Looking for a ski-in/ski-out rental in Alta or Snowbird? Located just a mile apart in Little Cottonwood Canyon, these legendary Utah resorts offer different access points and lodging options. This guide will help you understand the layout, ski access, and how to choose the right property for your trip.
Understanding the Alta vs. Snowbird Layout
Alta and Snowbird may be close in distance, but they offer distinct experiences.
Alta Ski Area sits farther up Little Cottonwood Canyon, while Snowbird Resort is located just down the road, about a mile away. Though they’re neighboring resorts, each has its own base area, trail system, and lodging.
If you’re booking a vacation rental, keep this in mind:
- Alta ski-in ski-out is known for its laid-back charm, deep powder, and skier-only terrain.
- Snowbird ski-in-ski-out offers steeper runs, a wider range of amenities, and year-round activities at its ski and summer resort.
Despite the short distance, elevation differences and resort boundaries can impact what qualifies as true ski-in/ski-out.
Ski Access Between Resorts
Can you ski from Alta to Snowbird? Absolutely!
The two resorts are connected at the top via lifts and trails, allowing you to ski back and forth if you have a combined Alta–Snowbird lift ticket. This gives you access to a massive amount of terrain and some of the greatest snow on Earth.
Alta ski area access between the two isn’t always straightforward:
- Terrain between the Alta ski area and Snowbird is advanced, so beginner skiers may want to stay on one side.
- Lift layouts and trail design can affect how easily you ski in and out of your lodging.
- You may be able to ski out in the morning, but you’ll need to take a shuttle or walk back in the afternoon, depending on your route and conditions.
Our team is happy to help you figure out which ski access options work best for your group.
What Counts as ‘Alta’ vs. ‘Snowbird’ Lodging?
While Alta and Snowbird are only a mile apart, lodging is defined by property lines.
If a property sits on land owned by Snowbird, it’s considered Snowbird lodging. These spots are generally farther down Little Cottonwood Canyon and often offer true ski-in/ski-out access to Snowbird terrain.
Everything else is considered Alta lodging, including most private homes and condos. While these properties might not sit directly on the slopes, many offer walkable access to the lifts, short shuttle rides, or even ski-in routes depending on snow conditions.
Is It Ski-In/Ski-Out? Here’s the Real Answer
It depends on where you’re staying and how you define ski-in/ski-out.
Alta Properties
Most vacation homes and condos in Alta aren’t directly on the slopes, but that doesn’t mean you’re far from the action. Many offer ski-out access with a quick walk or shuttle to the lifts, and you can often ski back home in the right conditions. Properties near Alta’s Rustler Lodge or Eagle’s Nest Lounge tend to have especially convenient access.
Snowbird Properties
Snowbird sits farther down the canyon, which means several of its properties are located right along the trails. If you’re all about hitting the slopes first thing in the morning, these locations are tough to beat.
Remember, Alta and Snowbird are connected via lifts and trails, so as long as you have the right pass, you’re not limited to just one resort. Want to ski both in one day? Totally doable.
See It for Yourself: Aerial Video Tour of Alta & Snowbird
To help guests better understand the layout of Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, we commissioned a custom aerial video that shows exactly where our properties sit in relation to the lifts, trails, and canyon terrain.
Watch the video here:
Alta & Snowbird Aerial Flyover
From the sky, it’s easy to see just how convenient the ski access, shuttle routes, and ski-home terrain really are.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk
Our local team has been helping guests plan unforgettable ski vacations for over 30 years, and we’re happy to walk you through the best lodging options, terrain access, and property availability for your trip.
Give us a call or send us a message. We’ll help you find the perfect place to stay during your Utah ski vacation!
