grab your skis and snowshoes, Class looks DIFFERENT at alta.
Class is outside this winter and everyone's invited! From December to April, join us as we turn the great outdoors into our classroom with weekly on-mountain tours led by our partner non-profit organizations. Perfect for the nature enthusiast or those just curious about the land they are recreating on, there's something for everyone to enjoy. All tours are FREE, family-friendly and open to skiers of all abilities. Branch out and explore Alta through a different lens this winter—see you on the slopes!
*Events are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
class is in session!
BIRDING ON SKIS
Join the Tracy Aviary Conservation Team for a non-breeding bird survey of Alta—on skis! Explore the mountain alongside expert birders and learn how to identify Alta’s avian residents by sight and sound. Participants must be at least 12 years old and able to ski intermediate groomed runs. Tours take place on the first and third Thursdays of each month, from December through April. Registration Required >
9am–12:30pm
- December 5, 2024
- December 19, 2024
- January 9, 2025
- January 16, 2025
- February 6, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 6, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 3, 2025
- April 12, 2025—Alta Earth Day
P.S. Registration fills up quickly!
TREES AND SKIS
Grab your skis and join TreeUtah on the slopes as we explore the gentle giants that shape Alta's landscape and the rich history held in their roots. Ski through the trees as you learn about Alta's diverse tree species and their role in our ecosystem. These free tours are open to skiers of all abilities and ages—so bring the whole family! NO registration is required—just show up!
11am–12:30pm
- December 11, 2024
- January 8, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 12, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- April 12, 2025—Alta Earth Day
Tour meets at the top of Sunnyside lift.
SKI WITH A RANGER
Ski with a Volunteer Naturalist Ranger from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation every Thursday for a free 45-minute guided tour on Sunnyside. Explore easy and intermediate runs while discovering the Cottonwood Canyons' geology, ecology, history, wildlife, watershed and more! These free tours are open to skiers of all abilities and ages—so bring the whole family! NO registration is required—just show up!
Every Thursday | 1–2pm
Tour meets at the top of Sunnyside lift.
Can’t join us on the slopes? Stop by the Albion Day Lodge on Thursdays from 10:30am–12:30pm to chat with our Ranger Naturalist and explore topics like watershed, mountain ecology and the environment!
Snowshoe with a Naturalist
Strap on your snowshoes and join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation on a naturalist-led tour of Alta. Volunteer naturalists will guide you through the mountains—sharing insights on everything from adaptations and tree species to the rich history of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Tours are held on the third Friday of each month, from January through March. Registration Required >
*Registration will open 30 days prior to the event date.
Third Friday of the Month | 1:30-3:30pm
- January 17, 2025
- February 21, 2025
- March 21, 2025
- April 12, 2025—Alta Earth Day
JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORICAL SNOWSCAPES
Dive into Little Cottonwood Canyon’s rich history on a snowshoe tour with the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program. This journey will transport you back in time with vintage photos, artifacts and stories highlighting Alta's legacy in the outdoor industry. This free event will be held on February 28, 2025, from 2–4pm. Registration Required >
*Registration for this event is not currently open—check back soon!
February 28, 2025 | 2-4pm
Alta Earth Day | April 12th
16th annual community Alta Earth Day—check back later for details!
Partner organizations that make these education programs possible
- Alta Ski Area
- Alta Environmental Center
- Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (CCF)
- Tracy Aviary
- TreeUtah
- The U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
For more information please contact environment@alta.com.
Stay in the loop by following Alta Environmental Center on Instagram and Facebook!