Alta Earth Day 2024

Join Alta for its 15th annual community Alta Earth Day!

Connect with sustainability–focused and local companies from the Salt Lake area. Get on the snow with Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Tracy Aviary and TreeUtah—gain a fresh perspective of the ecological system at work here in Alta. Chat with local organizations focusing on sustainability and community at Alta Earth Day’s basecamp at the bottom of Collins lift, from 9am–3pm.

This event encourages environmental stewardship, diversity in outdoor recreation, responsible recreation and awareness of the relationship between climate change and the future of the ski industry in Little Cottonwood Canyon and beyond. There will be a generous opportunity drawing – win new skis, outdoor gear, climbing gym passes and more! Plus music on the Goldminer’s Daughter Patio from 3:30-5:30pm.

EARTH DAY EVENTS

CLIMATE CHANGE AND UTAH SKI RESORTS PRESENTATION

The Alta Environmental Center and Snowbird Play Forever will be hosting speaker, Tara Saley, to present on the paper Climate Change and Utah Ski Resorts: Impacts, Perceptions, and Adaptation Strategies.

April 11th, 5–6pm at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird, Superior B Room.

Join us for a great opportunity to learn more about our changing climate and how we can all be stewards of the lands we recreate on. There will be food and refreshments!

DEMO WITH LONE PINE GEAR EXCHANGE AND WNDR ALPINE

Lone Pine Gear Exchange and WNDR Alpine will be at Alta Earth Day with skis to demo. Stop by their tents and grab yourself a pair to try out!

DROP OFF OLD SKI GEAR TO UTAH RECYCLING ALLIANCE

Head over to Utah Recycling Alliance’s booth to drop off ski equipment that you don’t use anymore! Any ski, snowboard, and winter sports equipment – in any condition will be accepted. This is a great opportunity to prevent your equipment from going into the landfill as URA will properly recycle the materials and create a circular economy of ski gear!

DONATE WINTER CLOTHING TO WASATCH MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE

Wasatch Mountain Institute will be collecting winter clothing donations that will go to their Gear Library. WMI needs larger-sized children’s hiking boots and jackets. If your kids have started outgrowing some of their winter outdoor gear this is the place to donate to!

LIVE MUSIC WITH MEANDER CAT

Hosted by Alta Community Enrichment, head over to the Goldminer’s Daughter patio and jam out with Meander Cat from 3:30-5:30pm.

ON THE SNOW TOURS

BIRDING ON SKIS WITH TRACY AVIARY | 9AM–NOON

• Join Tracy Aviary’s expert birders on skis in search of our feathered friends who call Alta home. Ski green and intermediate runs that wiggle through the trees in search of Stellar’s Jay, Mountain Chickadees, Dusky Grouse and Clark’s Nutcrackers living amongst our favorite ski runs.
• Lift ticket required.
• Registration is required

Register Online

NEST BOX INSTALLATIONS WITH TRACY AVIARY |2–3PM

• Take birding on snowshoes! Join Tracy Aviary on snowshoes in search of birds that inhabit this canyon while getting a chance to observe how conservation biologists study the behaviors of birds that nest in the trees of Alta Ski Area.
• Snowshoe through a short hike and check out owl and songbird nest boxes.
• Snowshoes are available but limited. Email [email protected] if you need a pair.
• Registration required.

Register Online

TREES AND SKIS WITH TREEUTAH | 11AM & 2PM

• Spend an hour learning about the diverse tree species that live at Alta. Explore the ecology of this forest, threats to the forest’s health and the ongoing efforts of Alta and TreeUtah to protect forest health.
• Meet at the top of Sunnyside lift at 11am or 2pm.
• Lift ticket required.
• No registration.

SNOWSHOE WITH A NATURALIST FROM COTTONWOOD CANYONS FOUNDATION | 1:30–3:30PM

• Look for animal tracks and learn about the wildlife that left them, all while surrounded by some of Utah’s most beautiful mountains. A fun experience for all ages and led by a volunteer naturalist with years of experience in the Cottonwood Canyons and a communal love for learning.
• Registration is required.

Register Online

SKI WITH A RANGER FROM COTTONWOOD CANYONS FOUNDATION | 1–2PM

• This is a great activity for families or anyone looking to learn more about the ecology and geology of Alta. Ski green runs while learning about the intersection of history and the natural world in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
• Meet at the top of Sunnyside lift at 1pm.
• Lift ticket required.
• No registration.

BASECAMP VILLAGE VENDORS AND SPONSORS

Meet some of Salt Lake’s local and sustainable companies. The following organizations will be set up on the snow at the base of Collins. Be sure to stop by and check out their tents with opportunities to purchase some awesome products, donate old winter clothing, learn more about getting involved with these organizations.