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.

So why don’t a dog’s paws seem to get cold in the snow? They’ve got built in paw warmers. A dogs paws don’t freeze in the snow thanks to special veins in their paw pads that circulate warm blood more effectively. Now you know.

Check out some photos and this short video of a simulated rescue.

VIDEO – Simulated avalanche burial rescue in the Alta backcountry

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 wonderful holiday destination because there are a variety of activities available during each season of the year. Although we may be famous for our world class snow conditions, there is also great rock climbing facilities in the area, which are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Utah Mountain Adventures are highly recommended for their climbing activities and they are known for their safe, professional and fun service. Read below for some more information on Alta mountain climbing.

What Alta mountain climbing activities are available during your Alta vacation?

Utah Mountain Adventures offer exciting Alta mountain climbing along the Wasatch range, where you can access Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood, Mt Olympus, Bell’s Canyon and more. Their professional guides know the routes extremely well and have years of experience with rock climbing. Safety is their number one concern and they won’t take you anywhere that you don’t feel comfortable. The team can teach you the latest techniques as well as showing you points of interest along the way and there are some amazing views that you don’t want to miss. Classes include clinics for teens, corporate events and a variety of other courses. There is a rock climbing course available for beginners that teaches many of the basics including how to recognize hazards, how to move on rocks and how to use the technical gear safely. For more experienced climbers, you can take on the MT Superior Classic Alpine Climb. This trip takes you 3000 feat in the air and offers outstanding views.

Many classes are also available in winter too! You can try using your crampons and ice tools to cover dazzling frozen waterfalls and learn effective methods of scaling snow covered mountains.

Looking for the perfect Alta vacation? Book your stay with our Alta resort, the Alta Peruvian Lodge

For many locals and visitors, we are their chosen Alta ski lodge and our excellent accommodation has earned us an outstanding reputation. We have a variety of beautifully designed rooms as well as delicious in-house dining which includes a bountiful morning buffet. Our beautiful mountain backdrops and professional catering facilities also make us a favorite for couples looking for the perfect Alta wedding. Check out our Alta blog for more interesting articles with Alta activities, Alta events, Alta history and more. Contact Alta Peruvian when you are ready to book a wonderful Alta vacation.

Summer is sadly ending, but the upcoming fall season is a beautiful time to experience Alta’s amazing outdoors and explore some of the wonderful hiking trails in the area. There are dozens to choose from for a variety of skill levels and many are only a few minutes from our Alta resort. While taking a hike, you may also spot some of our local wildlife including moose, coyotes, deer, fox, eagles, and more.

During your Alta vacation, try some of these Alta hiking trails recommended by our Alta resort

Collins Gulch to Germania Pass: This track is 2.5 miles each way so make sure to prepare yourself with water and appropriate clothing before you leave. Set off from the parking lot in Goldminer’s Daughter/Wildcat Base on the south side of Highway 210 to access this service road/trail. The walk takes you through beautiful valleys with mild hills and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.

Cardiff Pass: Looking for stunning Alta views? This trail is the perfect choice. The steep hike climbs along the ridge opposite the Alta ski area and you’ll see many amazing views along the way. Distance is one mile each way and parking is located on the north side of Highway 210 by the U.S. Forest Service Garage.

Lower Albion Meadows Interpretive Trail: This half a mile walk can be accessed from the Albion Base parking lot and will take you on a relaxed trail with signs discussing the history, wildlife and geography of Alta.

Cecret Lake Interpretive Trail: Walk along Cecret Lake and take this moderately steep track which includes informative signs that have information about geology, hydrology, animal and plant life in Albion Basin.

Catherine’s Pass: Park your vehicle in Sunnyside parking area and then enjoy this 1 mile Alta hiking trail. Highlights include magnificent views of Albion Basin, Big Cottonwood Canyon and access to Lake Catherine.

Germania Pass via East Greeley: This trail is for more experienced hikers and is 2.5 miles each way. You follow an old mining road which goes through lush meadows and takes you to an elevation of 1300ft.

For more information including a detailed map, visit Discover Alta.

Coming for an Alta vacation? Our Alta resort is an excellent option

Guests who stay with the Alta Peruvian get to enjoy rustic charm coupled with modern amenities such as our pool and hot tub. The mountain is located right outside our front door and many of our guests return every year to experience the traditional Alta resort experience. Our friendly staff can recommend you many great Alta hiking trails and we have an exceptional reputation for comfort, service and style. Book your stay at our Alta ski lodge now and you won’t regret it!

No matter which season you decide to visit Alta, there are always plenty of great activities for both tourists and visitors alike! Come enjoy our vibrant local culture and see why so many people choose Alta as their favourite vacation destination. On Saturday September 8, the Alta Peruvian Lodge is hosting the exciting downhill dash at 4pm. Read below for more information on why you should attend this event!

Our Utah vacation accommodation suggests the 8-K Downhill Dash and Barbecue Bash

This event starts at the Alta Peruvian Lodge at 4pm and is a benefit for the Utah Museum of Natural History. Racers will compete to sprint as fast as they can down the nearby Alta hills. Prizes include up to $200.00 in cash, a dynamite T-shirt, a fantastic BBQ and after race relaxation in our hot tub. The top finishers in each age division over 18 will receive from the Fabulous Alta Peruvian Lodge the following: First Place – overnight lodging and $200, Second Place – Dinner certificate and $100, Third Place – breakfast certificate and $50. The top three winners in each age division 18 and under will receive dinner and breakfast certificates. Additionally, there will be random prizes for each runner.

Fees are as follows – $28 (postmarked before August 4, 2012), $30.00 – (postmarked before September 1, 2012); $35.00 – Thereafter. Fees for non-runners partaking in the BBQ are $12.00 each. Please send all registrations by September 6, 5pm. You may register with a credit card online on the Alta Peruvian Website. You may also register for the race by mail by simply filling out the information below, include your entry fee, and mail it to ALTA PERUVIAN LODGE 8K RACE,  P.O. Box 8017, Alta, UT 84092.  Please make checks payable to “Alta Peruvian Lodge Downhill Dash”. Contact Todd at the Alta Peruvian Lodge on 801-328-8589 (Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m) or by email at dash@altaperuvian.com for more information.

Looking for Utah vacation accommodation? Stay in beautiful Alta with the Alta Peruvian Lodge

The Alta Peruvian Lodge has hundreds of satisfied customers, many of whom are repeat visitors. We are actively involved in our community and our staff can recommend many other exciting events like the 8-K Downhill Dash and Barbecue Bash. Choose us as your Utah vacation accommodation and you won’t regret it. Visit our website for more information on our beautiful lodge and room rates.

During Alta’s warmer climates, there’s no better way to experience the great outdoors than to go mountain biking! There are plenty of great spots around and Alta is well known for its excellent biking conditions. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, there is a course for any skill level and you will experience a thrill like none other. You may even spot some of our unique wildlife in their natural habitat! Our Alta Lodge, the Alta Peruvian highly recommends mountain biking next time you visit for your Alta vacation.

Our Alta lodge suggests you try mountain biking during your Alta vacation.

The Albion Basin is a great location up in the mountains with trails also frequented by hikers and horse riders. It is part of the Alta ski area and located at the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon. Take one of the smooth dirt trails with a scenic view of the surrounding mountains and bring a picnic with you when it’s time for lunch. Explore the surrounding areas and you will truly experience Alta’s beautiful outdoors in all of their natural beauty.

Another popular trail is the Wasatch Crest Trail which takes you through the vast forest scenery. This 20 mile section runs through the Great Western Trail, which is 3000 miles in total! Other recommended biking routes are the Mueller Park Trail, Old Ephraim’s Grave Trail, Ridge Trail 157 and Beaver Creek Trail. There are literally hundreds of options for the keen biker.

Remember when you are biking to bring enough water and food, always tell someone where you are going and wear a helmet. Stay on path and help to protect our beautiful natural vegetation.

Coming for an Alta Vacation? Stay with our Alta Lodge, the Alta Peruvian!

If you’re coming to visit Alta, summer is a great time to experience the great outdoors and see what our region has to offer. The Alta Peruvian lodge is a stylish and comfortable resort and the perfect way to relax after spending the day exploring. Unwind in one of our two lavish hot tubs or grab a drink at the Alta Peruvian Bar. Read about our upscale rooms, helpful amenities and  more on the Alta Peruvian website.

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.