting there

The easiest way is to fly to Salt Lake City. If you like you can rent a car at the airport but you don't really have much use for one unless you plan on also visiting Snowbird. Why not catch a comfortable coach from the airport instead which will bring you to Alta in 45 minutes? Great after a long flight. Call Canyon Transportation and prebook a seat on the bus on (800) 255-1841.

Information on buses to Alta and Snowbird