February 20, 2025
Things to Do at Alta With Your Kids
Bringing the whole family on a ski trip? Awesome. We’ve got heaps of ideas for how to keep the fun going all day long. Alta is fun for the whole family. Whether your kids are new to skiing or tackling the steepest slopes on the mountain, there are runs for every age and ability. We...
January 17, 2022
Ski Vacations and Covid-19
Planning Your Alta Lodge Stay During the Coronavirus Pandemic With the spread of the new Covid variant and the sudden uptick in cases across the country, negotiating the inherent risks and variables while traveling during these uncertain times seems to parallel skiing in many ways. As you assess the terrain ahead and plan your best...
November 21, 2021
Kids and Family Programming at Alta Lodge
Kids and Family Programming at Alta Lodge Families have always been an integral part of our Alta Lodge community, and we are committed to prioritizing your family’s needs during your stay. As a family-owned and operated business, we always strive to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for families traveling together. We know that your...
October 15, 2021
Summer 2021 at Alta Lodge
Cover Photo: Courtney Blair. https://www.courtneyblairphoto.com/ Summer 2021 at Alta Lodge Alta Lodge is not just a winter destination! We are open in the summer months for weddings, private parties, business meetings, retreats, and our famous Sunday Brunch. Our Summer season runs from the beginning of June into early October. Read on for a recap of...
May 19, 2021
Another Historic Alta Winter – 2020/2021 Winter Season Recap
2020/2021 Alta Ski Season – Another Winter for the History Books When the lifts stopped spinning on Sunday, April 18, we said farewell to our final guests of the winter and closed our doors to yet another historic and memorable season. After a few collective deep breaths and, yes, sighs of relief, we are grateful...
March 18, 2021
Explained: Alta Lift Tickets Pricing and Options
Understanding Alta Ski Area Lift Ticket Pricing and Options So, you booked your Alta ski vacation? Congrats! There are so many factors to consider and logistics to navigate when planning a ski trip – location, lodging, and lift tickets are chief among them. You have obviously already decided to visit Alta, Utah for this ski trip and...
February 18, 2021
Romantic Alta – Alta Lodge Love Stories
Romantic Alta The nickname “Romantic Alta” was earned many, many years ago. The jaw-dropping beauty of our mountain setting year-round just seems to have a special effect on the people here. At Alta, love is always in the air! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we created a little romance novel – “Alta Lodge Love Stories.”...
February 5, 2021
Everything You Need to Know About Interlodge | Alta, Utah
You’ve seen the signs, you’ve heard the warnings – but what exactly is Interlodge and why do we have it in Alta? What is Interlodge? Unique to Alta, Utah – Interlodge is defined as a “…Town of Alta ordinance 5-4-1, which allows the Alta Marshal to prohibit outdoor travel during periods of high avalanche hazard or when Utah Department of Transportation avalanche mitigation work is...
January 8, 2021
Our Favorite Ski Shop in Alta, Utah – The Deep Powder House
The Deep Powder House – Alta, Utah Located literally a stone’s throw away from Alta Lodge, The Deep Powder House Ski Shop (DPH) has been our trusted rental and retail partner for decades. With 5 locations throughout Alta and the Salt Lake Valley, the team at the Powder House have been experts at servicing Little Cottonwood Canyon for over 50 years. Alta is...
December 17, 2020
Meet Nick Angelopoulos – Reservations Manager
Meet Nick – Our Reservations Manager! Nick has been working in Reservations since November 2019 and was recently promoted to Manager this fall. If you have called the Lodge to discuss an upcoming reservation or book a new one, there is a good chance it was Nick on the other end of the line. He consistently provides authentic and great service to...
December 17, 2020
Getting to Alta from Salt Lake City – Do’s and Don’ts
Getting to Alta from Salt Lake City Alta is Easily Accessible from Salt Lake City International Airport One of the (many) reasons Alta is such a great place for a ski vacation is due to how QUICK AND EASY it is to get here, from anywhere. Only 32 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, we hear from so many...
October 19, 2020
Health and Safety – Covid-19 Response
We are now passed the 6-month mark of the unanticipated early closure of Alta Ski Area and Alta Lodge in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Between then and now, we have worked continuously to update our operations based on federal, state, and local guidelines. We have also committed to upholding the American...
September 16, 2020
Franziska Schoenfeld – 55 Years at Alta Lodge
With her incredible charm, wit, and boundless energy, you’d never guess Franziska Schoenfeld is 90 years old. Franziska first skied Alta and stayed at Alta Lodge in 1965 with her husband, Bob. Franziska recalls that they would catch a cab from the Salt Lake airport upon flying in from Michigan. They’d keep their fingers crossed that the driver kept...
March 31, 2020
2019-20 Season Wrap-Up
Alta Lodge Head Chef, Sam Wolfe “It happens, ya know?” After digging his truck out at the end of our historic February storm. Photo: Aubrey Shafer, Deseret News There is no hiding the fact this ski season ended sooner than any of us would have hoped, and for reasons, we never could have imagined. As we are all experiencing varying...
February 3, 2020
Happy New Decade!
Happy New Year from Alta Lodge! As we bid adieu to 2019 and carve out the next chapter in our little history book, we look forward to not only a new year, but also a new decade. The 2019-2020 season brings the celebration of 80 years of Alta Lodge operating as Alta’s original ski lodge,...
January 28, 2020
5 Reasons to Tie the Knot at Alta Lodge
Get Married at Alta Lodge! With “Engagement Season” in full-swing, January is prime-time to select your summer or fall wedding venue. If you are looking for a relaxing mountain setting, Alta Lodge just might be the place for you. Tucked away at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon at the base of Alta Ski Area, Alta Lodge has everything you need for your big day. ...
January 23, 2020
Alta Lodge Ski Adventure Camps
Alta Lodge Ski Adventure Camps Alta Lodge has been hosting Ski Adventure programs for almost twenty years. With the introduction of Powder Tracks in 2003, these camps were developed as a fun way to improve skiing skills in Alta’s legendary terrain through multi-day, immersion programs. The camaraderie is second to none as guests are in good...
December 29, 2019
New Year’s Eve at Alta Lodge
Season’s Greetings! The Holiday Season is such a classic time to visit Alta for an annual ski vacation. Families travel from coast to coast to congregate at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter solstice, and to ring in the New Year together. For many, this is a time-honored tradition spanning generations. For others, it may be their first visit to Alta....
November 27, 2018
The 2018-2019 Ski Season has Begun!
The Season has begun! The 2018-2019 Opening Day at Alta Ski Area was a frenzy of excitement that we will not soon forget. A healthy blanket of fresh snow on top of an impressive manmade base (thank you Alta snowmaking) delivered an opening day filled with a collective gratitude for the sport and place we...
June 20, 2017
It’s Green and Hiking Time is Here!
It’s been super warm in Salt Lake City and the snow is melting FAST at Alta. We’re excited about that as it opens up more trails for hiking and makes getting into the mountains more pleasurable. The best hiking at the moment is down canyon, about two miles, from the White Pine trail head. The...
June 8, 2017
It’s Going to be Green Soon
It’s been warm this week at Alta and Little Cottonwood Creek is high and running fast. With temperatures in Salt Lake City hitting the upper 90s, the snow is melting very quickly now. Earlier this week we hosted a retreat for Waterford School. The 33rd Annual Writers@Work Conference is going on now and commences on Sunday....
May 10, 2017
Summer Season Kicks Off June 4
With ski season behind us, we’re ready for the glorious summer beauty as the snow continues to melt. Our summer season begins this year with the first Sunday Brunch on June 4. Brunch items include a wide array of hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees, house baked breads, pastries and desserts and cooked to order items. Sunday...
March 31, 2017
2 Weeks More of Skiing at Alta
It’s the last day of March with 7″ inches of powder to start the day with. The base depth is 132″ now and it looks like we will be getting more snow over the weekend and next week. With all the snow, it’s hard to fathom the ski season ends on April 16th! Free Demo...
March 13, 2017
Now’s the Time to Ski Alta
New skiers to Alta typically start out with a trail map and look for corresponding signs for runs on the mountain. That’s a simple way to figure things out and get oriented to the mountain. The majority of runs for beginners and intermediates are in the Albion Basin which is where most of the trail...
March 6, 2017
Signs of Spring and 13″ Fresh Snow
Good weather and stable conditions opened the Baldy Chutes last week and there was a steady stream of skiers making the hike to the top of Baldy. The opening of East Devil’s Castle attracted quite a few skiers as well. When the sun comes out and the air temperature is on the cooler side, it...
February 23, 2017
February’s Extremes
We’ve had some wonderful ski days this month, from one extreme to the other. Alta’s alpine environment has seen temperatures near 50 degrees this month with beautiful sunny days fit for mountain picnics. We would have a stretch of warm weather for several days and then a storm would roll in and freshen things up....
February 9, 2017
Warm Days with Sunshine
Earlier this week we had our hopes up with a weather forecast that called for snow measured in feet! Emotions were elevated and then the storm headed south and so did our snow! This afternoon’s report is for snow Friday and Friday night, freshening things up for the weekend. The week ahead shows lots of...
February 2, 2017
Groundhog Day
At Alta, we like it when Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow like he did today on Ground Hog Day. Six more weeks of winter, or as Marcus says, six more months of winter at Alta (until the snow melts completely!) Phil wouldn’t have been able to see his shadow today at Alta as it is...
January 24, 2017
121-inch Base
What does it take to get to 121 inches? Almost 12 feet of snow since January 1! Starting January 20 through the 24, Alta received 69 inches–yes, that’s in five days. It’s been a fun month at Alta for powder lovers. Day after day of great skiing with a few sunny days in between. The...
January 18, 2017
The Sun Shines Through
Last Friday the sun made an appearance and has continued to shine through today. The temperatures have stayed in the 20s during the daytime, deterring any melt from the snow we have. The base at Alta is 83 inches and everything is open on the mountain. The Baldy Chutes have drawn skiers to take the...
January 11, 2017
And it Just Keeps Snowing At Alta
January has been quite a month so far. We’ve seen storm after storm lined up and at the moment, it continues to snow. Alta’s web site shows the average snowfall in January is 95 inches. We’ve already surpassed 60 inches and it’s only January 11! As you can imagine, the mountain is getting filled in...
December 29, 2016
Dreams of Powder Come True
The weekend holiday was one that will linger in memories for awhile. The snowfall total was 20 inches over the two-day weekend. Split between the two days, it was dreamy powder skiing. Snow was easy and fun to ski without feeling the bottom. The sun came out on Monday with a little left over powder...
December 21, 2016
White Christmas and Happy Holidays
As holidays skiers arrive throughout the next two weeks, the tree trimming, poinsettias and wreaths around the Lodge create a festive feeling. With all the snow that has fallen the past couple of weeks, (season snowfall of 131 inches so far) Alta now has a base of 58 inches with all lifts open. The National...
December 12, 2016
100+ inches of Snow & All LIfts are Open
To date, Alta has received 102-inches of snow this season and we npw have a 46-inch base. Powder skiers had a storm to ski in on Saturday and the sun came out mid-day on Sunday. The mountain coverage just keeps getting better and there is plenty of terrain to ski. It’s that bonus time...
December 6, 2016
Skiing’s Great with More Snow This Week
Alta opened on December 2 with great conditions, blue sky and sunshine and lots of powder skiing! All lifts were open except Cecret and Supreme, which start running on Friday, December 9. Now if you are a powder skier, here’s some information that ought to get you excited. It’s called an “atmospheric river” (AR) and...
November 21, 2016
Alta’s New Opening Date: December 2
Alta Lodge deck November 21 Mother Nature is finally shifting gears! We had a storm come in last week, more snow last evening and it is snowing now. With a change in the weather pattern, more storms are coming in the next couple of weeks and we are expecting “winter as usual” at Alta. An...
November 10, 2016
Ski Conditioning Tips
Are you still thinking about getting in shape for the ski season? Doing a little training before the season starts is invaluable for a more enjoyable experience during your first days on the slopes. Starting the season that way is what most professional and recreational skiers do. If you need some guidance and encouragement,...
November 1, 2016
Thanksgiving at Alta Lodge
It’s the first day of November and the next holiday, Thanksgiving, is coming soon. Alta is one of the few ski areas that is open early enough to take a Thanksgiving ski vacation. Many local skiers have a tradition of skiing on Thanksgiving, something that is easy to do if you live in the Salt...
October 17, 2016
Skiing in 32 Days….
Is it really that close to ski season? We’re feeling like it is at the Lodge with fresh snow this morning and some more on the docket for tomorrow. As you can see from the photo, the trees have now lost their leaves and the colder weather is keeping the snow we’ve received so far....
September 14, 2016
Alta’s Baldy Gets a Dusting of Snow
The red and gold colors surrounding Alta had an added plus this morning with a dusting of snow on top of Baldy. It’s always a fun site to see when the first snow shows up at Alta. As the seasons shift we can expect to see cooler temperatures and more moisture–both welcome to eager skiers....
August 30, 2016
Fall is in the Air
A photo of a past fall season at Alta. It’s the tail end of August and fall is already showing colors in Little Cottonwood Canyon and on the hillsides above the Salt Lake Valley. Daytime temperatures at Alta range from 60-70 degrees, ideal for hiking. The free shuttle service from Albion Day Lodge to Albion...
August 4, 2016
Summer Weddings at Alta Lodge
Our summer wedding season is as busy as ever this year. Most wedding ceremonies take place on the patio with Baldy mountain as the backdrop–a gorgeous setting any time of day. The natural colors and lighting work wonders for photographers. There are an array of dining options available, from a more formal full service sit...
July 26, 2016
Recent Hikes in the Canyon
Albion Basin With the recent blazing heat in Salt Lake City, Little Cottonwood Canyon has provided relief from the heat for those of us that dwell in the valley. Being closely situated to the mountains, it is easy to head to the canyon after work or on the weekend and enjoy a leisurely walk or...
July 19, 2016
Wildflower Festival – July 29, 30 & 31
Alta is home to more than 300 varieties of wildflowers that typically reach their peak in late July. A brilliant carpet of color spreads across the meadows and hills of the Cottonwood Canyons, especially in Albion Basin at Alta. Each year the Cottonwoods Canyon Foundation puts together a Wildflower Festival to share viewing the wildflowers...
June 27, 2016
Favorite Summer Hikes
There are a number of hikes around the Alta area and in Little Cottonwood Canyon. If you live in the Salt Lake Valley, some of the shorter hikes are easily doable after the work day. July is around the corner and the temperatures will be warmer so a canyon hike is a retreat to cooler...
June 20, 2016
Alta Critters
Moose, birds, marmots, squirrels, coyotes, mountain goats, deer, badger and fox all make their home in the Alta area. In winter, you may have to try a bit harder, but you can find ermine, porcupine, coyote and fox. Driving up and down the canyon over the years, I have seen a coyote walking along the...
June 15, 2016
The Snow is Melting Fast at Alta!
Get out your hiking boots, hat and sun screen and hit the hiking trails at Alta! It’s beautiful and extremely green right now and let’s not forget to mention: it’s cool in the mountains. So when it approaches 90+ degrees in Salt Lake City, you know where to go to cool off. Pack a picnic...
June 6, 2016
Writers at Work Coming to Alta Lodge
Writers at Work Conference comes to Alta Lodge June 15-19 for the 32nd annual conference. This four-day conference brings provides small intensive workshops, reading and consultations. Lodging with meals in available with registration. A complete schedule is available on the conference website. Generative Workshop Faculty Writers Behaving Badly (Peter Ho Davies) Paradoxically, while there are...
May 31, 2016
Summer Season Opening
With much warmer temperatures this week, the snow will be melting around two inches per day, just in time for our summer season. Alta Lodge opens for summer season on June 5 with Sunday Brunch. The brunch is a favorite of many locals and features a variety of entrées, salads, baked goods and desserts....
May 12, 2016
Shifting from Winter to Summer Season
May 10, 2016 Ah…spring has been in the air for awhile now and the snow is slowly melting, albiet a little too slow for some of us since the ski area is closed. Around the Lodge we are sprucing up for a summer season of weddings, conferences, Sunday brunch and lunch on Saturday. We’re improving ...
April 6, 2016
Kids Stay & Eat Free!
Spring break and itching for a quick ski vacation with the kids? If you book a 4-night minimum stay before the end of the season, two kids ages 12 & under can stay and eat for FREE--a savings of $200 per night! The Deep Powder House (next to Alta Lodge) is offering high performance ski...
March 30, 2016
Alta in April — Don’t Miss Out!
We’ve had a month with the best of spring skiing: powder storms and sunny days. Alta’s base today is 116 inches. From 3/21-28, Alta received 35 inches of snow, over two storm cycles. Giving you a taste of the skiing this season, the Daily Pow’s most recent video captures the essence of skiing this season...
March 14, 2016
Powder Storm Alert!
Heavy snowfall is occurring at the moment at Alta and it should continue though the next 24 hours. The forecast for the Cottonwood Canyon is 16-28 inches–calling for some DEEP powder skiing! Yes, it is March and you can expect there will be more snow and more good skiing. We have a busy time at...
March 10, 2016
Spring: You Never Know What’s in Store
Last week’s spring skiing conditions were great on a 84″ base.Warm weather and blue sky were in abundance all week long until Sunday. Here’s a look at what skiing looked like last week. On Monday morning, we had a special: 11″ of powder in 24 hours We had a weather change with...
March 1, 2016
February has Leapt into March
February 29 closed out the month and although it was the second driest February on record, you wouldn’t have guessed it since we have a 84-inch base and lots of happy skiers. Things are going to change. On March 7, we’ll be seeing a major shift in the weather patterns and more snow will be...
February 22, 2016
March Average Snowfall
February has been full of sunny days, a few powder storms and overall fantastic skiing. Sunshine is also good for outdoor picnics and hanging around with your pals after the chairs have quit spinning and stopping in at the Sitzmark Bar. Think about this: during the month of March, 90 inches is the average snowfall...
February 15, 2016
Sweethearts & Presidents
What a fun-filled weekend of surprises over the weekend! Saturday had to be one of the prettiest sunny days we’ve seen in awhile. With the high pressure that’s been hanging around, the temperatures were above average for February which meant spring skiing conditions. Skiers were able to dine outside for lunch on the mountain and...
February 8, 2016
Additional Women’s Ski Camp in March
By popular demand, we have added a second Women’s Ski Camp in March. These camps sell out fast and we typically have waiting lists. When we realized we had some much interest and the lodging capacity, we put together another ski camp for intermediate to advanced level skier March 13-17. Last week was a mixture...
February 2, 2016
Weekend Bliss
If powder skiing is your idea of happiness, there was plenty of happiness to be found at Alta over the weekend. Not only did it snow more than was expected, the quality of the snow was hard to surpass. Pillows of soft, velvety snow that seemed bottomless fell all day Saturday so that run after...
January 27, 2016
More Snow Headed our Way
Photo: Maren Askins If you missed last weekend with two plus feet of new snow, there’s a silver lining: more snow is coming this weekend. The weather forecast is for 1-2 feet, so make some plans now if you want to ski some powder. Alta’s base today is 84-inches which means there is really great...
January 18, 2016
Soft Snow Feels So Good!
So far, during the month of January, Alta has received snow, snow and more snow. 45 inches to date this year with more snow in the forecast this week. The base is 68 inches which means great coverage all over the mountain. The Daily Pow captured footage of some of the recent fun skiing conditions....
January 12, 2016
If You Like Skiing Powder…
People get pretty excited around Alta when we get a weather forecast that tell us we’re going to have 3-4 storms in the next 10 days. You don’t need to wait for a powder alert–instead you can be here skiing powder! This type of advance notice is when friends tell friends to take their vacation...
January 6, 2016
Planned that Ski Vacation Yet?
A ski vacation is a winter highlight for many skiers. Whether it is your only ski trip for the winter or one of several, planning sooner rather than later will increase your odds of getting a reservation when you want to come. 7-days Total immersion in skiing with enough time to really feel like you...
December 29, 2015
Ring in the New Year with Skiing
With over 100+ inches of snow last week and the week before, Alta now has a base of 58 inches and all lifts but Albion are running. The connection to Snowbird is open and the skiing is great! If you are planning to turn in at a reasonable hour on Thursday evening, you’ll be all...
December 21, 2015
Happy Solstice! 50-inch Storm Last Week, 2-3 Feet This Week!
There were many snowy days last week and when it all added up, the storm total from Monday-Thursday was 50-inches–an Alta storm by any standard! Winter season is here and starting with more storms this week. It looks like another 2-3 feet through Wednesday and then another storm coming in Christmas–exciting stuff if you’ve been...
December 14, 2015
Happy Monday–11 inches of snow in 13 hours!
The first big storm of the winter season is here! We don’t know what took so long but we’re happy it’s snowing and it is supposed to keep snowing through tomorrow. Don’t have any ski plans yet? It’s time to make some and here are some tips. A ski vacation is a winter highlight for...
December 8, 2015
It’s Great to be 75!
75 years..really? Yes! Alta Lodge first opened the doors to skiers in 1940, two years after Alta Ski Area opened. According to Alta Historical Society President David Davenport, “When it [Alta Lodge] opened, it was the epicenter of the social culture at Alta. The love of skiing, powder and après ski were all aspects of...
November 30, 2015
Early Season Skiing at Alta
Skiing at Alta in December before the holiday season is a great time of year to get back on skis. For one thing, the slopes are virtually empty and it seems like you have your own private ski area. The snow quality at Alta is consistently great and if there hasn’t been a recent powder...
November 23, 2015
More Snow is on the Way!
The opening weekend at Alta was hard to beat–beautiful blue sky, warm and sunny, and the skiing was great! Smiles were everywhere with an upbeat mood prevailing. Thanksgiving skiers will enjoy fresh snow with a storm moving into the area starting on Wednesday. According to local meteorologist Jody Saeland, storms are stacking up into next...
November 16, 2015
Winter’s Arrived at Alta Lodge!
It’s been snowing at Alta for the past 12+ hours and we’ve received 11 inches of snow. With Alta’s scheduled opening on Friday, November 20, the timing of this snow storm is perfect! New snow on the deck of Alta Lodge This season Alta Lodge is celebrating 75 years as Alta’s first hotel. We’re offering...
October 20, 2015
Plan Ahead & Save on Tickets
Lift tickets can be a major expense of a ski vacation, especially so if it is a family vacation and you don’t have a season pass. If you know when you will be coming to ski Alta, you can purchase your lift tickets in advance on line. The further ahead you buy the tickets, the...
October 14, 2015
Special Deal for Our 75th Anniversary
Alta Lodge first welcomed skiers in 1940 and to celebrate our anniversary, we have a special offer from November 29 – December 13. If you book a four night minimum stay during that period, the fourth night will be the 1940 room rate. Rally with some friends and take advantage of this sweet deal...
July 30, 2015
Wildflowers are Everywhere!
Alta’s had quite a display of flowers the past few weeks and if you have not had a chance to check them out, you’re in for a treat. The best area for a wide variety of flowers is in Albion Basin. It is also the most popular location so going early in the morning is...
May 19, 2015
Summer Season
We’re rapidly approaching the start of our summer season which kicks off with Sunday Brunch on May 31. And although it snowed last weekend, the weather and temperatures can change overnight and bring warm, sunny days. The aspen trees now have their leaves at the White Pine trail head which is an indicator of summer...
April 14, 2015
ALERT: Last Chance Powder
In case you haven’t heard…the drums are beating for a big powder storm in Little Cottonwood Canyon that arrives this evening. It will be the last one of the season as Alta will close this weekend. The excitement has rousted skiers to head to Alta for the two-day powder fest that starts tomorrow. Some of...
March 25, 2015
Alta in April!
April fun for everyone in Alta! April 3-19 is Alta in April! Lodging specials, apres ski events, live music, on-mountain Easter egg hunt, demo day, sunshine, great skiing, great friends and more! Help celebrate another great year of skiing in Alta! Events: Friday, April 3: Alta Gala (La Caille Restaurant 7:30-11:00 PM) Saturday,...
March 18, 2015
It’s Time for Spring Skiing at Alta!
The days of spring have been upon us early this year and the skiing has been great. With the Daylight Saving Time change on March 8, we’ve been enjoying the longer daylight hours and lovely canyon sunsets. Next month we’ll be on the deck for apres ski and lunch, host a mountain picnic and some...
March 4, 2015
March: On Time Snow Delivery
As we said in our last post, March could be a snowy month and so far, March is delivering! Skiers couldn’t be happier with 25 inches of new snow since March 1. An exciting photo of the storm coming up the canyon was posted on Twitter and no doubt powder videos will be coming soon...
February 26, 2015
Snowing at Alta!
Pleased to report it is snowing (see actual photos on link) at Alta and it will keep snowing through the weekend. We’ll get a little break at the first of the week and then more snow again next week. If you have been itching for your Alta powder break, March looks like the month to...
February 16, 2015
More Weeks of Winter Season Ahead
If you think about how long winter will be depending on what groundhog Punxsutawney Phil sees when he comes out of his hole, it looks like more winter is in our future. (Not that we don’t want more winter at Alta…) We’re missing our winter storm cycles and are hopeful some will come our way...
February 11, 2015
Spring-like Conditions in February
Wacky weather at Alta recently has made for some nice spring skiing in February. Sunny days and warm temperatures were the norm over the weekend and will continue through the extended Presidents Weekend. Minus recent snow for a bit, Alta has a 69-inch base, with four inches of new snow overnight. Mix it with a...
January 28, 2015
Backcountry Adventures
The enthusiasm amongst skiers for venturing out on new terrain is growing more each year. Backcountry skiing is the fastest growing segment in the winter outdoor sports category. As the equipment has improved over the years with lighter skis and binding and more technical boots, more skiers are keen to give it a try. The...
January 19, 2015
Sunny Days at Alta
One thing that’s hard to beat is a sunny day after an Alta storm. And several sunny days are even better. Last week and the weekend were days of great skiing and beautiful weather. First time skiers at Alta were supercharged with the magnitude of the mountains. Aleisha is from Chicago and this was her...
January 12, 2015
It’s an Alta Storm!
There’s something special going on at Alta today: snow at 3 inches an hour! That was earlier today and the University of Utah just reported that Alta received 11 inches of snow from 9am-1pm! It’s still snowing and is supposed to continue through the evening. When it snows that hard, you have to consider dropping...
January 1, 2015
Wish You Were–
Skier: Aaron Rice, Photo: Joey Campanelli The past week has been one of the best holiday seasons in recent memories. Not only did we get a “white Christmas” with 13 inches of snow, it then continued to snow for several days bringing in several more feet of snow. The holiday season was indeed jolly...
December 22, 2014
Polar Express comes to Utah
The holiday season received a special boost a with a weekend storm that brought in 16 inches of snow and continued through Monday. It was one of those storms the ski area needed and the right kind of snow to build up the base which now stands at 54 inches and counting. Tuesday and Wednesday...
December 15, 2014
December Skiing at Alta
Ski season is in full swing at Alta with all lifts now open. The weekend storm brought in 16 inches of snow and lots of skiers showed up to play in the powder. It had been a couple of weeks since the opening weekend storm so skiers were excited with the change in weather. Prior...
November 26, 2014
Big Storm Opens Alta’s Ski Season
Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm Alta opened for the season last Friday and a storm moved into the area on Saturday, depositing so much snow that Alta did not open on Sunday! There is a 40-inch base now and the Thanksgiving weekend is off to a great start with beautiful sunny days in the forecast...
November 17, 2014
Alta Opens on Friday!
We’re looking forward to Alta’s opening day this Friday, November 21. A storm over the weekend brought in fresh snow and colder temperatures which is a sure sign of winter. At the moment, more snow is in the forecast for the weekend. As we get closer to opening day, look for Twitter and Facebook postings...
October 20, 2014
One Month to Go!
November 21 is the opening day for Alta this season. Will you be ready to ski that day? The fall weather is great right now but winter is just around the corner, so before it arrives, get prepared for that first day in the mountains. Check list: skis: check bindings and clean debris off base...
October 9, 2014
Getting Ready for Ski Season, Part 2
If you are still procrastinating on pre-ski season conditioning, here are some tips from the University of Utah. Compressed time? Something for people who work in high rise buildings, take a break from the desk and walk up and down a few flights of stairs several times. Or here is something my neighbors do: they...
September 24, 2014
Ski Conditioning
Traversing and side stepping are required to get to this run. Now is the time to think about doing some conditioning for ski season. Wait–thinking about it isn’t good enough you need to get to work if you want to be able walk the day after skiing hard the first day! What do you need...
September 16, 2014
Change of Seasons
It’s evident at Alta there’s a change in the season. The last of the summer’s wildflowers have dried and the mountain shrubs and willows have mostly turned to yellow and burnt-orange colors. Fall colors will continue but it’s hard to say when peak might be or how long it might last. There’s a “science” to...
September 11, 2014
Ski Equipment Buyers Guides
In a mere ten weeks, Alta will be open for skiing! You might be in the market for new gear this season and wondering what to get. With the wide range of different skis, boots and manufacturers, making a decision can be overwhelming. Most of us don’t have the opportunity to try different skis before...
September 2, 2014
Thinking About Skiing
Alta Lodge in the fall. Photo: Billy Haas It’s the first week of September and fall is the air. In upper elevations leaves have started to turn and the night time temperatures are in the 40s. The next few weeks will bring brilliant red, orange and yellow foliage. If you live close by you know...
July 15, 2014
Wildflower Season in the Wasatch Mountains
The snow eventually melts and when it does, we are left with a splendid display of wildflowers for several weeks in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City. Flowers start showing up towards the end of June and by mid July, there is an abundance of varieties. In fact, the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation has...
June 24, 2014
Last Hurrah Last Week
At Alta, we have been all geared up for summer, patio dining and related outdoor adventures. Skiing was on the back burner until next season. At least that was the common thought. And then the cold front moved in on June 16 and Alta got 12 inches of snow! Yep, that was the summary on...
June 12, 2014
The Mountains Are Calling
Although by the calendar we still have another week or so until it’s “officially” summer (4:51 a.m. Mountain Time on June 21), it sure feels like summer at Alta. The snow has melted from Cardiff Pass and the hillside is green. Purple penstemon flowers are on the south side of the seven turns section of...
May 12, 2014
Alta Lodge in the Summer
Winter season ended and before we knew it, we were open for summer season for an environmental retreat through Weber State University. In a few weeks, our annual three-day Spring Yoga Retreat will be in session during the Memorial Day weekend. For yoga practitioners, the yoga retreat is a opportunity to immerse themselves in mountain...
April 21, 2014
Another Great Season
Yesterday we said good bye to guests who stayed with us the final week of the 2013-2014 ski season. April was a great month this year in many ways– powder skiing was some of the best of the season for many spring break was in April so it was another ski trip to Alta we...
April 1, 2014
April Powder–no fooling!
–last week Yesterday was epic powder skiing from all the Alta photos around the web and today is even better with cold temperatures and very dry powder. A rather unusual phenomena in April but non the less it makes for great skiing. Professor Jim Steenburgh gives us a good description of things on his blog...
March 19, 2014
Powder Skiing in March
The first day of spring arrives tomorrow and the sun is shining at Alta! Yesterday we had a day of powder skiing on 12 inches of new snow and friends reported that the skiing was excellent. And since it was a weekday, there was plenty of powder to ski run after run or as they...
March 12, 2014
Spring has sprung!
Mt. Baldy at Alta Ski Area, viewed from Alta Lodge. Bliss is in the air now. Today is one of the those spring days that makes one grin from ear to ear. Fresh snow, sunshine and a blue sky–what’s not to like? The beautiful weather will continue on into the weekend. The snow is deep...
March 5, 2014
100+ Inches of Snow
Storms over the past week have brought the base depth at Alta to over 100 inches. With more and more of the mountain filling in with each storm we receive, the skiing just keeps getting better. March is a month that historically receives an average of 99.66 inches of snow, according to Alta Ski Area’s...
February 26, 2014
Looking Towards Spring?
March shows up this weekend and the following weekend we move our clocks forward an hour. Does it seem like spring is around the corner? Hold on, not too fast,we’re still savoring the powder storms and deeper snow, which from the NOAA forecast, looks like tomorrow and this weekend. Wind following the last storm made...
February 20, 2014
22 Feet of Snow…with More to Come
It’s been a busy President’s Day vacation week at Alta Lodge and guests have been reporting great ski conditions during afternoon tea. From staff reports, yesterday’s skiing was “free refills” pretty much all afternoon, keeping skiers happy each time they got off the lift. This week our local newspaper, The Salt Lake Tribune, featured Alta’s...
February 13, 2014
Sleepy Winter Back with a Roar
Alta now has a impressive base depth of 93-inches which means the mountain is getting more filled in with each additional snow storm that comes our way. Winter had a late start for many places in the west but here at Alta we were fortunate to have good skiing all season. The most recent weather...
January 28, 2014
Update: POWDER IS COMING!
It’s all the buzz…….”10-20 inches with 2 feet or more possible in some locations..” Wasatch Snow Forecast The National Weather Service is showing lots of snowflakes on their forecast for the next five days. A winter storm watch is in effect from tonight through Friday evening. If you’ve been saving up your vacation time or...
January 27, 2014
Mid-Winter–no blues at Alta
We’ve hit mid-winter here at Alta, which in this case means we’ve been skiing for 11 weeks and have 11 more weeks left to ski. The snowfall to date for the season is 180 inches and the base stands at 57 inches. Though not as much snow as we typically have to date, there will...
January 21, 2014
Considering a stay at Alta Lodge?
A view of Mt. Superior view from the Alta Lodge dining room. You’re in for a treat when you stay at Alta Lodge. For starters, Alta Lodge is at Alta, Utah, one of the most celebrated ski areas in the United States. Located at the base of Alta, you get to ski out the back...
January 15, 2014
What a Storm!
Did it ever snow January 8-13! Just ask the people who were here skiing when 41 inches of snow fell over a five day period. “The BEST skiing ever!”, “bottomless…”, “it’s hard to see, but who cares when the skiing is this good”, were some of the comments made by guests and staff. Tired skiers...
January 9, 2014
It’s Snowing in Alta
It’s getting deep outside Alta Lodge. If you have been waiting for powder skiing, this is the weekend you should be skiing at Alta! It’s been snowing since Wednesday and since 8 am today, Alta has received 10 inches of snow and it is still snowing hard. Another 12-20 inches could come our way before...
December 30, 2013
Alta Snow
It’s been said (and trademarked) that Utah has the “Greatest Snow on Earth”. When it comes to snow quality, the prevailing sentiment at Alta is that you would be hard pressed to find better powder skiing. Attempting to understand the reasoning behind these beliefs, authors W. James Steenburgh and Trevor I. Alcott from the Department...
December 22, 2013
What is the Interconnect?
Can you imagine skiing four to six ski areas in one day? You can do that in Utah with the Interconnect Ski Tour. Now in the 30th season of guiding skiers, the tour is more popular than ever. You don’t need to be a backcountry or expert skier to do it but you need...
December 17, 2013
Women’s Skis: Deciding What to Buy
Before there were women’s bikes, women’s backpacks and women’s skis, women just bought the same bikes, backpacks, and skis as the guys. Now not only is there gender specific gear, there is a wide assortment to choose from. When it comes to skis, if you can demo skis, many ski shops will apply the rental...
December 10, 2013
Deluxe to Dormitory
Alta Lodge large corner room Alta Lodge has an assortment of rooms that include slope-facing corner rooms, rooms with a balcony and wood burning fireplace, rooms with views up canyon and down canyon and smaller, cozy rooms in the original wing of the lodge. There are also two one-of-a-kind rooms–the Swiss room and the Tyrol...
December 4, 2013
Now Serving Fresh Powder
The toe-tapping, weather watching and anticipation is over–powder skiing is here! With blue sky and sunshine for nearly a week, skiers were getting their legs in shape by skiing laps on the buffed runs. Yesterday’s storm total brought 15 inches of snow to the Alta and cold temperatures will keep the snow fluffy for a...
November 25, 2013
Alta is Open!
Photo: Alta Ski Area The long awaited opening day of Alta’s 2013-2014 ski season has finally arrived! It was a beautiful, sunny day for the opening and it continued throughout the weekend. We’re anxious for snow but can’t complain about the beautifully groomed slopes here at Alta. This week the sun will continue to shine...
November 13, 2013
The Countdown
November 22 is Alta’s opening day this season and skiers are counting the days. In the meantime, let’s get ready for ski season with a check list. 1. Skis: check the base of your skis since more likely than not, when you finished the season last year, you just stashed the skis. Do they need...
November 7, 2013
Enthusiam Overflowing
Caroline Gleich at Alta It’s been pretty fun over the past week to see so many photos and videos of people skiing Alta before opening day. One super star Alta female athlete posted on Twitter she has already skied 10 days! Mind you, that is all hiking too. We’re amazed at some of the powder...
October 30, 2013
It’s Happening–SNOW!
The month of October brought in several storms and then some warmer weather. Just a little snow seems to be all it takes for some to head to the canyon for a few turns as is evidenced in this video. This week the weather has shifted in our favor and another storm brought in over...
October 2, 2013
Winter Teaser
Alta Lodge deck September 28 If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s early season snow and last week did not disappoint. Although most of the snow we received last week has melted, spirits were none the less “up” upon seeing the fluffy white flakes. We expect to receive another storm this week and...
September 25, 2013
Snowing This Week
We’ve primed the pump for the ski season with talk about ski gear, 100 words for Snow and now we’ll prime it even more with an Alta snow storm. There’s plenty of buzz when this happens and with web cams, Twitter and Facebook, you can get nearly by-the-minute reports when it starts snowing. If you...
September 19, 2013
100 Words for Snow
Yes, We Do Have a Hundred Words for Snow The popular belief that there are a hundred words for snow in the Inuit language has led to some Photo: Nick Rice controversy, and has even been called urban legend by some doubters. Alta, however, is the world mecca of powder...
September 17, 2013
Chef Sam’s Soba and Tofu Noddles
Alta Lodge Chef Sam Wolfe Alta Lodge Chef Sam Wolfe is always coming up with new items for our menus. Using his creative flair for food that is influenced by his vast travel experiences, he delights us with surprises. He has recently added soba noodles to our summer Sunday Brunch menu. Over the summer, Sam...
September 11, 2013
Looking for New Ski Gear?
September usually marks the time of year when people start thinking about the upcoming ski season. Ski publications have their gear issue ready to print or it’s already available on news stands. There are several publications with gear reviews, some with 2013-2014 ski testing done by the pros during last ski season. If you’re a...
August 12, 2013
Hummingbirds
If you are hiking or walking around Alta during the summer months, you will most likely see or hear hummingbirds. The abundance of wildflowers draws them to Little Cottonwood Canyon because In order to gather enough nectar, hummingbirds must visit hundreds of flowers every day Male broad-tailed hummingbird The most common species to Utah is...
August 8, 2013
Pre-season Ski Passes
Yes, it is August and that’s when sales begin for pre-season ski passes and discounts. If you are a savvy shopper, you plan and take advantage of the savings you will get by buying early. Here’s a run down of what’s on sale now at Alta. Full season pass is now $999 but after September...
August 1, 2013
Moose at Alta
During summer season at Alta, moose sightings are the norm on most days. Albion Basin is a habitat for moose where there is plenty of vegetation for them. Being herbivores, they eat leaves, deciduous trees, plants shoots with a preference for boggy areas. We often see them from the Alta Lodge deck near the transfer...
July 25, 2013
Alta this Weekend
Alta and Little Cottonwood Canyon will be busy this weekend so you will want to plan ahead to make the most of your trip to the mountains. On Saturday morning there will be a 6:30 start for the 50K Speedgoat Race at Snowbird. The three-day Wildflower Festival will be at Alta on Saturday, with guided...
July 23, 2013
Hikes Around Alta
Cecret Lake’s name is well deserved as it would be hard to find the lake without a trail. This pretty little lake is flanked by rock cliffs on the south side where skiers have access to Devil’s Castle in the winter season. Erika Wiggins has a great hike description and photos of the area if...
July 16, 2013
Wildflower season has arrived!
The wildflowers at Alta are in full bloom right now and if you haven’t experienced Alta’s wildflower season, there’s no time like the present. The slopes are covered with assorted shades of yellow, blue, red and white flowers. According to the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, there are 300 species commonly found in the Big and Little...
June 18, 2013
Wasatch Mountain Hiking
The ridge at the end of the Silver Fork trail. The trails in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons provide access to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains as well as the Salt Lake Valley. Both canyons are located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which has an...
June 3, 2013
Open for Summer Season
June 2 kicked off our summer season with our first Sunday Brunch, which featured some new items on our menu. Guests were pleased to see grilled salmon with ponzu sauce, spinach quiche, yam and kale breakfast strata, chicken tikka masala and corned beef hash. Fresh new salads and tasty desserts have been added to menu...
May 28, 2013
Wrap Up of 75th Season
As the landmark 75th season winds down, we recall some of the stellar points during the past winter. There was that 51-inch “lake effect” storm that came November 10 & 11, just before the season opening on November 16. It was a great “powder” kick-off for the opening weekend. January was especially cold but we...
April 17, 2013
Alta Reopens On Friday
Today at Sunnyside photo:Alta Ski Area web cam While Alta Lodge has been getting ready for summer season, it has been snowing all week! Over a foot feel at the fist of the week and seven more inches were reported this morning. Since Alta lift operations stopped during week days, skiers have been skinning up...
April 9, 2013
The Last week of Winter Season
Nothing but fun in store for lodge guests during the last week of winter with us this season. Fresh powder was there to ski on Monday and then another 12 inches was reported Tuesday morning! Skier reports said today yielded plenty of powder turns if you were at Alta. Wednesday is going to a clear...
April 1, 2013
April Fools: Spring?
Just as you think spring is here with plenty of sunshine and the need for lots of sun screen, surprise! It’s winter again. Yes, that’s how it is in the mountains and we all know what they say about April showers except here it is “snow” showers. In the next day or two, Alta could...
March 20, 2013
Springtime!
Yes, it’s that time of year and since we’re located at 8,500 feet, we still get powder storms in late March and April. It’s snowing today and Alta could receive 10 inches the next couple of days. The Wasatch Snow Forecast tells us to: “expect temperatures to turn much colder tomorrow after today’s rain showers...
March 12, 2013
Alta in April
Spring at Alta Have you made your annual trek to Alta this season? Or are you ready for a return visit this spring? April is a great time of year to get in a spring skiing trip and we have a few reasons that should convince you! longer daylight warmer temperatures mountain picnics apres ski...
March 4, 2013
We’ve had some fun on the slopes over the past week. Not only did we get more snow, we got more snow with sunny days in between storms. It’s hard not to like those kind of conditions, as one of our guests commented this morning, “there’s nothing like champagne powder on a sunny day.” We’ve...
February 26, 2013
Forty Years Ago
Tea time occurs daily in the Alta Lodge Deck Room where guests will find freshly brewed tea, hot and cold beverages and baked treats. This week I met Bean Granger and Lyn and John Egsgard and sat down and had a chat with them and discovered all of them have been staying at the Lodge...
February 21, 2013
Mother Nature Still Bringing Snow
The past week brought many sunny days, buffed slopes and great conditions for the President’s Day holiday that extended into the week for many. It started snowing again yesterday and Alta is expecting to receive more snow throughout the next week. This morning we received seven inches of new snow. The historical average snowfall...
February 5, 2013
What a Week it Was!
Photo Credit: Addison Price Last week was one of those “epic” ski weeks with lots of snow day after day. From Jan. 27-31, 36 inches of snow fell and it was the type of snow that yielded comments like: “best day of the season for me..” from a long-time season holder to “Today was the...
January 28, 2013
January ending
The end of January wrapped up with a full house of skiers at Alta Lodge, a lot of them here for the 7th annual Women’s Ski Camp. January brought some chilly days but also some very warm days with lots of sunshine. It’s hard to believe we are coming to February in just a few...
January 21, 2013
Alta’s 75th Birthday Party
January 15, 2013: The sun had dipped well below the horizon, plunging Little Cottonwood Canyon into near darkness. Guests, employees, and locals alike crowded in front of available south-facing windows throughout the Lodge, eager to reserve a position for optimal viewing of Alta’s 75th anniversary torchlight ceremony. In unison, five dozen neon red torches came...
January 16, 2013
The Girls at Alta
Even though the ratio of men to women skiers at Alta is 4-1 (so we’re told), you’ll find a lot of ladies out there on the mountain. If you’re a woman looking for some new female ski buddies, Ski with the Girls meets every Tuesday at 9:30 at Badly Brew on the lower level of...
January 15, 2013
Kurobuta Pork Osso Buco
Chef Sam Wolfe has been showcasing some new items on our own nightly menu this season. Kurobuta Pork Osso Buco is one of those items. When most people think of osso buco, they think of veal shanks, so pork is a different twist. But this isn’t just any pork, it’s “Kurobuta” pork. Kurobuta pork is...
December 29, 2012
Skiing with the Kids
Like many skiers who become parents, you can’t wait for the day until you can actually ski with your kids. Before that happens, parents might enlist the help of ski school lessons or the brave ones attempt to teach their kids to ski. Eventually, the kids “get it” and start making turns, want to ski...
December 24, 2012
Powder Dreams for Christmas
The skiing over the weekend was on smooth, wind blown pockets of silky snow on slopes perfectly positioned to collect the snow. The sun was out most of each day, making great conditions with beautiful mountain views. Today is a different story with heavy snow falling since the first of the morning, bringing the season’s...
December 19, 2012
Snow–it’s getting deeper
Powder hungry Alta skiers were lined up waiting for the lifts to open following the series of snow storms that came to Little Cottonwood Canyon last weekend. Each day brought lots of fresh powder and the cycle continued into Monday. In the past week, Alta has received 41 inches of snow and now has settled...
December 12, 2012
Afternoon Tea
Each afternoon, Alta Lodge serves tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit drinks in the Deck Room. Fresh baked goods accompany this long tradition of afternoon tea. This afternoon Ketner was pouring Earl Grey tea, served with chocolate raisin biscotti and blueberry bread. We met two guests who had both just arrived for a five day...
December 6, 2012
Family Trip to Alta
Alta’s getting more snow this week and will be have all lifts open this weekend. With 95% of the runs open, early season skiing is off to a good start. Our early season special– Kids Free–runs through December 15, 2012. With a four night minimum stay, two kids ages 12 and under can stay in...
December 4, 2012
Packing for Your Ski Vacation
One of the challenging aspects of taking a ski vacation is packing. With skis, boots, poles, helmet, cold weather clothing and apres ski clothing, it can be overwhelming, especially if you last vacation was at the beach. There are ways to simplify the process, starting with a list. Mike Doyle from about.com has put together...
November 28, 2012
Winter Season is Here
Alta Ski Area opened for the season on November 16th this season after a 51-inch storm dumped on Alta the previous weekend. Although the lifts weren’t open that weekend, plenty of skiers and snow shoe hikers got out to enjoy the first big storm of the season. When Alta opened on Friday, it was as...
September 25, 2012
First Snow of the Season
It’s said we almost always get snow in September at Alta and with less than a week left this month, we were eager for the first storm. Late yesterday and this morning rain was forecasted with possible snow in higher elevations. Mother Nature came through with fresh snow this morning at the top of the...
September 24, 2012
We Love Weekends
We had great weather over the weekend for outdoor activities and the brilliant fall colors brought many to the canyons in the Wasatch mountains. The fall equinox fell on Saturday at 8:49 am and our daylight hours will shorten as come closer to winter. With several weeks remaining until we move our clocks back on...
September 13, 2012
First Frost
The days have been sunny over the past week with the exception of Monday when the sky was overcast and there was a bit of rain. The temperatures continue to cool, especially in the evenings and with that comes more brilliant colors in Little Cottonwood Canyon. While I was stopping by the Sunnyside Store on...
September 4, 2012
Transition to Fall
In the past ten days we have noticed some falls colors in the foothills of Salt Lake City and the canyons. It’s a little sooner this usual but a welcome change for those of us that are eager for ski season. Productive thunderstorms over the weekend were welcomed by heat weary residents. This week we...
July 17, 2012
Wildflower Update
If you have not been to Albion Basin this summer, now is the time to go. Flowers are abundant and the slopes have a lush coverage of vegetation. The rain over the weekend no doubt has added to the colorful floral arrangements found in both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Recently elephant head pink flowers...
July 9, 2012
Cool off in Alta
Lake Catherine When it is sizzling in Salt Lake City–temperatures of 100+ degrees forecast this week–higher ground is the place to be. With temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, a mountain hike is a good respite from the heat. Right now wildflowers are abundant and as more bloom in the next...
June 27, 2012
Hiking at Alta
Now is a great time to be hiking in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The summer road to Albion Basin opens this weekend. There is free shuttle service from the Sunnyside Store at the Albion Day Lodge. Cardiff Pass The start of this trail is across the street from Alta Lodge. View from Cardiff Pass...
June 11, 2012
Sunshine
We’ve had beautiful weather the past two weekends and the snow is almost gone on Mt. Superior.Lush green vegetation is replacing the snow and the aspen trees have their foliage. Volunteers last week took part in the annual canyon clean up along both sides of the canyon road–thank you volunteers for helping to keep the...
May 21, 2012
Summer Season
With the end of ski season, many of our winter staff have headed to their favorite summer scenes such as Alaska, California, Maine, the Pacific Northwest, to name a few. Our staff that stay on with us during the summer have taken the time between the seasons to go on river trips, head to the...
April 30, 2012
What’s Coming Up
Yesterday was the last day of ski lift operations at Alta Ski Area. With a mid-mountain snow depth of 84 inches, skiers will be able to ski tour on the mountain until the coverage dwindles. Already there is evidence of winter leaving the canyon with more green vegetation appearing daily as temperatures rise with more...
April 18, 2012
Two More Weekends of Skiing
Sunday wrapped up the regular seven days a week season for skiing at Alta. The ski area will continue with the tradition of reopening for skiing the next two weekends (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). The final closing date for the season is April 29. Last weekend skiing conditions were great, as you can see from...
April 11, 2012
Spring Conditions
The past week yielded good spring skiing conditions with corn snow skiing most of the day. On Saturday, ski reps set up tents along the base of Collins lift and skiers were provided with the opportunity to try out next year’s skis for free. I tried eight different kinds of skis and was able to...
April 4, 2012
Special Birthday for Naomi Wain
Alta Lodge has many guests that come back year after year. One guest recently posted on Facebook that he has been coming annually for 50 years! One of our favorite friends is Naomi Wain who comes for the first two weeks of each month. A die-hard skier, she’s always out the locker room door first...
March 29, 2012
Get it While There’s Still Time
Last weekend and this week have been great for spring skiing. Warmer days with sunshine and blue skies have resulted in some great corn skiing. The mountain snow groomers present skiers with nice smooth runs every morning. Alta will be offering some special deals on ski ticket pricing for the month of April. For example,...
March 20, 2012
Spring Has Arrived!
Following a weekend of another incredible “Alta Storm”, today brings blue sky and sunshine in abundance. According to Alta’s web site, the storm stacked up like this: Saturday 15 inches, Sunday 20 inches, Monday 23 inches, today 11 more inches! Spring in the Wasatch Mountains tends to bring surprises like this and we have no...
March 6, 2012
Catching up on Last Week’s Storm
For a good part of this winter, we’ve been closely watching the weather and hoping for a good “Alta” storm. Enough already! Last week, things all came together perfectly for an Alta storm. From Feb. 26 – Mar. 3, Alta received 44-inches of snow–enough to keep powder skiers happy all week long! With that amount...
February 20, 2012
Presidents Weekend
This weekend is typically the second busiest one of the season and over the weekend, the skiing at Alta has been exceptional all weekend. Fresh snow fell over the weekend with powder yesterday and today. Today the sun is shining as you can see in this shot taken from Alta’s mountain camera located at the...
February 14, 2012
The Storm Delivers
Over the weekend powder skiers were ecstatic: fresh snow and face shots! The snow is nice and soft and everything is open with good skiing. As we approach the President’s Day weekend, guests will be arriving for their extended holiday weekend and a week of skiing. Will you be skiing this weekend?
February 6, 2012
What’s coming up
Of course we all learned last week that the ground hog saw his shadow which mean MORE SNOW at Alta! We have had sunny days recently, which is great for fair-weather skiers who prefer the sunshine and blue skies. No need to dismay storm seekers–there will be plenty more before the end of the season...
January 25, 2012
A Long Awaited Storm
What a great storm cycle! It started snowing last Wednesday with a couple of intermittent breaks and when the storm cycle ended on Monday, Alta had received 49 inches of snow. The base total is now 71 inches and the High Traverse opened today for the first time this winter. We received 22 inches in...
January 17, 2012
Storm Coming
We’ve been hearing for several days that a significant storm is headed our way. There’s quite a buzz around the lodge now as everyone is pretty excited for this storm that is supposed move in tomorrow and last through the weekend, bringing several feet of snow. The National Weather Service is issuing storm warnings for...
January 12, 2012
Apres Ski
Periodically during the winter season, we’ll host a wine or beer tasting reception for our guests from 5-6 pm. Light appetizers will be matched with specially selected wines or beers. Last evening we hosted an Epic Beer tasting. Epic is a specialty beer brewed in Salt Lake City. Our baker made pretzels to go with...
January 4, 2012
Ringing in the New Year
Down canyon view from Grizzly Gulch 2012 has started out with spectacular blue skies and lots of great groomed slopes for carving turns. Skiers ride the lifts bathed in sunlight and enjoy the opportunity to have a more relaxed pace on the mountain following the holiday season. As guests depart, new guests arrive and...
December 28, 2011
Tea Time at Alta Lodge
A long tradition at Alta Lodge is afternoon tea time. From 3:30-5 pm daily, fresh baked items are set out in the Deck Room of the Lodge. Tea is brewed and ready to pour with coffee and hot chocolate as well. Our incredible baker, Jim H., was trained at the Culinary Institute of...
December 26, 2011
Christmas Eve Cookie Decorating
It was Christmas Eve and the ping-pong table had turned white as Ketner covered it with butcher paper. Next she laid out the frostings of every color, a rainbow of options that were sure to inspire the cookie decorators. Christmas Eve is the night of cookie decorating at the Alta Lodge. While technically part of...
December 19, 2011
Free Kids’ Program
Families love skiing at Alta and staying at Alta Lodge. The Kids’ Program at Alta Lodge offers supervised activities before and after skiing, shuttle to Alf Engen Ski School and a special kids dinner with menu items geared towards a younger appetite. After the 5 pm kids’ dinner, staff have activities and movies for kids...
December 12, 2011
Eary December Skiing
Skiing has been mostly on packed slopes that have been groomed to perfection nightly. Sugarloaf is open, the Saddle has wonderful conditions without bumps–use caution on the run out but otherwise it’s good. Ballroom has been nice and the run from the top of Wildcat is great. It’s easy to get on the lift at...
November 16, 2011
Opening Day At Alta
Opening day at Alta is Friday, November 18, and everyone is looking forward to another great season. Alta has received several snow storms, the most recent one over the weekend dropped 17 inches. We’ll have returning Lodge guests coming for the opening, excited to ski and eager for more snow that will coming on the...
November 7, 2011
Thanksgiving
Why spend Thanksgiving Day in the kitchen when you could be on the mountain in Alta? After a day skiing with family and friends, relax and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Alta Lodge, and leave the cooking to Chef Paul Raddon and Sous-Chef Sam Wolfe. The menu for the evening begins with an appetizer of seafood...
October 31, 2011
La Nina…what’s going on?
We’ve heard it’s going to be another La Nina winter and some of you might be wondering what that means. Our Ski Utah friend and blogger, Jodi Saeland, who is also a meteorologist, sums it up for us on her recent Ski Utah post. We’ll see how it all shakes out through the winter, but...
October 17, 2011
…just around the corner
Summer and fall season were spectacular this year as a result of all the snow that fell well into the spring last winter. Fall colors are still stunning on the lower elevations with the snow covered mountains hinting at winter. It won’t be long before winter is here and we’re all skiing that great Utah...
October 5, 2011
Last chance for Sunday Brunch
Sunday, October 9 is the final Sunday Brunch for the summer season. And the current forecast shows a mostly sunshine for a beautiful day in the mountains. The menu is too extensive to list but includes eggs Benedict, waffles, chicken curry, unique salads, breads and a desert table that will have you going back for...
September 27, 2011
Fall Season
Fall season is here and the spectacular fall colors are changing by the day at Alta. It’s 74 degrees today at Alta which is a near perfect temperature for a hike or walk in the mountains. Take advantage of the nice weather while you can as before we know it, winter will be here.
September 6, 2011
Weekend Hiking
It’s not often that you can find Columbine and Indian Paintbrush along with many other flowers in bloom in September. That was the case over the weekend as a number of hikers headed to Albion Basin to take advantage of the great weather and beautiful wildflowers still in bloom.
August 16, 2011
2011-2012 Ski Adventures
Looking for something different for your next ski trip? Here’s our list of Ski Adventures for next season. ALTA LODGE SKI ADVENTURES AT A GLANCE Alta, UT–Alta Lodge specialty ski adventures are immersion programs for skiers who want to advance their skiing skills in a multi-day ski experience. Select instructors from Alta Ski School or...
August 15, 2011
9th Annual Knitters Retreat Sept. 23, 24 & 25
Each fall, Alta Lodge hosts the annual Rocky Mountain Knitters’ Retreat at the end of September. Knitters and fiber artists gather for a weekend to focus on their craft without all the daily distractions. Participants have an opportunity informal instruction or to get tips from other knitters. Everyone gathers together for meals and conversation. The...
August 11, 2011
Summer Moves into August
August is into the second week now and although the days are getting shorter, the sunshine is radiant and the daytime temperatures are near perfect at Alta. The majority of the snow has melted but some higher elevation patches still remain. Hard to believe it did melt after getting so much last winter!
July 21, 2011
Update on hiking and flowers
As you can see can from the photos, most of the snow has melted around Alta. The flow in Little Cottonwood Creek has slowed a lot from two weeks ago. Flowers are coming out and the mountainside is lush with vegetation. The summer road to Albion Basin has not opened as of today but it...
June 7, 2011
6th Annual Wine Pairing Weekend July 2 & 3
The next holiday is just around the corner and we’ve planned our annual wine pairing to kick-off the weekend. Join us on Saturday evening for this fun event that begins with a reception at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7. Our wine pairing evening features six courses with 9 wines, two wines to accompany...
May 31, 2011
Summer Season Opening
Alta Lodge kicks off the summer season this weekend with Sunday Brunch. Sunday Brunch starts June 5, with Chef Paul Raddon and Sous-Chef Sam Wolfe preparing items from around the globe. Selections include hors d’oeuvres, freshly-baked breads and pastries, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, chicken teriyaki, chocolate decadence cake and crème brûlée. Outdoor and indoor seating...
May 23, 2011
Writers at Work June 9-12
Open to the public, Writers@Work presents its annual intensive summer writing conference — three days of workshops, discussion, consultations and readings at Alta Lodge. Leading classes will be Brigham Young University professors John Bennion and Lance Larsen, as well as retired University of Utah professor David Kranes. Other writing teachers include Abigail Thomas, a fiction...
April 18, 2011
Join us for the end of the ski season at Alta Lodge
The coming weekend will wrap up the winter season for Alta Lodge. Lodging is still available throughout the week and weekend, with Saturday, April 23 being the last night for overnight guests. On Friday, April 22, the Alta community will be hosting Alta’s 1st community Earth Day Fair with crafts, vendors, outdoor activities, workshops and...
March 29, 2011
May Yoga Retreat
May 27-29, 2011 Yoga instructors Kim Lynn and Carrie Maurine Smith will lead seven yoga sessions throughout the weekend. The retreat begins Friday morning with sessions that include: sunrise pranayama, power, inversions, depth, partner, restore and meditation, and an evening Kirtan music session. The retreat concludes on Sunday afternoon. Participants will also have time to...
March 4, 2011
News update for April
Here’s some good news for April skiers. If you stay at Alta Lodge during beginning April 1, an Alta/Snowbird lift ticket is the same price as an Alta ticket. For $64 you can ski both ski areas–a savings of $24 a day! We’ll be open for guests this season until April 24, providing special activities...
March 1, 2011
March
Yes indeed, it is March 1 and today Alta has a 149-inch base. We received 115 inches of snow in February, according to Alta’s snowfall history. With all of the snow on the ground and more to come, spring skiing this season is going to be extended: Alta will open another two months! Some things...
February 22, 2011
40-inch storm total
Presidents’ weekend was a bonus weekend for skiers this year. A two-day storm brought in more snow than expected with a 40-inch storm total. From all accounts, the skiing was epic. The total base depth at Alta is now 148-inches — over 12 feet of snow! We still have over two more months of skiing...
February 8, 2011
Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
Alta Lodge is a great launch pad for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Unfamiliar with the Wasatch Mountains backcountry? Relax. We make it easy for newcomers to the sport. If you enjoy hiking and can ski or snowboard off the groomed slopes, you’re set to try the backcountry with a three-day guided clinic with Utah Mountain...
January 31, 2011
Brrr…
February starts tomorrow and single digits are in the forecast for the first two days–dress warmly as the wind will be blowing too. With that in mind, Spring Celebration is longer this season–March 26-April 24. More daylight hours, warmer weather and mountain picnics are all part of the fun. Kids stay and eat for free...
January 21, 2011
Devil’s Castle is Heaven on Skis
Have you skied Devil’s Castle at Alta? This account tells it like it is this season. One of these is the famous Devil’s Castle at Alta Ski Resort. Accessed directly off of Sugarloaf chairlift, Devil’s Castle is only opened when the snow pack is deep and stable enough to safely cover the huge stretch of...
December 20, 2010
Hit The Pow Seriously At Alta Clinic
Few resorts bear the reputations of deep powder, traditional lodging, and top ski school instruction as firmly as Alta. On The Snow The Powder Tracks program takes all three elements and turns them in four days of intensive powder skiing, designed to compress the learning curve for skiers who want seek to master the deep...
December 20, 2010
33-inch storm total
What a storm–and it is still snowing, with a possible 18-24 inches in the next couple of days. The ski patrol at Alta Ski Area area are currently doing control work and will re-evaluate the ski area opening time. Little Cottonwood Canyon is currently closed for avalanche control work. Safety first for everybody and we’re...
December 9, 2010
December skiing
This is the year to get in some early skiing in December. With all the early snow and great coverage, the skiing has been exceptional. The Performance Ski Camp was sold out and they are on the hill for day two. Many guests have added another trip to Alta this year, enthusiastic about the ski...
December 2, 2010
Winter Season At Alta Has Arrived
Alta opened for the 2010-2011 season on November 19! Thanksgiving at Alta this year was the best in recent memory. Snowfall for the month of November was 90 inches! Total snowfall for the season is 134 inches. Skiers are enthusiastic about all of the snow and guests are booking second and third trips to Alta...
October 11, 2010
Last weekend
This coming weekend, October 16/17, is the last weekend for a mini-get-away at Alta Lodge. For $94, overnight lodging for two with a fabulous breakfast on Sunday. Hope to see you! We’ll be taking a break (interim) after this weekend to get ready for winter season, reopening November 20 for winter season.
August 23, 2010
September Wine Pairing Weekend
The last wine pairing of the summer season will be September 11-12. If you have attended this event in past, you know you’re in for a treat. If you haven’t attended, review the menu and you’ll see the special entrees Chef Raddon has planned for the event. Sommelier Scott Cunningham joins us again to share...
August 20, 2010
Epic Brew Tasting Dinner Sept. 4
Alta Lodge is excited to join Epic Brewing to present a unique beer tasting dinner. The inaugural event will feature seven beers paired with seven courses. Saturday night lodging and Sunday Brunch are included. The evening begins at 6 pm with a reception — two appetizers paired with two beer selections — and live acoustic...
June 1, 2010
First Sunday Brunch June 6
The first Sunday Brunch of the summer season is June 6. Brunch is served from 9:30 – 2 pm and the cost is $21.95 for adults and children ages 7-12 – $12.50, ages 6 & under – $5.50. The delicious menu has guests returning more than once during the summer season. The mountains have held...
May 14, 2010
Current status
Turns out that not only was April a snowy month, but so was May as you can see from this photo of the Lodge entry way taken yesterday. There is a change in the weather coming this weekend when temperatures will be in the 70’s in Salt Lake City. Looks like we’re finally getting around...
May 11, 2010
Menu for Wine Dinner
Chef Raddon has selected the menu for the wine dinner on June 12. A new appetizer — Kimchi Pancakes — will be featured at the opening reception. Three demi entrées follow: panko-crusted filet of halibut with a pineapple soy reduction & jasmine rice; roast tenderloin of bison with braised wild mushrooms, onions & balsamic port...
April 29, 2010
It’s still snowing at Alta
The lifts are closed and the ski season ended with 511 inches* of snowfall at Alta. It’s still snowing–18 inches of new snow today alone and more snow tonight and tomorrow! If you still have the itch to ski, Snowbird is open until the end of May. *Almost 100 inches of snow fell since the...
April 15, 2010
Last weekend at the Lodge for the 2009-2010 ski season
It’s hard to believe the ski season is winding down this weekend at Alta Lodge. We’ve had over 90 inches of snow this month and Alta has a base depth of 137 inches! The ski area will close at the end of the day on Sunday and then re-open for the final weekend on Friday,...
April 6, 2010
152-inch mid-mountain base at Alta
Hard to believe it is April. The storm total in 24-hours is 31 inches and it is still snowing. The Little Cottonwood Canyon road has not reopened since it closed last night at 7 pm. Here’s the scoop from Alta Ski Area on skiing: Alta will not open for skiing today. We plan on opening...
March 18, 2010
Ski Conditions
The past two mornings have been great for corn skiing at Alta. It has been softening up first on the Albion Basin side of on the mountain and then late in the morning on the Collins lift side. It has been very warm and sunny, so dress accordingly. Good eye protection and sunscreen are a...
February 26, 2010
Spring Skiing
Recent sunny days remind us that spring is just around the corner. It’s a fun time of year and Alta Lodge is celebrating during March 21-28, by offering Lodge guests: * Complimentary receptions with wine and appetizers for our Lodge guests on Monday, March 22, Wednesday, March 24 and Friday, March 26. * Lunch served...
January 4, 2010
Trailblazing Western ski resorts get better with age | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Travel | Dallas Morning News
Trailblazing Western ski resorts get better with age | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Travel | Dallas Morning News Posted using ShareThis
January 4, 2010
The holidays yielded some great skiing this year.
This holiday season brought in a mixture of good conditions for skiers who were at Alta over the holidays. There were nice hard packed conditions, some fresh snow and the sunshine was abundant. The snow depth continues to build with Alta now reporting a base depth of 53 inches. There’s a chance of new snow...
December 31, 2009
“Peace and powder snow” — Bill Levitt
William H. (Bill) Levitt Feb. 18, 1917 – Dec. 29, 2009 William Haskell (Bill) Levitt, long-time mayor of Alta, Utah, and owner of the Alta Lodge, died on Dec. 29, 2009. Mr. Levitt was a graduate of the University of North Carolina, holding B. A. and M. A. Degrees in Sociology and Human Geography. Over...
December 21, 2009
Blue Skies
Ski conditions the weekend of December 19/20 were pretty hard to beat–good snow coverage with a 48-inch base, sunny skies and a pleasant temperature; it was nice to see the sun! As the shortest day of the year passes and the day light slowly gets longer, ski season is just beginning.
December 14, 2009
Monster storm leaves smiles in its wake…
The snow didn’t seem to stop coming over the weekend and powder fans were all smiles with the change of weather. For a status on open chairlifts and groomed runs, visit Alta’s web page with current information. To keep up to date on weather forecasts for the area, bookmark the National Weather Service web page...
December 7, 2009
Winter Storm Cycle
Winter is making an appearance at Alta with a series of storms forecasted for this week. Five-nine inches of snow are forecasted during the day with up to another 12 inches overnight. Eager skiers are planning early season vacations to take advantage of this long-awaited snow storm.
November 23, 2009
Sunday evening storm
A beautiful blue sky greeted skiers this morning following an overnight storm that dropped 10 inches of new snow at Alta. Skiers are enjoying the fresh powder snow at Snowbird as Alta is preparing to open the mountain. Alta Ski Area will provide an update later this afternoon with information about the opening day of...
October 29, 2009
Alta Snowstorm is building up the base.
This week got off to a good start with an Alta snowstorm that built up the base at Alta Ski Area. Yesteday they reported a base depth of 26 inches. It’s windy on the ridge tops and the temperature is 16 degrees. The snow is getting skiers geared up for the season.
October 20, 2009
Baldy is beautiful….
Photo of Mt. Baldy was taken the week of October 12. Although it was a little warm the following weekend, snow is in the forecast for this evening and later this week. The trees are quickly dropping their leaves in the upper canyon and the brilliant colors at the base of the canyon are starting...
September 17, 2009
Menu for Wine Pairings Weekend
Chef Paul Raddon does it again and has put together what will be a memorable meal for the evening’s event. Fall Wine Pairings Menu October 17, 2009 Reception 6-7 pm Imported cheeses & crackers Chicken Sate with a peanut sauce Dinner 7 pm Demi Entrée Panko Crusted Filet of Halibut with a pineapple reduction, mango...
August 14, 2009
Weekends are for…
…taking time to get away and get up to the mountains. As summer starts to wind down, the temperatures are a little cooler — great for hikes in the mountains around Alta. The tranquility is a wonderful way to recharge the “batteries”. Retreat to the mountains before the snow flies–you’ll be glad you did.
June 9, 2009
Sunday Brunch & Saturday Lunch
Summer Season is off to a start with Sunday Brunch and Saturday Lunch. Keep room for second helpings if you are coming for Sunday Brunch. Lunch is served on Saturday from 11 am – 2 pm. Snow melt continues on the south facing slopes and flowers are starting to slowly surface.
May 29, 2009
Summer’s Around the Corner
All the snow this winter, (especially the stuff that fell this spring) is melting away as the pot guts (ground squirrels) forage for food and try their best to sneak inside the lodge. The critters are known to be fond of the flowers that Daphne and staff fastidiously plant and care for. New strategies are...
March 30, 2009
Solstice Storm Cycle: 96″ and Counting!
On March 21, Alta’s spring solstice arrived draped in bright robes of blue skies and warm temps. But what a difference a day makes. Twenty-four hours later, winter was back in business with 9.5″ of new snow, kicking off the most potent and prolific storm cycle of the year. Eight days later, we’ve received 96″...
March 17, 2009
Trip Report: Alta’s Epic East Castle
The oft forgotten sibling of its more famous (and photogenic) sister Devil’s Castle, East Castle is arguably Alta’s prime powder run. On Friday, I skied East Castle for the first time and experienced Alta pow on a whole other scale. East Castle is a behemoth. A vast snowfield with as much vertical as High Rustler...
February 28, 2009
Stoli and Shakespeare: Remembering Chef Frank Menendez (1920-2009)
“He always made everyone feel like they were the most important person in his life.” –Chuck Lynn Biddulph On the morning of January 23, 2009, fond memories of Frank Menendez began to pile up in Keith’s inbox like flakes in an Alta snowstorm. And like a good Wasatch storm cycle, the e-mails recounting elaborate...
February 7, 2009
50 Years of Levitt-y
In 1959, Bill Levitt agreed to buy the Alta Lodge. Fifty years later, on February 4, 2009, guests, employees, and Levitt family members gather in the lodge’s deck room to celebrate. Glasses of champagne wait patiently in hand as Bill honors the occasion with a few of his famous Alta stories. Bill tells first of...
January 22, 2009
Lodge Chef: Born to fish, forced to work
Head Chef Paul Raddon is serious about fish. And not just cooking it. “On a good day, I’ll bring in 30 fish,” boasts Raddon, Alta Lodge chef since 1968. And he’s not talking about the dozens of freshly bought fish he regularly loads into the lodge’s walk-in refrigerator. Raddon prefers hooking his own. ...
January 11, 2009
Video: The Alta Post-Powder Day
Fresh tracks can always be found in Alta. Sometimes you just have to work harder to get them. On Friday morning, Alta skiers awoke to find their favorite slopes–from High Rustler to Catherine’s Area–cool and cozy under a blanket of snow 12″ deep. Several hours and thousands of powder turns later, the fresh tracks of...
January 7, 2009
Pow Day Gets Rave Reviews
“We didn’t think you’d make it!” Ryan said when he saw me, still covered in snow. “I was super lucky,” I admitted. I only realized just how lucky I was when I arrived home at the Alta Lodge at 6:45pm. Earlier that day the forecast was only calling for a few inches, so I descended...
December 29, 2008
Storm Cycle Bombs Alta–Merry Christmas to Us!
Christmas came early to Alta this year. On December 16, we skied the best powder day since the lifts started turning with 11 inches of fresh. In the nine days that followed, Alta received 6.5 FEET of snow, with the storm cycle building up to a Christmas Day climax. On Christmas Eve, the National Weather...
October 26, 2007
Ski Magazine Applauds Alta Lodge
Deep Devotion Abundant snow and legendary terrain have earned Alta, Utah, more than a cult following. Alta-worship is its own religion, whose pilgrims return year after year to hole up between ski days in one of the resort’s five distinct and delightfully quirky lodges — sometimes for months at a stretch. http://http://www.skinet.com/skinet/travel/article/0,26908,1674669,00.html
October 26, 2007
Fall weather coming to a close
The fall weather has been fantastic this past week but will slowly be coming to a close next week during the final days of October. Alta has seen its share of powder skiing, especially last Sunday when the parking lot was nearly full and the sun was shining. It won’t be long before winter is...