The Main Chute at Alta is one of the most iconic and challenging inbounds terrain features in all of Utah. It’s steep, it’s intimidating and because Alta is one of the three remaining American ski resorts that ban snowboarding, it’s normally reserved for two plankers only.
“Alta is a skier’s mountain. Snowboarding is not allowed. Please leave at home or in your vehicle, equipment that is restricted and prohibited such as snowboards, split boards, snow bikes, snow skates, ski blades, saucers, lurks or anything longer than a regular ski pole.” -Alta Official Policy
That is unless the resort isn’t officially open yet. Cheers to snowboarder Melissa Baake who hiked to the top of Main Chute yesterday and crushed a powder line down it.
Not sure if there have been more astronauts or snowboarders who have managed to ride Alta but it is certainly a small club and one that Baake is a two time member of. She actually scored a trip down Main Chute last October 5th.
Baake wasn’t the only one to take advantage of the early season dump at Alta but as far as we know she was the only snowboarder. Here’s a skier taking a decidedly tamer line at Alta yesterday.
Conditions permitting, Alta Ski Area is scheduled to open for the 2026-27 season on Friday, November 20th. Great to see folks putting in the work and getting after it following the first measurable snowfall of the season. Love it!
