Alta ski resort just opened for the season and they are already swimming in powder. If you’ve heard of the legend of Alta, it lives up to it and is in my Top 5 for resorts you need to ski before you die. If you’re a serious skier or want to become one, you need to ski Alta this season.
Getting to Alta
Fly in to Salt Lake airport, you can fly in the morning and ski in the afternoon which is exactly what I did. I love skiing Utah because of the ease of travel, so many flights to SLC, so easy to get from the airport to the resorts. I have rented SUV’s and had the nice young men at the rental car companies pack my car for me and refuse tips. Hard for someone from New York to understand.
Ski Butlers came to Alta Lodge when I landed to set me up with some sweet powder skis. I always fly with my own boots, I’ve had them custom fitted to my feet and most importantly they have battery warmers. But renting skis when you land makes a ton of sense, and if you can get a cute boy to bring them to you, well then why wouldn’t you?
Where to Stay
Alta has five lodges each with their own distinct personality. All are slopeside and include breakfast and dinner included in the room rate. I stayed at Alta Lodge and fell in love with the laid back 1970’s vibe. It’s not the musty “this room hasn’t been recarpeted since 1970” feel. It’s more like you really are in the 1970’s, wood paneling, groovy chairs, serious skiers and a great bar upstairs. It’s called the “Sitzmark Club” which is supposedly the imprint you make when you fall. From Ski Magazine 2012:
“America’s most venerable ski-hotel bar has lured the powder-sated to its unpretentious slopeside environs since 1939. While Alta Lodge has modernized around it, the Sitzmark’s wood-burning fireplace, slopeview windows and “pit” bar… nestle untouched by time. Fair Isle sweaters, ski boots, Sitz Party Margs and beer? You bet.”
The Sitz Marg – as art
Mostly naked dude outside of bar – free entertainment
Alta Lodge has a few indoor hot tubs so bring your swimsuit, they will give a robe at the front desk if you ask. But if your friend asks, you might end up with a baby robe. Thanks Karin. Other reasons to love Alta Lodge, no televisions in the rooms, but they do have wi-fi.
The Powder
Skiers have been coming to Alta for generations for the epic powder, and it does not disappoint. The day I skied Alta last March the snow was so deep and the wind blowing so wildly I was actually skiing uphill at one point and did not realize it. Yes, I was sober. We skied with an instructor thank goodness. If you aren’t familiar with Alta, I highly recommend booking a lesson regardless of your ability level, you’ll enjoy the mountain so much more with some great guidance.
Alta Lodge offers women’s ski camps that group you with other women skiing at your level, you don’t have to be and advanced skier to join. Lodging, lift tickets, rentals and all the instruction is included, upcoming dates are:
January 19-23, 2017
March 5-9, 2017
March 12-16, 2017
January rates:
$2,819 per person, double occupancy, standard room
$3,484 single occupancy, standard room
March rates:
$2,760 per person, double occupancy, standard room
$3,366 occupancy, standard room
If you are interested in booking, click here. I haven’t tried their ski camps, but I can tell you that skiing with other women is the best, Nicole and I have been skiing together and working on our Ski Moms guide to give you all the best advice for getting on the slopes.
If piles of deep powder aren’t enough for you and you’re looking for a more epic mountain adventure, Alta offers Backcountry Adventures. These are on the top of my wish list for my 2017 ski season. They have cat skiing, you’ll get in 5 runs, you can backcountry ski, or my big dream, heli ski. Click here for more info.
Thinking of giving skiing as a Christmas gift? I totally think you should….and this package is amazing.
The Alta Lodge Ski Week
When was the last time you took a one-week ski vacation? A full week of skiing in Alta is a vacation you will long remember. Relax, settle into the comforts of the Lodge and get to know Alta like a local—ski, eat, sleep, repeat. Planning your dream ski vacation couldn’t get any easier—book your flights, pack your bags, and leave the rest to us. Our ski week package includes lodging, full breakfast, and dinner as well as lunch at the Lodge, round-trip airport shuttle, lift tickets and a high-end demo ski package. Truly an effortless way to “live the dream.”
Alta Lodge Ski Week Includes:
7 nights lodging
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
6 days of lift tickets for Alta (AltaSnowbird upgrade extra)
6 days high end demo ski package with skis, boots and poles
round trip airport shuttle
all taxes, and service charge on lodging and meals
Rates:
$2,924 per person, double occupancy, standard room, regular season
$4,066 single occupancy, standard room, regular season
Other room types and seasons are available at different rate.
I was hosted by SkiUtah last march as part of a Ski Moms press trip. They did not request any specific coverage, just for my opinion on my experiences. They were epic.
