If you’ve never skied Little Cottonwood Canyon before, figuring out which lift ticket to buy can feel more complicated than it should. Alta and Snowbird sit just a mile apart, share some of the best snow on the planet, and even connect by lifts and traverses. The ski pass you choose will shape your ski days, your budget, and how much terrain you can explore.
Like many ski resorts today, Alta and Snowbird use dynamic pricing, so prices change based on demand. The earlier you buy, the better your chances of locking in a lower rate, and the more money you’ll have left for après-ski.
We’ve put together this guide to help you make sense of Alta lift tickets, Snowbird passes, and everything in between, so you can hit the slopes with confidence.
Understanding the Four Main Lift Ticket Options
Picking the right lift ticket is key to making the most of your ski trip to Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Alta ski area and Snowbird are less than a mile apart, but each offers its own terrain, vibe, and access. Your ticket choice will shape where you ski and how flexible your days can be.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the four main options so you can find the best fit for your trip and budget.
Alta-Only Lift Ticket
If you’re here for the legendary powder of Alta Ski Area, this is the ski pass for you. Alta is a skier’s mountain, no snowboarding allowed. This means the focus stays on carving turns through some of the best skiable terrain in the country.
An Alta-Only ticket gives you access to all of Alta’s lifts and terrain for the day. It’s a great fit if you’re staying in Alta lodging, want to spend your trip exploring the mountain’s unique runs, or prefer Alta’s classic ski culture. Beginners will find gentler slopes to build confidence, while advanced skiers can test their skills on steep chutes and deep bowls.
Snowbird-Only Lift Ticket
If snowboarding is part of your trip, Snowbird is where you’ll want to be. Snowbird welcomes both skiers and snowboarders and offers a mix of long, scenic runs and steep, challenging terrain. This ticket gives you access to Snowbird’s entire mountain for the day, including the iconic Aerial Tram, which whisks you to the 11,000-foot Hidden Peak for panoramic views and unforgettable descents.
Snowbird is also a smart choice if you’re staying closer to its base or simply prefer its terrain variety and amenities. You’ll find plenty of groomers, advanced runs, and off-piste options, plus dining and après-ski spots right at the base.
Alta/Snowbird Dual-Mountain Ski Pass
If your idea of a perfect ski day is chasing powder from sunrise to last chair, the Alta/Snowbird Dual-Mountain Pass is your ideal ticket. You can start your morning with fresh powder runs in Alta’s famous Albion Basin, then ski over to Snowbird for high-speed laps and steep chutes in the afternoon.
This pass gives you access to a combined 4,700+ acres of skiable terrain, connected by lifts and marked crossover trails. It’s a premium option and typically the most expensive, but it can be worth the investment if you’re an advanced skier looking for maximum variety and freedom to roam.
Ski City Super Pass (Alta or Snowbird Per Day)
For flexibility without the premium price tag, the Ski City Super Pass is hard to beat. This pass lets you ski Alta or Snowbird, one mountain per day, without having to lock in your resort choice ahead of time. You can switch things up from day to day, depending on the snow, weather, or just your mood.
These multi day lift tickets are valid for 3–7 days of skiing, with no blackout dates, and once you activate it, you have 14 days to use your days as you see fit.
An extra perk: you can upgrade to an Alta/Snowbird Dual-Mountain Pass on any day you want to ski both resorts. Just pay the difference at the Alta ticket window when you’re ready to cross over. Plus, the pass includes up to a 15% discount at the Deep Powder House Ski Shop at Alta.
You can purchase your Ski City Super Pass directly through our Alta Chalets office, making it one less thing to worry about when you arrive.
Alta Bird Season Passes for Frequent Skiers
If you’re planning to ski Alta, Snowbird, or both multiple times this winter, a season pass could be your best value. Options include:
- Alta Season Pass: Unlimited skiing at Alta all season long. Perfect for skiers who prefer Alta’s terrain and vibe.
- Snowbird Season Pass: Unlimited access to Snowbird’s slopes for both skiers and snowboarders.
- Alta-Bird Season Pass: Unlimited access to both ski resorts with the flexibility to ski back and forth any day you choose.
- Ikon Pass and Mountain Pass Collective: Includes Alta ski area and Snowbird in addition to dozens of other ski resorts nationwide, ideal for those chasing snow beyond Utah.
- Mountain Collective: Gives you two days at Alta and two days at Snowbird, plus days at other world-class ski destinations like Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley. Perfect for skiers planning a multi-resort winter.
Season passes typically offer the best per-day pricing if you ski enough days to offset the upfront cost. They can also include perks like retail discounts, buddy tickets, and special event access. Availability, pricing, holiday periods, and blackout dates vary, so it’s worth checking early in the season to secure the best deal.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Pass
A few quick things to keep in mind before you decide:
- Snowboarders: Alta is for skiers only, so Snowbird will be your spot.
- Beginner skiers: Check out beginner-area passes at each resort for a budget-friendly option.
- Flexibility seekers: The Ski City Super Pass gives you the freedom to choose between Alta and Snowbird each day.
- Dual-mountain days: You can always upgrade your ticket if you decide to ski both resorts in one day. Just pay the difference.
- Longer trips: Multi-day passes often save you money and make it easier to plan.
How & Where to Purchase Lift Tickets
When it comes to buying lift tickets for Alta or Snowbird, you’ve got options. But choosing the right one for you depends on how much planning you like to do ahead of time. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Buy in Advance from Alta or Snowbird
If you know your exact visit dates and mountain choice, booking directly through the resort websites can offer the lowest prices. Just keep in mind that tickets are date-specific and non-refundable, so there’s less flexibility if your plans change.
Pick Up at the Ticket Window
Buying on the day you ski is the most convenient, but it’s also usually the most expensive. However, it’s a good choice if you’re waiting to see what the weather does or haven’t nailed down your itinerary.
Purchase the Ski City Super Pass from Alta Chalets
The Ski City Super Pass option offers the best mix of value and flexibility. Passes can be purchased online or through our office before your trip. You can decide each morning whether to ski Alta or Snowbird. No blackout dates, no advance scheduling, and easy upgrades if you decide to ski both mountains in a single day.
What’s the Best Deal?
Still debating which lift ticket is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Snowboarders: Snowbird is your only option.
- Skiers staying in Alta: Go for an Alta-Only Pass or the Super Pass for flexibility.
- Terrain chasers: Choose the Alta/Snowbird Dual-Mountain Pass if you want to cover the most ground.
- Value + flexibility seekers: The Super Pass is the top pick for most guests.
Booking in advance almost always means better pricing, and we’re happy to walk you through the details so you can hit the slopes without any surprises.
Still Not Sure on Which Alta Ski Area Pass to Get? We’re Here to Help
If you’re feeling unsure about which lift ticket is right for you, you’re not alone. With so many great options, it can be tough to decide.
But that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Our team knows Alta and Snowbird inside and out, and we’re happy to help you choose the pass that works best for your visit, your style, and your budget.
Need advice? Just give us a call or send us a quick message. We can walk you through the pros and cons of each option, explain how ski access works from your lodging, and help you lock in the right pass before you arrive.
Want a better visual of how close everything is? Check out our aerial video to see the Alta and Snowbird layout from above.
