ACE is happy to share and enhance the Alta experience with you. ACE aims to create a strong engaged community by bringing people who live work and play in Little Cottonwood together to share and experience the arts, culture and education. In doing so we provide opportunities for community involvement, welcoming visitors, and stimulate, and support the local economy. Arts enhancing the economy.

ABOUT THE TOWN OF ALTA

The Town of Alta is a small mountain community located at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The town itself ranges in elevation from 7,500 ft to 9,500 ft. above sea level and according to the 2010 Census, Alta’s population is 383.  The Town of Alta was officially incorporated in 1970 but its history ranges back into the 1800’s.  The first verified silver claim in Alta was staked in 1865, then Alta experienced a second mining boom in the early 1990’s. In 1937 “Mayor” George Watson deeded 1800 acres of surface rights to the U.S. Forest Service for the development of a ski area. The first Collins Lift, America’s second chairlift, was constructed in 1938 and Alta Ski Area opened.  Alta Ski Area was one of the first ski areas to open in the United States, the 2nd in the Western Ski Region. The town, although small, has a Mayor, Town Council, Police Department, public one-room school, a post office, four non-profits, and a community center. Read more extensively on the history of Alta here.

QUICK FAQS

What is interlodge?

Interlodge means you must stay inside a building with no outdoor travel. This means it snowed A LOT and the avalanche hazard is high. Staying inside during this time keeps you safe as well as helps Alta Ski Area and the Utah Department of Transportation.  During interlodge UDOT and Alta Ski Patrol are intentionally triggering avalanches to make the road and ski area safer for travel and so you can go ski!  It is critical that you stay inside and you can be fined if you are caught outdoors. Town of Alta Code on Interlodge Travel.

While it is not fun to be stuck inside, this is part of the Alta experience, creates great stories to share with your friends. Read about the 52 Hour Interlodge that occurred in 2020.

For updates on Interlodge and Road status you can check UDOT Avalanche or the Town of Alta’s Twitter Page. Local’s tip - follow @UDOTavi and @udotcottonwoods on Twitter.

What is Traction Law?

It is mandatory that all vehicles entering Little Cottonwood Canyon, November through April, have snowtires and/or chains in possession. There are times in the season when the road is restricted to allow only vehicles with snowtires or chains on tires to drive up or down the canyon road. All information can be found here.

Can I bring my dog?

Ugh, sorry but fido cannot join you on your visit to Alta, not even if you leave them in the car. As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service dogs are permitted. Full info here. You will see some dogs around town, as we have specially trained avalanche rescue dogs and there are licensed dogs that live in Alta.