Alta Chalets Blog

Escaping to the mountains for a winter ski getaway may be the most popular thing to do in Alta, Utah—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do during the other seasons, too!   One of the most popular outdoor activities you can’t miss when visiting Alta during the summer and fall is exploring Cecret Lake. Here’s everything you need to know about this fun, scenic destination!  Where is Cecret Lake? ...

Working remotely never skied so good. We can all agree this year–and this winter–looks very different than what we’re used to, and there are many things we miss.  But, there are also many things we can find. Like weekday powder turns under Utah’s clear blue skies, all while holding down a big-city job. Or sending your kids to a half-day of ski school in lieu of recess. Because, thanks to...

Our favorite Salt Lake area breweries and distilleries. After a steady daily diet of powder, sunshine, and joy on the slopes of the Wasatch, Alta Chalets guests may not realize how many excellent options they have for washing it all down. Despite a history of pious teetotaling that once gave Utah a dry reputation, the state is now home to dozens of fantastic microbreweries and distilleries, about 30 of which...

Your ski sanctuary: staying pandemic-safe in a private vacation rental. 2020 may have pressed the pause button on many things, but, with a little strategic decision-making, your ski vacation doesn’t have to be one of them. If you find a way to skip the crowded day-lodges, lunch lines, and hotels, you’ve cracked the code. The solution: staying in a peaceful vacation rental with just your family—and a kitchen, complete with...

The Flagstaff and the Baldy Photohaus have a fantastic location, just across the street from the Alta Ski Area. If you are familiar with Alta, these two units are just across the street from the Alta Lodge. So in the morning, you have two options to get to Alta. You can either jump on the Free Alta Resort Shuttle or ski down. The Resort Shuttle stops right by the house...

What is a caretaker? Alta receives over 500 inches of snow per year and there are from time to time road closures due to avalanche danger. Due to this unique environment, caretakers are an integral part of the town of Alta. The jobs of the caretakers are as follows: Shovel snow to allow for access in and out of the house Work with snow removal to insure that driveways are...

Once you are at Alta and Snowbird, there is no need for a vehicle. There are very easy ways to get around the ski areas, during the day or in the evening. Free Day Alta Resort Shuttle (Within Alta along Bypass Road during daytime hours) The Alta Free Resort Shuttle runs continually during the daytime (8:30am to 5:00pm) from mid-December (12/17/21) until to mid-April (4/10/22). This shuttle stops at all...

Many times I will answer a reservation call and a client will tell me they want to stay at Alta and not at Snowbird. Whenever I receive this question, it is an indication to me that the person has probably never visited our area. So, if you are already familiar with Alta and Snowbird, skip this post otherwise read on for my spiel. 1. Yes, the Alta Ski Area and...

Alta is a historic, skier-only mountain with deep powder and a welcoming culture that makes it an iconic and beginner friendly place to learn to ski.

This guide highlights the best spots to enjoy drinks in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon, from slope-side bars to scenic patios at Alta and Snowbird.

The View Condominiums are ski in/ski out to Snowbird – arguably the best ski in/ski out there is to Snowbird. You don’t need to be an expert skier but, you do need to be an intermediate skier to be able to take advantage of this access. So, how do you ski to Snowbird? The View is located at the very end of Blackjack Road. The trail to Snowbird starts at...

This guide breaks down Alta and Snowbird lift ticket options, pricing, and access so you can choose the best pass and ski Little Cottonwood Canyon with confidence.

You typically don’t need a car at Alta or Snowbird thanks to shuttles and walkable lodging, but families, off-season visitors, or those wanting to explore Salt Lake City may benefit from renting one.

Interlodge is a safety pause in Little Cottonwood Canyon that keeps everyone indoors during high avalanche danger and usually leads to an incredible powder day once the storm clears.

This guide breaks down ski-in/ski-out rental options in Alta and Snowbird to help you choose the best lodging for your Utah ski trip.

How do I get from the Peruvian Acres private homes to Alta and Snowbird? The Peruvian Acres private homes are located very close to where the Bypass Road rejoins the State Highway 210 (the main road), below the Alta Peruvian Lodge. The Nicholson Chalet, the Black Bear Chalet and the Fort House are on the upper side of these neighborhoods and The Cabin and The Manley Cabin are on the...

COVID 19 UPDATES To stay up to date with what is happening with COVID-19 in the area, please visit Salt Lake County’s website.   In addition, you can also visit the Alta Ski Area COVID page and the Snowbird Ski Area COVID page. Alta Chalets takes the safety of our staff and guests seriously.  We are continuing to monitor the latest health and safety recommendations and make adjustments as necessary and/or...

A frequently asked question at Alta is “Who took that famous photo of the late Alf Engen jumping over the road, with Mount Superior in the background?” The answer…Tom Plofchan, who has played an important part of Alta’s storied history since the late 1950s. Tom is the owner/proprietor of the Photohaus, across the road from the Alta Lodge and next to the Shallow-Shaft restaurant. He built the building in the...

Elevate your Alta ski trip with a private chef who delivers customized, gourmet in-home dining that brings comfort, convenience, and unforgettable mountain hospitality to your stay.

How do I get from the Powder Ridge to Alta? The Powder Ridge properties are the only true Alta ski in/ski out condominiums. From the Powder Ridge driveway, you can ski across a very short cat track to access the Wildcat/Collins base area (please see Aerial Overview video at the bottom – look for “Wildcat Access” on the video – it isn’t marked at the resort area). At the end...

How do I get from the Superior Point Condominiums to Alta and Snowbird? Superior Point Condominiums are located just above the Wasatch Powderbird Heliport right along the Bypass Road, above the Cliff Lodge and Snowbird Center. The Bypass Road starts at Snowbird Entry Four and follows the curve of the mountain on up to Alta. Although technically located in the Town of Alta, these condominiums are physically closer to Snowbird....