Beginner Alta Runs - Crooked Mile

Crooked Mile is a perfect start to any beginner’s day at Alta, the Crooked Mile is a fairly tame, gradual slope weaving beneath Sunnyside and Albian chairs. Most of this run is groomed rather wide, allowing skiers to take it easy while practicing turns, stops and other skills.

Beginner Alta Runs - Rabbit

Rabbit is the easiest way down from the Cecret lift. We chose this run because, although a slow-moving lift, Cecret should never be missed if you’re visiting Alta; mostly for the views. The combination of this lift and run make for the most awe inspiring views that the mountain has to offer. Snow covered cliffs, wide open hills and peeks of the Salt Lake Valley below combine for and incredible, easy going ride up and down the mountain.

Intermediate Alta Runs - Devil’s Elbow

From the top of Sugarloaf, Devil’s Elbow starts fairly steep but wide and quickly flattens out and repeats this pattern a few more times through the end of this run. Devil’s Elbow is probably the longest blue run at Alta, so occasionally skiing the perimeter powder, trees and even a few low jumps offer great practice for those wanting to improve their skills.

Intermediate Alta Runs - Ballroom

From the top of Collins turn right and follow the traverse track. Ballroom is one of Alta’s more advanced-intermediate areas, high on the mountain just below Baldy this is a great powder bowl when you hit it fresh. Just traverse across till you find a line that looks good or keep going till you find fresh, un-tattered snow.

Advanced Alta Runs - Gunsight

The initial drop into this infamous run can be daunting, it’s a narrow slot requiring a few quick turns but it slowly widens into a large gully. To access Gunsight take the high traverse from Collins for a few minutes and follow the side-step track up over the ridge. Gunsight is well worth the effort especially on powder days. Hit it early when the snow is falling because the locals also know this sheltered chute holds powder better than any other section of the mountain.

Advanced Alta Runs - Alf’s High Rustler (or High Boy, as the locals call it)

Named after Alf Engen, famous skiing legend who helped establish Alta as a ski area, it is by far the most famous run in Alta. With a 2,000-foot vertical drop running straight down Collins lift, this run should notr be missed especially on powder days. Starting steep-and-deep, this run gradually lessons till it ends at the base, near the Sitzmark Bar at the Alta Lodge.

Beginner Run - Chickadee

Chickadee is perfect for first time skiers. Located right next to the Cliff lodge with its own lift, this short run is a great place to make your first turns. Even though the riding is mellow, Chickadee had great views and Mount Superior looms above.

Beginner Run - Big Emma

Big Emma is a beginner skier’s paradise. This open run is low angle and easily accessed from the Creekside lodge. Ride the Mid-Gad lift and enjoy the mountain learning area. Big Emma is a great place to push your skiing further and get a taste of Utah’s famous snow.

Advanced Run - Chips Run

Designated as the easiest way down from the top of the Tram, Chips Run is a classic way to enjoy Snowbird’s beautiful alpine terrain without getting into too much trouble. The beginning of Chips run takes you down the ridge on a series of cat tracks. After that, you follow smooth moderate terrain that flows beneath the cirque and several of Snowbird’s famous steep runs.

Advanced Run - Regulator Johnson

Regulator Johnson is all about open, alpine skiing with stunning views. This northwest facing run is easily accessed from either the Tram or the Little Cloud lift. Often groomed down the middle, adventurous skiers can traverse to the right and find fun power stashes. Skiing or snowboarding Regulator is a must for any Snowbird rider.

Advanced Run - Mineral Basin

After a fresh snow, Mineral Basin is the place to be. Open terrain and tons of options make Mineral Basin feel like a world of its own. If you’re unsure of where to go, head down the Path to Paradise. Ride the Baldy lift to the entrance to Alta or lap out the Mineral Basin chair. In the spring, since it faces south, Mineral Basin is a great place to find corn snow.

Expert Only Runs - Silver Fox

Dropping right below the tram, Silver Fox is a steep north east facing run with great snow and perfect steep skiing. Since it begins at Hidden Peak and winds its way down the entire resort, skiing Silver Fox gives you the most fall line vertical skiing at Snowbird. Many long-time locals will ski Silver Fox hundreds of times a year.

Expert Only Runs - Gad Chutes – Barry Barry Steep

The Gad Chutes are a series of steep northwest facing runs on the backside of the Cirque. When the snow is good, this terrain provides the longest powder runs at Snowbird. Be careful in the Gad Chutes as there are numerous cliffs and the route finding can be complex. Barry Barry Steep, located at the farthest skier’s right of the Gad Chutes, faces due north and holds great snow for days after the storm.

Expert Only Runs - Great Scott

The highest point on the Cirque, Great Scott is steep, consistent, and intimidating. Getting into this run requires entering through a cornice or side stepping over rocks. Once you’ve made it into the top, great snow and lots a vertical await. Great Scott is a test piece for all Snowbird extreme skiers.

Alta Ski Resort

Alta Ski Resort is Famous for Deep Snow, Amazing Terrain, and an Authentic Ski Culture. lta is for skiers and offers 2,200 acres of terrain for all levels of skier. Your whole family will enjoy learning and playing in this beautiful playground!

Phone: 801-799-2271

Ski Snowbird ∧ Summer Resort

Even though Snowbird is famous for big terrain, you don’t have to be a pro to ski snowbird. Both Chickadee and Big Emma are perfect for beginner skiing and snowboarding. Snowbird boasts one of the best Ski School programs in Utah. At Snowbird Mountain School, there’s endless opportunity to take your skiing to the next level.

Phone: 801-933-2222

Alaska Mountain Guides

Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School Inc. has teamed up with Alta Ski Area to offer mountaineering trips, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing and avalanche courses at Alta. With over twenty years of experience guiding and instructing, Alaska Mountain Guides offers a unique opportunity to learn and explore in some of the most fascinating places in the world. In Utah, the Alta based programs explore the Wasatch Mountains, which offer some of the best snow in the world coupled with fantastic terrain and abundant sunshine.

Phone: 1-800-766-3396

Backcountry Adventures at Alta Ski Area

You’ll make turns and memories by taking advantage of the many offerings from Alta Ski Area, Utah Mountain Adventures, Ski Utah and Powderbird. From Cat skiing and Helicopter skiing to skiing six Utah resorts in one day, if you’re looking for the next level you’ve got to checkout all these great opportunities for your next winter adventure to Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Phone: 1-801-799-2271