Alta vs Solitude
One clear look at snowfall, elevation, and access, so you know which to ski.
Alta
UT · 10,550 ft
Solitude
UT · 10,035 ft
Side-by-Side
| Metric | Alta | Solitude |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Utah UT | Utah UT |
| Summit elevation | 10,550 ft 8,530 ft base | 10,035 ft 7,988 ft base |
| NWS forecast bias | Pending grade pending | Pending grade pending |
| Season snowfall | 8" 3 storms | 4" 3 storms |
| Avg storm-day rate | 2.6"/day | 1.3"/day |
| Best storm | 57/100 Significant | 26/100 Tracked |
| SNOTEL record | 3 storm-days measured | 3 storm-days measured |
| Community reports | 401 TGR posts | 80 TGR posts |
| Nearest airport | SLC | SLC |
| Drive time | 0.67h 33 mi · SLC | 0.58h 33 mi · SLC |
| Access difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pass | Ikon | Ikon |
Snowfall totals come from each resort's tracked storms. NWS forecast grades read “pending” everywhere: six winters of checking found no per-mountain bias we can honestly correct, so we show the raw NWS number and do not grade it.
The Verdict
StormDrop shows the raw NWS forecast for both Alta and Solitude and does not grade it. Six winters of NWS-against-SNOTEL checking found no per-mountain bias we can honestly correct (it turns on an unresolved snow-measurement question), so we show the number NWS publishes and tell you that is what it is.
Alta got more snow this season: 8" versus 4" at Solitude. Alta also averaged 2.6"/storm-day.
Both are a similar trip — roughly 0.67h from SLC.
Best for
Alta — chasing the biggest totals — it out-snowed Solitude this season.
Best for
Solitude — Ikon pass holders weighing where to point a trip, with flight prices and drive timing side by side.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelAlta
During major storms (55-87" forecast): expect 3-12 hours of avalanche control before terrain opens.
Solitude
Solitude is the best option if LCC/BCC closures likely; avoid Snowbird if arriving Friday during major storms (LCC typically closed midnight-8am+).
FAQ
Does Alta or Solitude get more snow?
Alta got more snow this season: 8" versus 4" at Solitude. Alta also averaged 2.6"/storm-day.
Is Alta or Solitude easier to get to?
Both are a similar trip — roughly 0.67h from SLC.
Which has the more accurate snow forecast, Alta or Solitude?
StormDrop shows the raw NWS forecast for both Alta and Solitude and does not grade it. Six winters of NWS-against-SNOTEL checking found no per-mountain bias we can honestly correct (it turns on an unresolved snow-measurement question), so we show the number NWS publishes and tell you that is what it is.
Keep Exploring
Don't book the wrong mountain
Trip planning · Storm alerts · Access timing · Local knowledge for 27 mountains.
Start 7-Day Free Trial - $500/yearNo card required to start · Cancel anytime