Alta vs Snowbird
One calibrated, SNOTEL-backed look at snowfall, forecast accuracy, and access — so you know which to ski.
Alta
UT · 10,550 ft
pending
Snowbird
UT · 11,000 ft
pending
Side-by-Side
| Metric | Alta | Snowbird |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Utah UT | Utah UT |
| Summit elevation | 10,550 ft 8,530 ft base | 11,000 ft 7,760 ft base |
| NWS accuracy grade | Pending limited verified storms | Pending limited verified storms |
| Calibrated season snowfall | 94" 25 storms | 66" 20 storms |
| Avg storm-day rate | 2.3"/day | 2.0"/day |
| Best storm | 82/100 Epic | 78/100 Major |
| Verified storms | 297 SNOTEL-verified | 258 SNOTEL-verified |
| Community reports | 61 TGR posts | 50 TGR posts |
| Nearest airport | SLC | SLC |
| Drive time | 0.67h 33 mi · SLC | 0.58h 29 mi · SLC |
| Access difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pass | Ikon | Ikon |
Snowfall totals and NWS grades come from the same SNOTEL-verified data on each resort's own page. Blank or “pending” cells mean the data is still being verified — we never fill them with estimates.
The Verdict
NWS accuracy grades are pending for both Alta and Snowbird — few verified storms so far. Each earns a grade as StormDrop verifies more storms against SNOTEL.
Alta got more snow this season — 94" of calibrated snowfall versus 66" at Snowbird. Alta also averaged 2.3"/storm-day.
Both are a similar trip — roughly 0.67h from SLC.
Best for
Alta — chasing the biggest totals — it out-snowed Snowbird this season.
Best for
Snowbird — high-alpine, stays-cold terrain topping out at 11,000 ft.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelAlta
During heavy snowfall (4+ inches/hour): High T closes mid-afternoon to manage avalanche risk; expect 2-4 hour terrain closures.
Snowbird
Arrive very early before parking fills (4+ hour waits recorded on powder days); alternatively, accept mid-afternoon arrival (2 PM) for second wind of fresh skiing; early opening possible…
FAQ
Does Alta or Snowbird get more snow?
Alta got more snow this season — 94" of calibrated snowfall versus 66" at Snowbird. Alta also averaged 2.3"/storm-day.
Is Alta or Snowbird easier to get to?
Both are a similar trip — roughly 0.67h from SLC.
Which has the more accurate snow forecast, Alta or Snowbird?
NWS accuracy grades are pending for both Alta and Snowbird — few verified storms so far. Each earns a grade as StormDrop verifies more storms against SNOTEL.
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