Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon is approximately 20 miles east of Salt Lake City and is located within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.   Both Alta and Snowbird ski areas are located in this ruggedly beautiful, granite-faced canyon.  This stunning scenic byway is approximately 7 miles long and take about one hour to drive from Salt Lake to Alta and back.  In the winter you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding (only at Snowbird), snowmobiling and backcountry activities on over 300 named runs.   During the other seasons there are abundant other activities such as hiking, biking, mountain biking, fishing, camping and rock climbing.  In the winter of 2002, Alta and Snowbird started offering joint day passes and a joint season ticket which then allowed skiers to access both areas.

Little Cottonwood Canyons Real Estate for Sale | Homes, Condos, Land

ALTA:

The majority of Alta has been family-owned since 1938 and is has maintained that it is an independent ski area and not a resort.  Alta is amongst the oldest ski resorts in the country and is one of only 3 resorts that does not allow snowboarders.  Due to its unique location within the canyon, Alta averages 540+ inches of dry, powder snow per year.  Approximately, 25% of the runs are for beginners, about 40% are for intermediate skiing and 35% is considered expert.  Visitors of all ski abilities will find what they are looking for.  Beginners can take advantage of Alta’s well-renowned ski school.

When it comes to real estate Alta offers a variety of size and price-point properties from lodges, condos, townhomes and luxurious single-family homes.  Many of the condos, townhomes and single-family homes are vacation properties and, therefore, make for great rental properties.  However, available real estate in the Canyon is definitely limited. Many of the lodge packages include breakfast and dinner making it more convenient and affordable. With the Salt Lake City International Airport approximately 29 miles from Alta real estate in nearby Cottonwood Heights, Sandy or Salt Lake City are a practical option.  There you will find any size and price point you are looking for and, because of its very close proximity to the Canyon, Alta and Snowbird, these properties also make for great investment properties.  Bus and shuttles frequently run from various neighborhoods to Alta and Snowbird removing the need thus removing the need for unnecessary driving and providing access to and from the ski runs hassle-free.  

Developments in Alta include:

Base Lodges:

• Alta Lodge
• Alta’s Rustler Lodge
• Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge
• Snowpine Lodge

Condos:

• Photohaus – Baldy
• Photohaus – Flagstaff
• Alta Blackjack
• Hellgate Condos
• Powder Ridge – Canyon Services
• Powder Ridge – Alta Chalets
• Sugarplum Townhouses
• Superior Point – Alta Chalets
• Superior Point – Canyon Services
• The View Condos
• The Village at Sugarplum

SNOWBIRD:

Snowbird, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, is approximately 29 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport which makes it a very convenient destination.  Due to its steep, vertical terrain, bowls and gullies, not to mention its incredible powder, Snowbird is undeniably the location of choice in Utah for intermediate and advanced snowboarders.  Averaging over 540+ inches of snow per year, both skiers and snowboarders alike will be delighted with the slopes.

In the summer months, Snowbird offers a wide variety of exciting activities for the entire family to enjoy.  In addition to the usual hiking, biking, mountain biking, and rock-climbing other adventures include the Alpine Slide, summer tubing, a climbing wall, the Mountain Coaster, vertical drop and ropes course and bungee trampolines.  Among the favorite activity is the Aerial Tram.  The Tram is a 10-minute, 1.6 mile ride to the top traversing up 2,900 vertical feet.  A round-trip takes approximately 40 minutes, including a 20-minute stay at the top, but riders are certainly able to stay longer to take in the 360-degree views and scenic beauty.

Real estate in Snowbird, as with Little Cottonwood Canyon in general, is limited in its availability.  The properties range from small condos, larger condos, townhomes all the way to luxury single-family homes.  There are still some homesite lots available.  Many of the properties are “vacation” or second homes and, therefore, are great rental investments.  With the Salt Lake City International Airport approximately 29 miles from Snowbird real estate in nearby Cottonwood Heights, Sandy or Salt Lake City are a practical option.  There you will find any size and price point you are looking for and, because of its very close proximity to the Canyon, Alta and Snowbird, these properties also make for great investment opportunities.  Bus and shuttles frequently run from various neighborhoods to Alta and Snowbird thus removing the need for unnecessary driving and providing access to and from the ski runs hassle-free.  

Developments in Snowbird include:

• The Cliff Lodge
• The Cliff Club
• The Lodge at Snowbird
• The Inn
• The Iron Blosam