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!
class is in session!
*Events are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
BIRDING ON SKIS
Join us on the slopes for Birding on Skis with the Alta Tracy Aviary Conservation Team as we survey the avian residents of Alta. Welcoming birders of all levels, this family-friendly adventure lets you explore the mountain alongside expert birders who will guide you in identifying Alta's high-elevation birds 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 the month, December through April. Registration Required >
First & third Thursday of the month | 9am–12:30pm
- December 5th, 2024
- December 19th, 2024
- January 9th, 2025
- January 16th, 2025
- February 6th, 2025
- February 20th, 2025
- March 6th, 2025
- March 20th, 2025
- April 3rd, 2025
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 with Arborist, Ian Peisner, and learn about the diverse species of Alta and how we're working together to keep our forest healthy. These free tours are open to skiers of all abilities and ages—so bring the whole family! Tours take place on the second Wednesday of each month from December through April, meeting at the top of the Sunnyside lift by 11am. No registration required.
Second Wednesday of the month | 11am–12:30pm
- December 11th, 2024
- January 8th, 2025
- February 12th, 2025
- March 12th, 2025
- April 9th, 2025
SKI WITH A RANGER
Join us on the slopes for an hour long tour to explore the geology and ecology of Alta with a Volunteer Naturalist Ranger from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. This family-friendly event is open to skiers of all ages and abilities—there's always something new to learn! Tours meet at the top of the Sunnyside lift by 1pm, every Thursday from January through April, no registration is required.
Every Thursday | 1–2pm
- January 9th, 2025
- January 16th, 2025
- January 23rd, 2025
- January 30th, 2025
- February 6th, 2025
- February 13th, 2025
- February 20th, 2025
- February 27th, 2025
- March 6th, 2025
- March 13th, 2025
- March 20th, 2025
- March 27th, 2025
- April 3rd, 2025
- April 10th, 2025
If you can't make it on the mountain or want to learn more—stop by the Abion Day Lodge to visit our Ranger Naturalist. Discover more about our watershed, mountain ecology, and the environment every Thursday from 10:30–12:30pm!
Snowshoe with a Naturalist
Strap on your snowshoes and get ready to join us on a naturalist-led tour of Alta with the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. Naturalist guides will take you through the mountains, sharing insights on everything from animal 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.
Third Friday of the Month | 1:30-3:30pm
- January 17th, 2025
- February 21st, 2025
- March 21st, 2025
JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORICAL SNOWSCAPES
Dive into Little Cottonwood Canyon's rich history on a snowshoe tour back in time with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office and Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program. Walk through historical land with vintage photos and artifacts to learn about our shared role in Alta's legacy in the outdoor industry. This free interactive snowshoe tour will be held on February 28th, 2025 from 2-4pm. Registration required.
February 28th, 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!