Alta Ski Area to open November 25, but recommends skiing for “experts only”

Nov 22, 2023, 3:00 PM

FILE - Fresh snow falls on skiers at Alta Ski Area on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. (Spenser Heaps/Deseret News)

(Spenser Heaps/Deseret News)

Reporter

ALTA, Utah — Alta Ski Area announced that it’s lifts will begin spinning on Saturday, Nov. 25. The resort’s Wildcat and Collins lifts will start up at 9:15 a.m. However, there will be no access to Albion Basin.

Due to current conditions, Alta Ski Area said it recommends that only expert-level skiers visit on Saturday.

Upgraded avalanche mitigation system

A new feature this year at Alta includes an upgraded avalanche mitigation system. That means they’ll no longer use artillery for that purpose.

“After decades of artillery use for avalanche mitigation purposes at Alta Ski Area, Alta Ski Patrol fired the 105-mm Howitzer for the final time in April 2023,” officials said in the press release.

Instead, the ski area has been transitioning to modern avalanche control technology. Over the summer they’ve added five Wyssen towers to the resort.

Wyssen towers are remote avalanche control systems. RACS systems can be enabled remotely. They aid in avalanche mitigation without putting ski or highway patrol personnel in harm’s way, according to Ski Area Management Magazine.

Other improvements

In addition to the upgraded avalanche mitigation systems, Alta said it smoothed out erosion near the Supreme lift. Skiers can expect an “enhanced skiing experience on Sleepy Hollow,” as a result.

Albion lift also received an upgrade during the off-season. Following 60 years in service, the lift was removed and replaced, according to Alta Ski Area’s website.

And Alta’s Alf Engen Ski School has expanded its lesson offerings this season.

Alta invited beginner and first-time skiers to “join the adult beginner and novice class. Lessons [will be] offered daily from 1:30-4 p.m. Have fun while acquiring the skills to navigate green slopes.”

Other Utah ski news:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

A "no fireworks" sign is pictured near Popperton Park in Salt Lake city on June 25. Cities througho...

Kennedy Camarena, KSL

Where you can and can’t light personal fireworks this Pioneer Day

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has issued a "hybrid fireworks policy" for the Fourth of July. Here's what that means for your city.

11 hours ago

Utah Deaf mentor and performer Jojo Savea is one of the American Sign Language performers bringing ...

Eric Cabrera

Deaf Utah performer, interpreter, helps kids experience favorite shows in a new way through ASL

Utah mentor and performer Jojo Savea is one of the American Sign Language performers bringing popular children's programming, including "CoComelon," to deaf audiences.

12 hours ago

The Davis County SAR team prepares to hike up the Fernwood Trail in Layton on Sunday, April 21, 202...

Don Brinkerhoff

Utah search and rescue teams urge preparation as heat, storms prompt rescues

Search and rescue teams across Utah are busy this year. Here's what you can do to lighten the physical and financial load.

14 hours ago

Hannah Freeze speaks during a press conference about new water shares for Great Salt Lake at Memory...

Carter Williams, KSL

Cox appoints new Great Salt Lake commissioner as lake continues to slide

Gov. Spencer Cox has named Hannah Freeze as the state's new Great Salt Lake commissioner, replacing Brian Steed, who stepped down earlier this year. Freeze was named deputy commissioner of the state office last year.

16 hours ago

A woman in Nephi was arrested after police said she made threatening calls to city workers while im...

Bryanna Willis

Nephi woman arrested after posing as a federal official and threatening city workers, police say

A woman in Nephi was arrested after police said she made threatening calls to city workers while impersonating a federal officer.

16 hours ago

A section of state Route 153 in Beaver Canyon is washed out. Utah Department of Transportation offi...

Becky Bruce

Emergency declared in portions of Utah after wildfires, flooding in three counties

Declaring an emergency after the flooding and wildfires that struck Beaver, Piute and Sevier counties allows the state to devote more resources to recovery.

17 hours ago

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Alta Ski Area to open November 25, but recommends skiing for “experts only”

Upgraded avalanche mitigation system

Other improvements

We want to hear from you.

Utah

Sponsored Articles