There is good reason why Alta is a bucket list ski destination. You’ll find the “Greatest Snow on Earth” and a 2,020 vertical drop, but you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy skiing here. You can spend quality time on the mountain with friends or family at all ski levels from pro to novice. Alta is for skiers – that means beginners too!
Over the years, we’ve seen our fair share of beginners from children to adults with a look of anticipation as they check into the Lodge. They typically come to Alta with a loyal guest we’ve known for years, and they tend to leave as a lifelong skier themselves. If you are a beginner considering a trip to Alta, or if you are a longtime Alta guest wanting to share the Alta magic with a beginner skier let us help with a few tips for the beginner skier in Alta.
The Alf Engen Ski School is a great way to start. Either a group or private lesson will help to develop skills and confidence. Almost everyone agrees, to keep your relationships sound, it’s much better to take a lesson than to try to learn from a loved one. The Ski School offers group sessions geared toward your special interests whether you are an adult, child, teen, or even an advanced skier looking to take your skiing to the next level. Group lessons are a great way to meet skiers at your level and have a fun time on the mountain.
Like any new skill, after lessons, skiing requires practice. Alta caters to the beginner by providing an area with terrain perfectly suited for the beginner skier. The Albion base area is the perfect area to improve your balance and parallel turns, with access to beautiful Alta terrain via 3 chair lifts – Sunnyside, Albion and Cecret. Even experienced skiers enjoy this scenic area, so friends and family members can meet up with you for a run or two.
As a beginner, you will appreciate the wide, groomed runs covered with famed Alta snow. You have a variety of green (beginner) runs to choose from and the opportunity to practice with other skiers (and only skiers)! Snowboarding is not allowed on at Alta. So, you’ve got no worries about being surprised by the unexpected turns of a snowboard on the off chance that you do encounter any mountain traffic.
Of course, a day on the slopes is perfectly complemented with après ski at the Goldminer’s Saloon. From the Albion base just take the transfer tow from Sunnyside and settle in for a cold brew and some pizza or nachos.
Alta is for skiers, and that means beginners too.