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.

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.

There are many great things to see in and around Alta, Utah and our Alta resort but one of the most amazing to visit, especially if you love the outdoors, is the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which covers most of Utah and parts of both Idaho and Wyoming. The forest is 2.1 million acres and is filled with stunning lakes, trees and views which will appeal to every outdoor enthusiast.

The forests name is derived from several different historic locations:

Uinta – The native word for “Pine Forest” or “Pine Tree”
Wasatch – An Ute Indian word meaning “low place in high mountains”
Cache – A French word referring to caves where trappers used to hide their furs

What to see near our Alta Resort: Highlights of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Park

There are several beautiful recreation areas and wilderness areas within the parks grounds. While all of them are beautiful, we recommend visiting the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area, which can be found just to the East of Salt Lake City. Originally carved by glaciation and currently remodeled by erosion, this area consists of narrow canyons and high peaks (including Twin Peaks, Superior Peak, and Dromedary Peak) that combine to form a rugged and spectacular display. Much of the higher terrain is classified as alpine and characterized by large cirque basins and exposed rocky ridges.

If you’re just looking for a stunning scenic drive, State Route 190 follows Big Cottonwood Creek along the northern boundary and separates this Wilderness from Mount Olympus Wilderness to the north. State Route 210 follows Little Cottonwood Creek along the southern boundary and stands between Twin Peaks and Lone Peak Wilderness to the south. The canyons of both these creeks are highly scenic, and you’ll find trail heads along both routes.

What to do in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Park?

The park is known for its great hiking trails (although many are considered to be quite strenuous) and beautiful cycling routes as well as:

• Fishing in the lakes
• Climbing
• Picnic areas for day outings
• Nature viewing
• Hunting

And much more!

If you’re looking for a great place to bring the family during your next trip to Utah, our Alta Resort, the Alta Peruvian Lodge, definitely recommends stopping by this stunning park. Whether you’re interested in viewing the scenery, getting some exercise or looking into doing some hunting, fishing or horseback riding excursions, the park and the surrounding areas have everything that you’re looking for. For more information on the park, visit the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Park website.

Alta Events in April

April 6^th- The Alta Gala is an annual event put on by Alta Community Enrichment, Friends of Alta and Alta Historical Society to raise money for these non-profit organizations as well as awareness of the arts, environment and history of Alta. The event goes from 6:30 to 11:00pm and costs $115 per person prior to March 23^rd. After that it is $125 per person.

April 8^th – Anyone coming to Alta for some spring skiing needs to take advantage of some of the great Alta events we having during the spring season. One of the best is the Annual Easter Egg hunt that Alta Community Enrichment puts on at the beginning of April. The event takes place at the Alta Java Area of the Albion Grill and starts at 11:00am. The event is open to kids under 12, but eggs go quickly, so make sure to get there on time!

April 6^th – April 18^th –This year, Alta will celebrate spring with “Alta in April” a week of Alta events for the whole family. These events include the Alta Gala and the Easter Egg hunt (mentioned above) and the many events listed below, and is sure to be a week full of fun for everyone doing some spring skiing in Alta this year. The April in Alta events include:

• Saturday, April 7:  Powder House Ski Shop’s Spring Demo Day which will include live music and snacks on the GMD deck (weather permitting)
• Monday, April 9:  Apres Ski Pool Party at our very own Alta Peruvian Lodge (Pool Deck, 4-6 pm)
• Tuesday, April 10:  Apres Ski at Alta’s Rustler Lodge complete with wine and appetizers (Eagle’s Nest Lounge, 4-6pm)
• Wednesday, April 11:  Apres Ski at the Shallow Shaft Restaurant featuring Epic Brewing (4-6 pm)
• Thursday, April 12:  Apres Ski at The Snowpine Lodge with ski races in the afternoon on Sunnyside as well as  beer and hotdogs at Alf’s Mid-Mountain Restaurant
• Friday, April 13:  Freaky Friday Stretchpants and Sunglasses Costumed Ski Day (there are prizes for the “best dressed” which will be drawn on the GMD deck at 3:30 pm)
• Sunday, April 15:  First Closing Day of the 2011-2012 ski season

Stay at the Alta Peruvian Lodge: A Great Headquarters for all of your Alta events!

The Alta Peruvian Lodge has been an Alta lodging staple for years, and this spring is no exception. We love spring skiing and we know you will too, so why not call our Alta Lodge staff today and book yourself a room?

Alta Events You Can’t miss in March

March 13^th – 17^th – The Subaru World Freeskiing Championships are coming to Snowbird Ski Area and spectators are encouraged (a valid lift ticket and ski equipment is necessary to access the spectator area). This is sure to be one of the many Alta events put on that are not to be missed by ski enthusiasts. Stop by and check out the great skills of some of the world’s best skiers and show your support.

March 17^th – Join Steve Young, the former San Francisco 49er as well as a group of NFL athletes and Olympians for the Steve Young Celebrity Ski Classic on March 17^th at Snowbird Ski Area, where they will be raising money for Wasatch Adaptive Sports programs. Presented by the Forever Young Foundation, Snowbird Ski Resort and American Airlines, this fundraiser is a great Alta event that combines the love of skiing with a good cause.

March 22^nd  – 23^rd – If you’re coming to Alta with your kids for some spring skiing, we highly recommend stopping by The Living Planet Aquarium for OffSpring Fling from March 22^nd to 23^rd an Alta event that’s all about baby animals! With interactive activities, hands-on games, crafts and prizes, this is certain to be a fun day for your whole family and the event is free with public aquarium admission.

March 22^nd – 25^th – The 26^th Annual ACE SnowFlake Festival & Chili Cookoff is being held from the 22^nd to 25^th of March this year, and will be four days of celebration all about the Town of Alta. One of our top Alta events, the festivities include:

• A kickoff dance party
• Mustache competition
• Snowshoe tours
• Games including: a gnome hunt, tug of war, fly casting contest, potato sack race and more
• Bingo night
• Annual chilli cookoff with prizes in both vegetarian and on-vegetarian categories

Where to stay for Alta Events – The Alta Peruvian Lodge

There are a lot of Alta events going on in March, and when you combine them with the great spring skiing we’re expecting, how can you not book a trip to an Alta lodge today? If you’re looking for a classic ski lodge with great amenities, why not try out the Alta Peruvian Lodge? We’ve been in Alta for over 60 years and we know exactly how to help you get the most out of your spring skiing trip.

Alta Events in February

February 4^th – During weekends in February in the Alta Ski Area, they’re holding Ski with a Ranger days one of their most popular Alta events where a highly trained volunteer from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation will offer kids a fun learning experience on a groomed run while discussing local history, the environment and winter ecology. The event runs on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 pm and meets at the bottom of the Cecret Chairlift.

February 14^th – What would February be without some great Valentine’s Day Alta events? On Tuesday February 14^th at Our Lady of the Snows there will be a wine, chocolate and cheese tasting starting at 7pm. The event runs till 9:30 and is put on by the Alta Community Enrichment program and costs $15.00. The even requires pre-registration so if you’re coming to town with you sweetheart this Valentine’s day why not book early to make sure you can take part in this fun Alta event?

February 18^th – 24^th – Teen Freeride Camps are on during President’s Week in the Alta Ski Area. The camps are for teens aged 13-17 and help them improve their skills and get a better understanding of Alta’s great ski conditions. Skiers are not asked to commit to a certain number of days, making this Alta event perfect for vacationers. Check-in is at 8:30 am in the Ski Adventure Center and the camp runs till 4:30. The event cots $120 a day and includes lunch (doesn’t include lift tickets).

February 24^th – 25^th – The Telluride Mountainfilm Tour is coming to Alta this February. This informative event which is held at Our Lady of the Snows at 5:30pm on the 24^th and 25^th costs $5.00 per night and showcases some of the best films of the year from the Telluride MountainFilm Fest. Tickets are available at the door, and since you’re able to bring your own food, why not make a family picnic night out of it?

We still have Alta accommodations available for February but we’re filling up fast, so make sure you book quickly and don’t miss out on any of these great events.

Ski Alta – The Town and People

Part of the appeal is the awesome powder that the Alta ski area provides ski enthusiasts. Alta is also one of the oldest ski areas in the U.S and many of the lodges (like the Alta Peruvian Lodge) retain their “traditional” ski lodge feel with their classic decor and old-world mentality. We also like to think of ourselves as one of the friendliest ski areas in the world. In Alta we love skiers and we want them to know that they’re appreciated; after all, their passion is what helps us stay in business! While many ski areas the world over end up being overrun by serious skiers and snowboarders who hit the slopes for a living, we like to think that we’ve managed to hold-on to our casual, fun atmosphere, despite Alta’s enormous growth over the last 10 years. The Alta lodges in Alta are by no means comparable to big “resort towns” with flashy nightlife and 5-star amenities. We’re traditional and to some that may mean “basic” but to us that means true to our roots. Without the distraction many resort towns offer, we’re ideal for skiers who come to Alta to do what they love: Ski.

Ski Alta – The Terrain

Alta is located in the Wasatch Mountains at the top of little Cottonwood Canyon, just 40 km east of Salt Lake City, UT. Situated next to the Snowbird Ski Resort, Alta is just 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Being easy to get to is just one of the many appeals of coming to ski Alta. In terms of terrain and ski conditions Alta has some of the best in the world. The quality and quantity of our powder is world-renowned and with over 891 hectares of skiable terrain, we know that you’ll never run out of areas to make fresh tracks. We’re also known for being an area with difficult terrain, including steeps and tree skiing, making us a great location for more experience skiers looking for a challenge, but we also have many slopes perfect for beginners and intermediates.

Ski Alta and Snowbird

Since 2002, when it became possible to access Snowbird via lifts, skiing Alta and Snowbird together opened up even more terrain for avid skiers to enjoy. The two resorts together offer 26 lifts and over 4,700 acres of terrain making it one of the largest ski areas in the United States.

The Alta Peruvian Lodge – A Classic Alta Lodge Perfect for Skiers Looking to Ski Alta

The Alta Peruvian Lodge has been an Alta lodging staple for years. We offer a rich combination of traditional ski lodge accommodations and fun atmosphere that keeps our guests coming back. If this post has interested you in trying out the great skiing in Alta, why not contact our Alta Hotel staff today.

December 31^st – On New Year’s Eve, Alta holds its traditional torchlight parade and fireworks! It follows the main cat track and is open for visitors to participate (as long as they can hold a snowplow down the whole track!). If you’re just interested in watching, the Goldminers Daughter is a good location, or you can park along the road for a good view as well. Why not visit Alta for our last seasonal event of 2011, and get the New Year started off right?

January 13^th & 14^th – Throughout weekends in January 2012 (weather permitting) Alta Ski Area hosts recreational racing which is open to anyone who wants to participate! Gold, Silver and Bronze Alta pins are awarded to winners, which are chosen based on a handicap system by age and gender. These Ski events are a great way to improve your skiing skills, and enjoy a little friendly competition while you’re visiting an Alta hotel.

January 18^th – 22^nd – The North Face Master’s of Snowboarding competition takes place in the Snowbird Ski Area this weekend and spectators are welcome! This event is a big opportunity for snowboarders with a $15,000.00 cash prize purse going to the winner. All competitors over the age of 18 are welcome, so if you want to show your skill (or just watch some great snowboarding) why not stop by and check it out? This is a ski event not to be missed if you’re in the area!

January 20^th – Are you concerned with the environment? Well if you’re staying at an Alta hotel on the 20^th why not stop by the Living Planet Aquarium in nearby Sandy, Utah where they’re celebrating National Penguin Awareness Day with everything from a penguin feeding exhibit, to a penguin themed scavenger hunt! If you show up in all black and white or a tux, your admission is free!

Gear Swap 2011, December 2 & 3 – The Annual Ace Gear Swap in Alta is a must-visit event at the beginning of the ski season. If you’re looking to upgrade your gear or simply get a great bargain you should stop by the event which shares 15% of every purchase with Alta Community Enrichment. Gear drop off takes place on December 2^nd from 3:00pm – 7:00pm while the actual sales take place on December 3^rd from 8:00am – 6:00pm. This is an extremely popular event in for guests of Alta, Ut hotels, so make sure to come by early so you don’t miss out!

Holiday Art Show & Sale, December 10 – Looking to buy some unique and local gifts for friends and family back home? Why not stop by this local event which features locally-crafted jewellery, arts and more!

Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, December 24 – A traditional holiday event here in Alta is the Snowbird Santa’s Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks. The event begins at dusk (around 6pm) with a torchlight parade down the mountain followed by a fabulous fireworks display.

The Alta hotel area is a great place to spend your holidays, but don’t wait too long to book! Our hotel is booking up quickly and space is limited. Call Alta Peruvian Lodge today for reservation details.