Cecret Lake at Alta. Image Credit: Ian Wood.

Alta, Utah — Compared to other major ski areas, Alta’s summer operations are out of the ordinary. There are no lift-served operations in the summer or amusement-park-like attractions. There are, however, some great experiences to be had in the summertime thanks to a dirt-filled road.

Alta’s summer operations officially kicked off on June 20th, as the Summer Road is now open. It costs $12 to bring a vehicle on the Summer Road. This gives access to the Albion Basin Campground, along with Catherine’s Pass and Cecret Lake trailheads. These trailheads give access to some great hiking trails, including to Cecret Lake.

Some of the events going on this summer include the famous Wasatch Wildflower Festival on July 19th and Alta Environmental Center’s Community Volunteer Days.

Alta also revealed their summer projects. Here’s what they’re working on.

  • The High Traverse is being hand-cut and widened, leading to more convenient access for skiers.
  • Work continues on the Albion Day Lodge expansion. Slated for completion in the winter of 2026-27, this expansion will add more seating spaces, bathrooms, storage, and employee housing.
  • Replacing aging snowmaking lines between Watson Shelter and the Corkscrew trail (near the Collins chairlift).
  • Regrading of the Big Dipper ski run in the Supreme terrain pod, which will lead to better early-season grooming and coverage.
  • Power/utility lines will be getting buried through the Town of Alta. The Rocky Mountain Power project will occur along Summer Road and within Albion Basin. Brief road closures are anticipated.
  • Adding more parking spaces (albeit just a handful) to the north end of Wildcat’s parking lot.
  • A heated, year-round public restroom near the Grizzly Gulch trailhead will be constructed thanks to the generous donation from Big D Construction.
  • Installation of one additional Wyssen Tower (RACS) for avalanche mitigation in the Devil’s Castle area. Alta added several Wyssen Towers to Devil’s Castle last offseason.
America’s Summer Ski Area Will Stay Open Through June 28th

Alta’s projected opening day for the 2026-27 season is TBA, but they tend to open in late November.

Click here to learn more about Alta’s summer operations.

Image Credits: Alta Ski Area

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...