* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 feet, with locally higher amounts possible in the Bear River Range and upper Cottonwoods. * WHERE...The Wasatch Mountains. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Winter driving conditions can be expected on all mountain routes. Traction restrictions are likely. Very low visibility in blowing and drifting snow is likely near Logan Summit. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will become heavy at times after 4 AM Friday morning. The heaviest period of snow will be Friday evening into Saturday morning, with rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times.
A crisp winter morning greets skiers at Alta Ski Area on December 4, 2025, with overnight temperatures dipping to a chilly 17°F and a fresh 2 inches of snow blanketing the slopes. Alta Ski Area is a world-renowned ski resort in Utah, United States.
Wind
Humidity
The current snowpack sits at 9 inches with a modest 1-inch SWE, setting the stage for early-season turns. While coverage is still developing, groomed runs are expected to offer playful conditions, especially for those eager to make their first carves of the season. Patrol teams are actively monitoring terrain, and limited lifts may be spinning as the resort ramps up operations.
Excitement is building across Utah's ski country as a potent mountain storm looms on the horizon. Alta is poised to benefit, with nearly 17 inches forecasted over the next 72 hours and 18 inches expected in five days. This incoming system could deliver the area’s first true powder day of the season, aligning with the recent buzz from local headlines as resorts across the Wasatch gear up to open. With Alta's official 2025–26 opening date just announced, anticipation is high. Powder hounds should wax their skis and keep a close eye on updates—winter is arriving in force.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Nohrsc Atwater.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Alta Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Alta Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Alta Ski Area in the United States include:
1. The Wasatch Mountain Range: Alta Ski Area is located in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. The Wasatch Range is known for its steep terrain, deep snow, and challenging ski runs.
2. Baldy Mountain: Baldy Mountain is the main peak at Alta Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 11,068 feet. It offers a variety of ski runs ranging from beginner to expert level.
3. Sugarloaf Mountain: Sugarloaf Mountain is another prominent peak at Alta Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 11,051 feet. It is known for its challenging terrain and steep slopes.
4. Mount Superior: Mount Superior is a prominent peak located near Alta Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 11,040 feet. It offers some of the most challenging and technical ski runs in the area.
5. Devil's Castle: Devil's Castle is a distinctive rock formation located within Alta Ski Area. It is known for its rugged terrain and steep chutes, making it a popular destination for expert skiers.
Overall, Alta Ski Area offers a unique and diverse range of mountain terrain, with steep slopes, deep powder, and challenging ski runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
With over 2,200 acres of skiable terrain, it offers some of the best skiing in North America. One of its most famous trails is High Rustler, which is considered one of the most challenging in the world. Interestingly, Alta was one of the first ski areas in the United States to allow snowboarding in 2008. For beginners, we recommend taking the Sunnyside lift and trying out the gentle slopes of Albion Basin. After a long day on the slopes, a visit to the Sitzmark Club is a must for the best après ski experience with live music and drinks.
The ski area received 2" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a slight chance of snow between 2pm and 5pm. sunny, with a high near 20. wind chill values as low as 4. west wind 3 to 5 mph. chance of precipitation is 20%.
Alta Ski Area is expected to receive up to 18.67" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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Utah’s Wasatch Range is poised for significant snowfall over the next five days, with ski resorts near Brighton, Alta, and Snowbird forecasted to receive up to 19", 18", and 18" respectively. These totals are corroborated by nearby sensors such as Mill-D North, Thaynes Canyon, and Silver Lake Brighton. Powder Mountain and Farmington are also expecting heavy accumulations, with up to ... Read more