So yeah, that first step outside into the storm can be really tough. There is obviously some well rooted ancestral gene involved in the decision process here. Something probably like… cave warm, snow cold, stay in cave! And let’s admit it, lounging next to the fire in the cozy lodge… or cave, sippin’ hot cocoa and watching the snow pile up outside is very appealing and satisfying as well. In fact, it’s just too appealing for most. But if you can manage to escape the gravity-like pull of the ancestral gene, then you’re in for a treat.

A brief break in the storm allows the sun to peak through – Wildcat Ridge – Alta, UT

The ride up the lift during an all-out Alta snow storm is quite religious. The snow seems to pile up on you providing a warm insulating layer letting you forget about the cold. The elation of the insane powder run you just had keeps going through your mind. You make mental notes, your next run is going to be even better. Eventually your mind drifts, the hypnotizing effect of the falling snow takes over. Millions of fluffy snowflakes all seemingly evenly spaced apart and tumbling from the sky over and over and over. Everything feels familiar, comforting, and silent. Thoughts are clear, meaningful, and happy.

The mind is now free to exist in sync with the mountain. Each turn is effortless, bottomless and brand new. Snow hitting your face. You’re no longer just skiing, you’re living. The mountain has now embraced you, taken you in, you are part of the mountain this day. Mind and body shredding Alta.

As you’ll see, there are many different types and shapes of snowflakes that fall up here at Alta. So which type do you want to ski on? I think I’ll go with the light and fluffy looking snowflake… the one that looks just like the Alta Ski Resort logo.

Following up a day of skiing Alta with a few beers and friends is always fun. Skiing and beer go together like bacon and eggs. The bond is unbreakable… Skiing and beer sittin’ in a tree… K I S S I N G. Yeah, it’s that serious (Did you use your school girl voice while reading that last little bit?… ok good). Well, as anyone who has experienced Alta knows, the good times have been happening in these parts for quite some time now. So which came first, beer or skiing?

It’s hard to say when the first beer was swilled down here at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. But if you know anything about the history of Alta, you’ll know it was once a thriving silver mining town. It all started back in the mid 1800′s with the discovery of silver in the area. It didn’t take long for the word to spread and soon a town with a population of well over 1000 sprung up. It is said that at one time there were well over 20 saloons lining Alta’s main street. Word is the hippest joints of the time were called the Bucket of Blood and The Gold Miners Daughter. So I think it’s safe to say beer beat skiing to the canyon by 75 years, give or take.

Skiers didn’t show up until the earlier 1900′s. Once that happened it was only a matter of days, probably hours, until some fortunate soul slid up to their stash of powder chilled home-brew, stabbed their 20ft long wooden skis into the snow and popped open a cold one. Perhaps something magical happened that day. For the first time a skier, ridiculously light and deep Alta powder snow, sunshine, and a bottle of beer met at the top of LCC. I’d like to think that was the first bluebird day here in the canyon. And it’s been happening regularly every since. Something’s just go hand in hand, and for most, beer and après skiing is definitely one of them.

As it so happens Alta is celebrating its 75th season as a ski area and to commemorate the occasion Alta has crafted their own brew. The authentic Alta 75th Anniversary Pale Ale is “a thirst quenching, steep and deep dry hopped Pale Ale” deep in color with piney, floral and citrus aroma without the extra bitterness you’ll find in most other Pale Ale’s. It’s a good one… well done Alta!

The Alta 75th Anniversary Pale Ale is available at our own Alta Peruvian Bar. Come join us in these good times up here at the top of the world as another bluebird day is just around the corner. Cheers to friends and family, skiing, beer, and good times!

We did a survey here once and the results were as expected. 100% of our guests preferred getting hit in the face by Alta powder snow over any other powder snow.

Well it’s that time of year again. The crisp autumn mornings have arrived and the first dusting of snow has blanketed the high peaks of Alta. All the locals should have purchased their season ski passes by now. And all the wildlife is getting ready to hunker down for the winter. Now what should you do? Book your Alta ski vacation at the rustic Alta Peruvian Lodge… of course.

We’re looking forward to a great snow year and can’t wait to see all the familiar faces, the new faces, and of course, all the smiling powder faces. Here at the lodge we’ve made a few improvements over the summer including expanding the the ski shop, again. Andy and his crew now have some much needed elbow room to give your skis the best tune in the canyon, as always. This year, the ski shop will be offering Kastle, Nordica, K2 and Dynastar rental and demo skis. We’ve also made the ski locker area a little roomier for those busy powder day mornings. As well, a few other improvements to the ski lodge have been made intended for the comfort and enjoyment of our guests.

Come ski Alta with us. It’s going to be a great year! Call today (800)453-8488 or book your Alta ski vacation online here.

Alta is a quaint resort town which is surrounded by beautiful scenery and world quality skiing conditions. This is a perfect vacation spot for lovers of the outdoors with wild life spotting, hiking, mountain biking and many more activities on offer. Our friendly Alta Peruvian Lodge staff can help you discover some excellent locations that only the locals know about and also help you find transport, but in the meantime here are five stunning reasons to visit Alta.  

Five stunning reasons to visit Alta recommended by our Alta Hotel

Alta Ski Resort: Hundreds of thousands of skiers visit Alta every winter to sample some of the excellent local skiing conditions. Our annual snow fall is over 500 inches and Alta is one of the premier skiing destinations in the world. The United States Ski Team has its headquarters nearby and many talented skiers have honed their talents on the surrounding mountains.

Snowbird: Alta Ski Resort doesn’t allow snowboarding, but luckily Snowbird does and is just minutes away. It is of equal quality and there are also several package deals available for both mountains.

The Sundance Film Festival: This is the largest independent film festival in America and brings many celebrities to the area, some of whom purchase properties and return annually.  Directors including Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh and Kevin Smith have received their big breaks from the festival. The event is held in January annually and is the perfect time to visit for any movie fan or celebrity spotter.

Albion Basin: Some of the most beautiful scenery Utah has to offer is located on the Albion Basin Trail. This is a great camping spot and there is always plenty of wildlife to be seen in the area. A range of mountain biking and hiking trails are also available for a variety of skill levels.

Alta Memorial Grove: About 1.5km up the Albion Basin Road is this lovely minimalistic monument with a vast view of the surrounding valley. It is the perfect spot for some reflection and tranquility while enjoying your stay in Alta, Utah.

Visiting Alta? Why not stay with our Alta hotel

We have all the amenities and services to make your stay as relaxing as possible. The Alta Peruvian Lodge was built in 1948 and offers ski rental, transport and ski lift tickets. Check our website for more information on lessons, trail maps and more. The Alta Peruvian Lodge also has delicious dining options and a hot tub for some much-needed relaxation after a day of hectic outdoor exploration.