Accommodation
On-mountain accommodation at
Alta ski resort is available in the sleepy village in traditional lodges or condos. Alternatively there is accom at the inter-linked resort of
Snowbird, although this is more expensive. Budget conscious ski travellers and party animals generally
stay in Salt Lake City.
Alta Lodge Accommodation
The five traditional lodges at Alta are an important component of the Alta experience and history. They are not particularly luxurious, but are very comfortable, super friendly and have a culture of class about them. The people that stay in the lodges often return each year, and are unpretentious and very friendly.
The accommodation is not super expensive but it’s not suited to those on a budget holiday considering that gourmet meals are included in the package. One of the advantages of the provided meals is the opportunity to meet new and interesting people, and listen to Alta folklore.
The lodges are scattered across the base area and are ski-in ski-out, or pretty much close to it. All the lodges are within walking distance of other buildings in the quiet village. Room types vary from dorm rooms to suites. The lodges have facilities such as shuttle buses, hot tubs, saunas, lounges, bars and internet access. It’s just as well that all the lodges have an all-inclusive nature because occasionally all the lodges are on lock-down when the avalanche risk is high. Everyone has to stay inside and the usual camaraderie steps up a notch.
Alta’s Rustler Lodge ($135-$420 p.p./night) is luxuriously homely, and very conveniently located. It even has its own ski lift. The Alta Lodge ($106-$513 p.p./night) is close to the Wildcat Base and can be particularly good for families with young kids considering the many complimentary children’s activities on offer.
The Goldminer’s Daughter ($109-$157pp/night) is not the most attractive lodge on the outside, but it’s very reasonable on the inside. Snowpine Lodge ($111-$185pp/night) has private and dorm rooms, and some dedicated skiers really like it here, whilst others say that it is so rustic that it is bordering on dodgy.
The pick of the bunch for character and value is the
Alta Peruvian Lodge ($123-$217pp/night). This place has great food, a hopping bar, a heated outdoor pool, a great ski shop and once you stay here once, you’ll be hooked for life. The Peruvian is definitely an experience, not just a place to lay your head.
Alta Condo Lodging
Towards the Snowbird end of the Alta village are various condominiums ranging from studios up to three-bedroom complexes. Most of them don’t have ski-in ski-out access to Alta, but some have SISO to Snowbird. Blackjack ($210-$725 per unit per night) is one example. Other condos vary from $215 (Hellgate) to $2,720 per night depending upon size, location and lavishness.
Snowbird Accommodation
Considering the ease of access between Alta and Snowbird, the other option is stay in one of the
Snowbird hotels, although this is generally more expensive and doesn’t offer the same ambience and sociability as Alta lodging.
Salt Lake City Hotels
Salt Lake City is only about 45 minutes away and has the advantage of offering a wider range of accommodation, much of it being of high quality for less money, particularly if you stay out in the suburbs. Unlike Alta, SLC has a vibrant nightlife and also offers a range of non-skiing activities, but if you choose to stay in SLC you take the risk of road closures up to Alta due to avalanche danger. The roads to other ski resorts in
Park City (and possibly Big Cottonwood Canyon) are not likely to be closed, so you can make the most of a powder day at another resort.