Fun Facts

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Question #1

When did the Alta ski area open for the first time?

Answer

1938

Question #2

What was the name of the first shelter in Alta?

Answer

Rock Shelter (Feb 1939)

Question #3

How much did a chairlift ride cost in 1939?

Answer

25 cents per ride or $1.50 a full day!

Question #4

How many people lived in Alta during its mining heyday in the 1870s?

Answer

A few thousand, on a seasonal basis.

Question #5

Do you know how many residents Alta has?

Answer

409 Residents

Question #6

How did the land become available in order to establish a ski area in Alta?

Answer

It was deeded to the Forest Service by Mayor George Watson who had acquired a substantial amount of mining property following Alta's last mining boom in the 1920s. Watson agreed to deed over surface rights to around 1,800 acres in exchange for tax relief on the properties he owned. He remained on the Alta's most colorful and ardent supporters until his death in 1952.

Question #7

Did you know that a mine in Alta became so famous for its rich silver deposits that when the silver vein ran out Britain and the U.S. almost went to war? Do you know what the name of that mine was?

Answer

Emma Mine

Did you know that by the late 1800s Alta was virtually treeless? All available trees had been used for building buildings and as supports inside mines.

In the 1930s efforts began to revegetate the area. Those efforts continue to this day. Both the Town of Alta and Alta Ski Lifts conduct tree planting and revegetation programs.