Alta vs Snowbird
Snowbird has more vertical (3,240 ft vs 2,538 ft); Alta has more skiable terrain (2,614 acres vs 2,500 acres); Alta has more snow in an average season (545 in. vs 500 in.). Both are on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in December at both.
The mountains
| Alta | Snowbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah | Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah |
| Vertical drop | 2,538 ft | 3,240 ft |
| Summit | 11,068 ft | 11,000 ft |
| Base | 8,530 ft | 7,760 ft |
| Skiable acres | 2,614 | 2,500 |
| Trails | 119 | 169 |
| Lifts | 6 | 11 |
| Average snowfall | 545 in. | 500 in. |
| Pass | Ikon | Ikon |
| Usual season | Nov 22 – Apr 19 | Nov 22 – May 25 |
| Fly into | SLC | SLC |
Resort statistics are approximate and change year to year.
Month by month
Typical snowfall, crowds and trip prices (flights and lodging against each resort's yearly average).
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Trip price |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 71 / 65 in. | Quiet / Quiet | -10% / -10% |
| December | 109 / 100 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +31% / +31% |
| January | 93 / 85 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +34% / +34% |
| February | 87 / 80 in. | Packed / Packed | +39% / +39% |
| March | 87 / 80 in. | Packed / Packed | +51% / +51% |
| April | 55 / 50 in. | Moderate / Moderate | +5% / +5% |
Pairs read Alta / Snowbird.
This week
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's snow model, updated Oct 3, 19:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Good to know
- Alta: Skiers only; Little Cottonwood Canyon road closes for avalanche control ('interlodge').
- Alta: Among the snowiest resorts in the US.
- Snowbird: Tram climbs 2,900 ft to Hidden Peak.
- Snowbird: Canyon traffic is bad on powder weekends — take the UTA bus or go early.
Questions
- Is Alta or Snowbird better?
- Snowbird has more vertical (3,240 ft vs 2,538 ft); Alta has more skiable terrain (2,614 acres vs 2,500 acres); Alta has more snow in an average season (545 in. vs 500 in.). Both are on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in December at both.
- Which is less crowded, Alta or Snowbird?
- They are about equally busy over the season (very busy on average).