Alta vs Snowbird: Which Ski Resort Is Perfect For You
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The question of whether Alta or Snowbird is the better ski destination has been a hot topic among skiers for years. I’ve skied at Snowbird many times, but it wasn’t until this year that I tried out Alta.
Now that I’ve had firsthand experience at both resorts, I can give you a more detailed take on which one might suit you better.
Alta vs Snowbird
Alta and Snowbird rank among Utah’s top ski resorts. They are known for their luxurious settings, excellent amenities, ski-in/ski-out lodging options, and close proximity to downtown Salt Lake City, providing unforgettable experiences for visitors.
However, several factors should be considered when deciding between these two resorts, including crowd levels, overall ambiance, non-skiing activities, the features of each town, the type of ski pass you have, and whether you’re a skier or snowboarder.
This guide will help you decide whether to pick Alta or Snowbird for your next ski vacation.
Key Differences Between Alta vs Snowbird
When comparing Alta and Snowbird, several aspects should be considered, including cost, dining options, skiing terrain, your preference for skiing or snowboarding, and more; for a detailed breakdown of their differences, continue reading below.
1. Costs & Prices
In my experience, Alta and Snowbird have similar pricing. They’re both top-notch resorts in Utah, which means they have higher costs.
To save money while skiing at either resort, consider staying in downtown Salt Lake City and commuting to the slopes. This can be a lot cheaper than staying in the resort areas. Another money-saving idea is to bring your own food or a camping stove for cooking in the parking lot rather than eating at the expensive slopeside restaurants.
2. Skiing or Snowboarding
It might surprise some, but Alta has a longstanding policy of not allowing snowboarders on their slopes. This rule has been in place for a significant amount of time, and there are no indications of it changing anytime soon. Therefore, if you’re a snowboarder, Snowbird becomes your clear choice.
3. Weather
The weather conditions at Alta and Snowbird are similar in terms of temperature, but the significant difference is the amount of snowfall each resort receives.
Alta typically receives an annual snowfall of 546 inches, while Snowbird averages around 500 inches yearly. This means Alta gets approximately 46 inches more snowfall annually.
While this difference may not seem significant to some, it makes a considerable impact. Skiers at Alta enjoy a thicker base layer and more powder days than Snowbird.
I’ve experienced massive powder days at both resorts, and I can honestly say that the snow quality at Alta was notably better.
4. Food
The dining experience at Alta and Snowbird is quite alike. Both resorts provide various dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, après-ski, and a mix of casual and upscale choices.
I’m married to a snowboarder, so to be honest, I’ve always spent most of my meals meeting up with my husband at Snowbird, so I can only really vouch for the incredible restaurants there. For a fun dining experience, I recommend trying Mid-Gad Restaurant for lunch and The Summit for drinks with scenic views.
5. Accommodations
Accommodations at Alta and Snowbird offer similar options and prices, providing beautiful choices for a memorable mountain getaway.
For Alta, I recommend staying at Alta’s Rustler Lodge, which offers ski-in/ski-out access, a great pool and hot tub, and a lovely ambiance.
At Snowbird, The Cliff Lodge and Spa is my top choice. The rooms are stunning, the pool and spa are fantastic, and the hotel is very family-friendly.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options while visiting either resort, staying in downtown Salt Lake City is a good choice. I’ve done this several times, and the commute isn’t bad. It saves a lot of money compared to slopeside accommodations.
6. Accessibility
Alta and Snowbird are located off Little Cottonwood Canyon Road and close to each other. Alta is approximately 29 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, while Snowbird is about 28 miles away.
Snowbird is slightly more accessible as it is one mile closer to Salt Lake City. While this difference may not seem significant, it can lead to more traffic congestion on the way to Snowbird.
Overall, both resorts are relatively easy to reach from Salt Lake City. Having skied at both, I can say that the journey is manageable, but traffic congestion can occur, especially during peak times. To avoid potential hours of traffic, I recommend starting your drive very early in the morning.
7. Ski Slopes
Alta is a dream for skiers, and I really mean that. I was initially unsure about skiing there because of its skiers-only reputation, and I’d heard skiers could be a bit exclusive. Since my husband snowboards, he headed to Snowbird while I went to Alta alone. But I’m so glad I did. The ski terrain at Alta is truly something special.
Alta has 119 ski runs across 2,614 skiable acres, with 15% for beginners, 30% for intermediates, and 55% for experts. They also get an impressive 546 inches of snow each year.
On the other hand, Snowbird has over 140 runs across 2,500 skiable acres, with 8% for beginners, 26% for intermediates, and 66% for advanced and expert skiers. They receive about 500 inches of snow annually.
Looking at these numbers, a few things stand out. Alta has more terrain for beginners and intermediates, along with many options for experts. Plus, they get more snowfall. While both Alta and Snowbird offer similar great experiences and their stats are relatively close, I believe Alta holds the edge when it comes to ski slopes.
8. Ski Pass
The Ikon Pass covers both ski resorts, which is convenient for those exploring multiple resorts and skiing extensively. It’s great that both resorts are included on the same pass, giving you the flexibility to ski at both locations.
Additionally, did you know a ski run connects Alta to Snowbird? I found this feature fantastic because it allowed me to meet my snowboarding husband over at Snowbird when we were ready to grab lunch together!
But back to the ski pass—If you haven’t looked into getting an Ikon Pass or Epic Pass yet, I highly recommend it! It’s a worthwhile investment if you intend to ski at multiple resorts for many days throughout the year.
Alta vs Snowbird: Which Is Better To Visit In 2024?
Choosing between these two fantastic ski destinations is truly a win-win situation. Utah is renowned for its amazing ski resorts, ensuring a fantastic time regardless of which one you choose.
To make your decision a little simpler, let me highlight some of the best winter activities and excursions you can experience at each resort and in its surrounding towns, in addition to skiing.
Alta: Best Things To Do
- Heli Skiing
- Birding on Skis
- Snowshoeing
Snowbird: Best Things To Do
- Tram Ride
- The Cliff Spa
- Snowcat Skiing
- Heli Skiing
- Snowshoeing
Alta Pros And Cons
- Higher annual snowfall than Snowbird
- More skiable terrain compared to Snowbird
- Skiers only (this is a pro / con depending on how you view it)
- Fewer winter activities other than skiing compared to Snowbird
Snowbird Pros And Cons
- More runs than Alta
- Tram and lifts
- More winter activities other than skiing
- Fewer inches of snowfall each year compared to Alta
- Less skiable acres of terrain compared to Alta
FAQs About Alta vs Snowbird
Keep diving in below as I answer a few frequently asked questions about Alta and Snowbird.
What is the difference between Snowbird and Alta?
The difference between Snowbird and Alta is that Alta does not allow snowboarders. More differences include Alta receiving more inches of snowfall each year and having more skiable acres of terrain compared to Snowbird.
Can you snowboard at Alta or Snowbird?
You can snowboard at Snowbird, not Alta.
Is Alta or Snowbird better for beginners?
Alta is better for beginner skiers because it offers more beginner and intermediate runs. However, if you are a beginner snowboarder, you’ll need to head to Snowbird because of Alta’s no-snowboarder policy.
Final Thoughts On Alta vs Snowbird
Skiing at either Alta or Snowbird is a fantastic choice. I was pleasantly surprised by Alta’s friendly atmosphere, sense of community, and fantastic slopes.
On the other hand, I’ve skied at Snowbird many times and always enjoy the slopes, especially since I can ski alongside my snowboarding husband.
Alta is the place to go if you’re seeking a skiers-only paradise with perhaps more powder. Snowbird is ideal for a mix of skiers and snowboarders, along with additional lifts and a tram ride.
Both resorts offer incredible experiences, and if you have the opportunity, I recommend skiing at both. The connecting slope between Alta and Snowbird makes it convenient to do so!
A big thank you to Alta and Snowbird for hosting me during my visit. Although I received complimentary ski passes at both resorts, all the thoughts, opinions, and reviews shared are entirely based on my personal experience.
