Ikon Pass Live forecast Updated July 2026

Alta UT

Alta is an Ikon Pass ski area in Utah: 119 trails, 2,538 ft vertical, 2,614 acres.

Base to summit 8,530 to 11,068 ft · 2,538 ft vertical

See if this is your best pick Official Alta site

Live snow forecast for the next 72 hours. Use the main tool to see how it stacks up against other mountains on your drive. No account needed.

Current snapshot

Forecast snow (72h)
… Temp tomorrow
526" Avg annual snow
119 Trails

Why skiers choose Alta

Editor's take

Alta is the Utah answer when skiing is the whole point.

By the WhereToSkiNext.com editorial desk Updated May 2026

Alta does not need to be everything to everyone. It is skier-only, snow-focused, and rooted in a tradition that still feels distinct from the mega-resort world. If someone wants the cleanest version of the Utah snow story, Alta is usually where the conversation starts.

The appeal is not just snowfall. It is how directly the mountain points you toward skiing. The terrain, the culture, and the lack of extra resort theater all reinforce the same message. Come here to ski, and bring people who understand that.

The limitation is built into the identity. Snowboarders are out, luxury seekers may prefer Deer Valley, and timid skiers can find the mountain intimidating when conditions are firm or visibility drops. Alta is excellent, but not universal.

If not Alta, then
Snowbird→
The steeper, more intense neighbor with snowboard access and a bigger-mountain feel.
Park City Mountain→
The easier group-vacation alternative when town, access, and mixed abilities matter.
How this review was put together

Mountain data comes from each resort's own operator materials. That covers trail counts, vertical drop, lift configurations, and ticket pricing. Pass affiliations track Epic, Ikon, and Indy Pass network listings. Historical snowfall averages combine OpenSnow archives, NOAA station data, and Open-Meteo's archive API.

Editorial takes draw on ski media coverage (SKI Magazine, Powder, Storm Skiing Journal, regional outlets including NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com and Unofficial Networks), aggregator comparisons (ZRankings, PeakRankings, OnTheSnow) for cross-reference, and skier forums and trip reports for crowd-pattern signal. Live crowd outlook on the main tool is generated by WhereToSkiNext's own pressure model, which is built specifically for the question of when a mountain is likely to feel busy rather than how busy it has been historically.

Where I have skied the mountain, that experience anchors the call. Where I have not, the take is synthesized from the sources above. No resort pays for ranking placement or editorial influence on WhereToSkiNext. Reviews are updated as conditions, ownership, or pass affiliations change.

Independent review. No resort paid for placement or editorial influence.

Pass guide

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Vertical Drop
2,538 ft
Trails
119 runs
Lift-served acres
2,614 ac
Avg Annual Snow
526"
Day Ticket*
$155
Lifts
11

Mountain details

Pass Ikon Pass
Base / Summit 8,530 / 11,068 ft
Longest Run 3.5 mi
Night Skiing No
Terrain Park No
Lift fleet 1 6-pack, 3 Detach Quad, 1 Fixed Quad, 1 Triple, 1 Double, 1 Poma/platter, 1 Ropetow, 2 Carpet
Resort website Visit official site

Terrain breakdown

Beginner
25%
Intermediate
40%
Advanced
35%
Snowmaking No / not listed
State Utah

When Alta gets crowded

Our model predicts crowd pressure for a typical week here: who this mountain draws, how its lifts absorb a rush, and how each day loads it. It is a prediction, not a turnstile count. Snow in the forecast pushes any of these days up.

Midweek Moderate
Friday Moderate
Saturday Moderate
Sunday Moderate
Holiday weeks Busy

This is one of the easier mountains to ski on a whim. Most days are uncrowded. Holiday weeks are the busiest it gets.

Get the crowd forecast for your exact ski day

Common questions about Alta

Is Alta on the Ikon Pass?

Yes. Alta is an Ikon Pass mountain. Pass holders can ski here as part of their pass benefits. Check the current pass terms for any blackout dates or restrictions.

How many trails does Alta have?

Alta has 119 trails covering 2,614 lift-served acres with 2,538 feet of vertical drop. The terrain breakdown is roughly 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 35% advanced or expert.

Is Alta good for beginners?

Alta has some beginner terrain (about 25% of trails), but the mountain generally skews toward intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners will find options but may feel more comfortable at a mountain with a stronger beginner focus.

How much does a lift ticket cost at Alta?

Day ticket prices at Alta start at approximately $155, though window rates vary by date and demand. Ikon Pass holders ski here as part of their pass.

What is the average annual snowfall at Alta?

Alta averages approximately 526 inches of snowfall per season. This is well above average and makes it a reliable snow destination.

When is the best time to ski Alta?

January through early March is typically peak season at Alta when snowpack is deepest and conditions are most consistent. December can be good if the season starts early. Midweek visits are almost always less crowded than weekends, especially when pass holders fill the mountain on Saturdays and holidays.

Is Alta right for you?

Tap your level and pass. We will give a straight answer and a next step in the main ranking tool.

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*Day ticket prices are approximate and vary by date, demand, age, and promotions. Always confirm pricing directly with Alta before purchasing.