Alta Real Estate
Alta is a small town located in eastern Salt Lake County. The small town began as a mining community and was founded in 1865. There were several silver mines and an ore mine in the Little Cottonwood Canyon which became the main source of employment and income in the area. Between 1878 and 1885 a fire and an avalanche ravaged the town, destroying most of the buildings.
By 1930, there was only 1 remaining resident in the town of Alta, George Watson. He was facing financial ruin with a large amount of back taxes on the mining claims he owned, so he donated the majority of the land in Alta to the U.S. Forest Service. He stipulated that the land should be used to create a ski area.
The town was finally incorporated in 1970 and remains a small 4.5 square miles. Today, Alta is still a small town centered around the Alta Ski Area. The ski resort is the centerpiece of the economy and is one of the world’s foremost ski destinations. Because Alta is primarily a destination town, you’ll find luxurious homes and town homes dotting the community. Some make Alta their primary residence while others spend a few weeks or months a year living in the beauty of the Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Things to do
Alta Ski Resort – Alta is a world class ski resort but there are plenty of other activities available. Below are a few local favorites.
Racing at Alta – If you want to put your skills to the test, join the Alta Town Race Series. It is open to anyone over 18 who would like to participate. It caters to more experienced racers all the way to those who are less experienced. You’ll have access to gate training and racing.
If you are looking for something more laid back, you can participate in recreational racing. Practice skiing gates and hone your skills. The season typically runs from December through March.
Helicopter skiing – Powderbird provides adventurers with an incredible high-end experience. You don’t have to be an expert skier because the professional guides are there to help you! They have flights daily and you can book a semi-private tour, a private tour, or a single day experience. It’s a day to remember!
Backcountry adventures – Utah Mountain Adventures is perfect for beginners or experts wanting to navigate backcountry skiing and snowboarding. You can also learn ice climbing from experts or have your youth (ages 13-19) join the youth ski mountaineering camp.
Ski School – Improve your skills at the Alf Engen Ski School. The school offers private lessons or group classes for kids and adults. There are even expert telemark ski instructors if you want to try out a new skill.
Cecret Lake – Alta is truly beautiful year round. A popular well-trafficked trail in the area is Cecret Lake Trail. It is a 1.7 mile trail and is perfect for all skill levels. It ends at a beautiful lake where you can picnic and enjoy the scenery during the warm weather months.
Points of Interest
Memorial Grove – The grove is located about 1.5 miles up the Albion Basin Road and is only accessible during the summer. The memorial was created to honor those who established Alta. This secluded area has been improved with a short path and small saplings are planted every year. The granite monument and bench was created out of stone taken from lower Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Shopping
Most of the shopping available in the town of Alta is ski shops. Locals looking for clothes or grocery shopping go to Park City and visit The Outlets or make a trip to Historic Main Street. For a few quick items, General Gritts at Snowbird has a full service deli and operates a liquor store as well as provides basic grocery items. For early morning coffee, a trip to Alta’s Baldy Brews is in order.
Alta Ski Shops – There are 4 ski shops on the Alta resort in various locations near the most popular lifts. You’ll find everything you need for a day on the slopes. You can rent, demo, or buy gear and you’ll find goggles, gloves, avalanche beacons, mountaineering equipment and more!
Powder House Ski Shops – Powder House Ski shops are the premiere shop for ski equipment. There are 4 locations in Alta that are easily accessible whether you are staying in a lodge or skiing for the day. You’ll find high quality brands, rentals, custom boot fitting, equipment tuning, and much more!
Schools
There are no schools in the town of Alta. Most children will attend school in nearby Sandy and Holladay, Utah. The schools in Sandy are part of the Canyons School District.
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools