Birding on Skis

Explore Alta from a bird’s-eye view with the Alta Environmental Center and expert birders from Tracy Aviary on a guided birding tour—on skis. Learn about the birds that call Alta home and how to identify them by sight and sound. We’ll ski intermediate terrain, stopping at favorite birding locations to look and listen for year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious about the wildlife sharing the slopes, this tour offers a fun and unique way to experience Alta’s mountain environment.

Tours are weather permitting.

These tours are part of Alta’s year-round, non-breeding bird survey program, which has monitored local birds and their habitats for more than 12 years. Observations help track bird populations and changes in habitat health. Survey data are recorded on eBird, where they are publicly available and contribute to broader research and conservation efforts.

When
First and third Thursdays of the month, 9 a.m.–noon:
- December 3
- December 17
- January 7
- January 21
- February 4
- February 18
- March 4
- March 18
- April 1
- April 17 | Alta Earth Day

Where
- Alta Ski Area; location disclosed with registration

About
- Registration opens November 1, 2026, at 8 a.m. MST.
- A valid lift ticket or season pass is required.
- Participants must be at least 12 years old and able to ski intermediate groomed runs.

Alta Bird Monitoring Program

Since 2015, the Alta Environmental Center has collaborated with Tracy Aviary to study local bird populations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The research aims to better understand which species inhabit the area, their roles in the ecosystem, how they adapt to high-elevation habitats, and how bird-friendly practices at the ski area can help protect their homes.

The public is invited to join monthly, year-round surveys: Birding Hikes in summer and Birding on Skis in winter. Surveys are led by Tracy Aviary’s Conservation Biologist and Citizen Scientist. Participants of all experience levels can help document bird species, examine habitats, and learn bird identification skills. Data collected are uploaded to eBird to help track population trends and inform conservation efforts in the Alta community.

Partners: Tracy Aviary and Alta Environmental Center.

For more information, email [email protected].