Alta vs. Snowbird: An Exhaustive Comparison

An in-depth comparison review of Alta and Snowbird, two ski resorts in Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon just east of Salt Lake City.

0:00 Intro
0:51 Snow Quality and Reliability
2:17 Spring Skiing
2:46 Size and Terrain Layout
3:16 Beginner Experience
3:58 Intermediate Experience
4:37 Advanced and Expert Experience
5:37 Hike-to Terrain
6:17 Navigating Lift-Served Terrain
7:17 Crowd Flow
7:59 Snowboarders
8:26 Getting There
9:20 Parking
9:50 Lodging
10:21 Aprés-ski
9:53 Nearby Mountains
10:28 Pass Affiliations
11:53 Verdict
13:04 Pricing

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[bradrichlin]

I've had AltaBird season passes for decades. Your video is pretty much spot on. If I were to add anything I'd say that Alta is a much easier area to explore, especially if you are comfortable with single black diamond skiing. At Snowbird on the other hand, no matter what your skill level is, it is very easy to end up in places you'd probably rather avoid.

[xCUBE]

This channel is absolutely amazing. The reviews are top-notch and spot-on while also offering amazing footage

[connercurtis]

Snowbird local here. I snowboard so I can’t speak to the Alta information, but everything about the bird is spot on. It’s got the steepest terrain in the Wasatch in many different areas around the mountain. Fantastic place for expert riders.
I would be interested to see your comparison of Brighton/Solitude which are also side by side in neighboring Big Cottonwood Canyon. They see about the same amount of snow annually but have a more local vibe to them.

[grant]

This channel is absolutely killing it. Thank you guys for all you do.

- The random guy who asked for the raw stats in the email haha

[mack.attack]

Alta is required to close by the end of April because of the USFS lease. Snowbird owns most of the land it is on, so it can stay open as long as it wants.

[Churchill]

Local here. Snow is better at Alta due to location…snow a tad dryer and you get a bit more…and the snow isn’t scraped off the groomers quite as much…and you can be there on the busiest of days and find areas where you feel like you’re the only one on the mountain. She’s Mother Alta- snowbird tries but will always be the step-mother. Really enjoyed the video- GREAT job, thank you!

[StetsonWade]

yo, ur great, but i cant tell what ski resort ur looking at in the footage. maybe you could have a small text in the bottom for future videos?

[SHAMulA]

Great Channel, I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers. This is so helpful, I haven't skied in 12+ years and want to in 2023, this helps so much! Thank you!

[dandomancich]

Well-researched reviews! I've skied both frequently, and I think you accurately described the pros and cons of each. Thanks!

[kevinl]

Local here. Snow is better at Snowbird. Snowbird has many more areas than Alta which get opened in a staggered fashion so as a result you get to go from one fresh area to another whereas at Alta it is pretty much HighT/Collins everyone is after which gets opened at once. Also, no one ever points out how Snowbird is 500 feet higher than Alta and Alta's best runs are at the bottom whereas Snowbird's are at the top which equals more snow where it matters. Snowbird is also steeper and with more steeper terrain. In addition Snowbird has many more angles and nooks and crannies than Alta which means when a storm comes in that is only dumping in certain aspects due to wind you can always find the goods at Snowbird whereas at Alta sometimes the wind is not cooperating for things to pile up on West Face.

[johnlake]

Best channel for ski reviews and it’s not close

[philminotti]

Great review. Alta definitely is better for intermediate skiers. I've skied the bird three times... My first time there, the Cirque traverse so thoroughly terrified me, that it ruined my trip. Certainly, you've got to stay within your abilities at both places, but Snowbird can be terrifying for a first timer from the east coast.

[xCUBE]

Can you do a video/website review where you discuss how you get these insane-looking shots (i.e. what camera you use, what settings, how you maximize battery life, how you edit)?

[kayakutah]

I live on the Wasatch Back but do get over to Alta and Snowbird. This is a very good overview.
You also did a good review of Deer Valley.
I'd recommend a review of Grand Targhee, a hidden gem on the west side of the Tetons, I'd call it "advanced intermediate powder heaven". Zero night life, marginal lodging and incredible snow quality. This year, they're putting in the Collins Chair that will access what used to be a large area of Cat-skiing. This should make sleeping in the parking lot of Albertson's in Driggs well worth it! 😁

[danjf]

I'm a skier 90% of the time. Kind of shocking in 2022 - I had no idea that boarders were prohibited at a major resort. Would love to know the reasoning behind the ban. Thanks for posting this. I've never skied Utah so it's nice to see the terrain!

[Roguchii]

I'm coming to Utah for the first time next month so this type of video is exactly what I need! Thanks for your research

[alizackrone]

Due to discrimination snowbird is the best for me as a snowboarder, but if all the skiers would rather go to Alta and Deer Valley and leave the rest of us to have the other mountains that’d be great. Brighton is basically a snowboarder’s resort anyway

[Kandalf]

This review is incredibly deep and touching almost every inch and every problem that comes into mind driving and planning your day at either Alta/snowbird.. I wish i saw this video back in 2019 when i first skied at Alta, i didn't know that snow bird is actually bigger, all i heard from the people on the chairlifts is that it's more boring, and snow quality is worse there...

[heididant]

Did two week long trips and spent time at both resorts. Love them both. Snowbird has a lodging option that includes two adult lift tickets and kids (below 12 I think) ski free…big savings for a family.

[Vanya]

I consider myself an average intermediate skier and I love Alta. Every lift offers nice blue run for me to get down. Honestly, Snowbird scares me a bit. On icy days there are not a lot of easy ways to get down.