While Alta Ski Area is famous for its winter powder skiing, September is a beautiful transitional time to visit. As the summer heat fades and early fall foliage begins to turn the mountainsides golden, the resort offers a quieter, scenic high-alpine escape. High-Alpine Hiking and Leaf Peeping September brings crisp autumn air and changing fall colors to Little Cottonwood Canyon, making it an ideal time for hiking. You can explore over 16 miles of resort trails and service roads. Cecret Lake: A popular, family-friendly hike that leads to a stunning alpine lake tucked into the Albion Basin. Lower Albion Meadows Trail: A great choice for a gentler walk to appreciate the late-summer scenery and early autumn colors. For all our guest traveling from sea level, these hikes are at over 9,000 ft. Remember to drink lots of water and take breaks if you need to.
A Sacred Sanctuary Carved into the Mountain Stillwell Spa isn't just a collection of treatment rooms; it is a beautifully designed oasis built right into the granite foundations of the mountain. The Relaxation Grotto: The centerpiece of the spa is a stunning, subterranean stone grotto. Complete with a soothing indoor waterfall, a plunge pool, and a ambient stone hot tub, it immediately lowers your heart rate the moment you step inside. Historical Roots: The spa gracefully incorporates natural wood and exposed mountain stone, paying homage to the original mining structure that once sat on the very same grounds. High-Altitude Recovery for Tired Muscles Whether you have been tackling the steep switchbacks of the Cecret Lake trail or just surviving the daily grind at sea level, the high altitude puts extra strain on your body.
Snowbird’s Oktoberfest is one of the largest and longest-running festivals in Utah, spanning every weekend (Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day) from mid-August through mid-October. The Vibe: It features traditional German music, dancing, bratwurst, and local and Bavarian beers served in collectible glass steins. Weekly Non-Profits: Every weekend in September features a partnership with a different local charity (such as the Utah Avalanche Center or the Utah Food Bank) hosted at the Marktplatz, so you can enjoy the festival while learning about great local causes.
Snowbird’s iconic Aerial Tram runs daily through the summer and fall, whisking passengers up to 11,000 feet atop Hidden Peak in under 10 minutes. The Experience: If the weather permits, you can upgrade your ticket to ride on the open-air rooftop balconies for a thrilling, 360-degree, wind-in-your-hair view of the canyon's changing fall colors. The Summit Restaurant: Once at the top, you can grab lunch or a snack at Utah's highest restaurant while taking in views that stretch all the way to downtown Salt Lake City and the Uinta Mountains.
Nestled at the top of the Cliff Lodge, The Cliff Spa is legendary for its views. Rooftop Pool & Hot Tub: You can purchase a day pass to access the facility, allowing you to soak in their heated rooftop pool and hot tub surrounded by giant granite peaks. Early mornings in September occasionally feature Sunrise Yoga classes out on the pool deck before the spa opens for daily massage, facial, and salon treatments.