Birding on Skis

Exploring Alta’s avian world on skis.

Join Tracy Aviary's team of Conservation Biologists for our bi-weekly, non-breeding bird surveys at Alta—on skis! Explore the mountain alongside expert birders to learn how to identify Alta's avian residents by sight and sound as we gather essential data for the ongoing Alta Bird Monitoring program, led by the Alta Environmental Center and Tracy Aviary. Whether you're new to birding or an experienced observer, these tours offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow skiers while discovering more about Alta's diverse ecosystem and its long-standing history of birding on skis.

Tours take place on the first and third Thursdays of each month, from December to April. We will ski on intermediate groomed runs and some off-piste terrain to reach the best birding locations. All participants must be at least 12 years old and able to ski intermediate terrain.

Tours are weather permitting.

When
- First and third Thursdays of the month | 9am–noon
- December 3
- December 17
- January 7
- January 21
- February 4
- February 18
- March 4
- March 19
- April 1
- April 17 (Alta Earth Day)

Where
- Alta Ski Area — location disclosed with registration

Notes
- A valid lift ticket or season pass is required to participate
- Participants must be at least 12 years of age and able to ski intermediate groomed runs

About the Alta Bird Monitoring Program
Very little is known about the resilient birds that have adapted to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of the Wasatch Mountains. Since 2015, the Alta Environmental Center has collaborated with Tracy Aviary to study local bird populations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This research aims to better understand which species inhabit the area, the roles they play in the ecosystem, how they have adapted to high-elevation habitats and how we can implement bird-friendly practices in the ski area to protect and preserve their homes.

We invite the public to participate in our studies by joining us for our monthly, year-round surveys—Birding Hikes in the summer and Birding on Skis in the winter—led by Tracy Aviary's Conservation Biologist and Citizen Scientist. Participants of all experience levels can help document bird species, examine their habitats and learn bird identification skills. All data collected is uploaded to eBird, which aids in tracking population trends and informs conservation efforts within the Alta community.

View Alta Environmental Center findings on eBird.

Partners
- Tracy Aviary
- Alta Environmental Center

For more information, please email [email protected].