Winter Education
Programs

By Alta Environmental Center 10-30-2024

Class is outside this winter.

Grab your skis and snowshoes—class looks different at Alta. From December to April, we invite everyone to join us on the slopes as we turn the great outdoors into our classroom with weekly on-mountain tours led by local non-profit organizations. These tours are free, family-friendly and perfect for anyone curious about the land they are recreating on. Branch out and explore Alta through a different lens this winter—see you on the slopes!

*All events are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

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.

Birding on Skis

Tours take place on the first and third Thursdays of the month, December through April. Participants must be 12 years old and able to ski intermediate groomed runs.

Registration Required >

time & dates

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
April 17, 2025

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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 important role in our ecosystem throughout history.

Trees and Skis tour at Alta Ski Area

Tours take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, December through April. Meeting at the top of the Sunnyside lift and are open to skiers of all ages and abilities.

NO registration required—just show up!

time & dates

11am–12:30pm

December 11, 2024
January 8, 2025
January 22, 2025
February 12, 2025
February 26, 2025
March 12, 2025
March 26, 2025
April 9, 2025
April 12, 2025

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Ski With A Ranger

Join a Volunteer Naturalist Ranger from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for a 45-minute guided ski tour of Alta every Thursday. This experience is perfect for skiers of all levels who want to explore easy runs while learning about the geology, ecology, wildlife and history of the Cottonwood Canyons.

Ski with a Ranger tour

Want to learn more? Don’t miss the opportunity to chat with a Ranger Naturalist every Thursday from 10:30am–12:30pm at the Albion Day Lodge about watersheds, mountain ecology and the environment. Ski tours are offered every Thursday from January through April, meeting at the top of the Sunnyside lift.

No registration is required—just show up!

Every Thursday | 1–2pm

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Snowshoe with a Naturalist

Strap on your snowshoes and join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, 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.

Snowshoe With a Naturalist

Tours take place on the third Friday of each month, from January through April. This afternoon excursion is ideal for people of all ages and hiking abilities.

Registration Required >

time & dates

1:30–3:30pm

January 17, 2025
February 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
April 12, 2025

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JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORICAL SNOWSCAPES

Explore the ecology and rich history of Little Cottonwood Canyon on a snowshoe tour led by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office and Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program.

Discover how Alta's landscape has transformed over the past century—from a thriving mining town to a renowned skiing destination—with a snowshoe exploration through the mountains.

Registration Required >

February 28, 2025 | 2–4pm

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