Alta Ski Area’s lift modernization continues. After replacing the Supreme Chair in 2016, along with adding a chair that goes up to the Snowpine Lodge in 2018, Alta is continuing its Master Development Plan. The ski area has filed documents with the U.S. Forest Service to add a six-pack in place of its current lifts this summer. These plans were approved in its MDP in 2018 and were once again approved this January. The six-pack detachable chairlift will replace the Sunnyside Triple and the Albion double lift.
To summarize the terrain off the Sunnyside lift, I would describe it mostly as a beginner and a feeder lift. Once you get off at the top of the Sunnyside, it’s a quick ski from the lifts over to the Supreme and Sugarloaf. There are a few powder stashes to be found later on the day(I’m not telling you any of my secrets), but for the most part, it services flat terrain that helps grow newcomers’ confidence. In terms of the Albion lift, it doesn’t really run that often due to its opening in 1976. As seen above though, it did operate on Monday, as Sunnyside had a delayed opening. Still, I will miss having a high-speed triple chairlift at Alta, it’s super unique and is not seen at mountains quite often. You can view the proposal here, and the decision memo approval here. A video POV of the ride up Sunnyside chairlift on a powder day is below.
Image/Video Credits: Alta Ski Area, Isaac Glickman
