Alta is a beautiful and wonderful mountain. Alta has a reputation for being a resort for skiing purists and extreme challenges. It lives up to that reputation, but it also has a family friendly atmosphere, a dedicated beginner area centered around the Sunnyside lift, and at least a few manageable top to bottom runs for a low level intermediate skier as well.
There are decent dining options on the Albion base half of the resort. There are better options on the Wildcat base side. Sunnyside lift is fantastic. Collins, Supreme, and Sugarloaf are also good lifts. Wildcat Lift could use an upgrade in the near future.
The on-site lodging options are obscenely expensive and, unless you are staying at one of them, the après scene is rather limited.
Alta has my favorite run to ski anywhere, but - other than the Sunnyside area - it is a difficult mountain and some people struggle down the slopes while others blaze down, so it can be intimidating unless you are a high skill level skier. It also is always crowded on a snow day, so it’s hard to actually enjoy a powder day unless you catch first chair.
Overall, I love Alta, but it has its drawbacks and it’s not for everyone, and there are other resorts you should consider if you are coming to visit or just catching a powder day while you are in Utah.
