Alta Chalets Blog

Some days just call for a picnic. A packed cooler, a cozy blanket, and a spot with mountain views? That’s our kind of afternoon. Here in Utah, Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons are two of the best spots around Salt Lake City to plan a laid-back outdoor meal. While Little Cottonwood Canyon doesn’t have traditional picnic areas (think firepits and pavilions), there are still plenty of places to spread out...

Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City offers climbers iconic trad routes, boulders, and ice climbs on world-class granite with a rich climbing history.

Tucked high in the Wasatch Mountains at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Albion Basin, is where nature puts on a show. Just minutes from Alta Chalets and an easy drive from Salt Lake City, this alpine spot is known for its summer wildflowers, stunning views, and outdoor adventures all year long. From peaceful hikes and mountain bike rides to powder-filled ski days, Albion Basin offers something for every kind...

When planning a romantic escape, couples often seek a destination with spectacular scenery, cozy settings, and plenty of activities to enjoy together. Alta, located within Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon, checks all these boxes. This charming mountain town offers peace, privacy, and plenty of adventure, making it an ideal backdrop for couples seeking quality time together. Whether skiing hand-in-hand through fresh powder in winter or strolling among colorful wildflowers in summer,...

Alta isn’t just another ski resort; it’s a powder skier’s dream. It’s a place where the fresh snow piles up deep, the runs stay fresh, and the stories of epic ski days never stop. With an average annual snowfall of around 545 inches, it’s no wonder this Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah spot consistently ranks as one of North America’s top ski destinations. If you’re planning a trip and wondering...

If you’re seeking an adventure that combines breathtaking views, a touch of challenge, and the reward of a beautiful waterfall and gorgeous views, the Bell Canyon Trail in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a must-explore. Located in the Salt Lake Valley and only a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, this trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a...

Camping around Salt Lake City offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty—all without having to trek to super-rural wilderness areas. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat in nature or an action-packed weekend with family and friends, the campgrounds around Salt Lake City have something for everyone. While camping around Salt Lake City offers an incredible way to connect with nature, we understand that sometimes you want to...

Are you looking for the best Utah rock climbing spots? If you’re an avid rock climber or simply seeking an exhilarating outdoor experience, Utah’s rugged landscapes offer endless climbing opportunities. From world-renowned destinations like Moab and Zion National Park to hidden gems in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah’s climbing spots cater to all skill levels.  At Alta Chalets, we’re all about creating unforgettable vacation experiences. No matter your climbing style or...

Something magical happens in Utah when summertime comes around.  The earth wakes up, wildlife emerges from their winter homes, and wildflowers bloom in endless colors across the landscape.  The allure of Utah’s breathtaking landscapes, especially this time of year, attracts locals and tourists alike. From towering snow-capped peaks to pristine alpine lakes, our state offers a wealth of summer hiking opportunities that cater to adventurers of all skill levels. In...

As the snow melts and vibrant spring colors emerge in Utah’s majestic Wasatch Mountains, a thrilling adventure awaits atop Hidden Peak. While winter in Utah typically steals the spotlight with its powdery slopes, spring and summer unveil a new world of beauty waiting to be explored. And one of the best ways to explore is by taking the Snowbird Tram! The scenic aerial tram is more than just transportation for...

Utah’s diverse landscapes, ranging from alpine meadows to desert canyons, offer a stunning array of wildflowers. Here are 10 of the most common and captivating wildflowers you can find in Utah from Salt Lake City across Northern Utah. 1. Heartleaf Arnica Heartleaf Arnica is a delicate wildflower that stands less than 12 inches tall. It’s characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers, which are approximately two inches in...

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, Snowbird Utah becomes a prime destination for summertime adventures. Visitors will find a wide array of summer activities, including the Alpine Slide, mountain biking, and some of the most incredible hiking Utah has to offer. Get your heart pumping on the Mountain coaster or help the kiddos conquer the mini ropes course and build lasting family memories. Whatever you decide to do, the...

Imagine a destination where the majesty of the Wasatch Mountain peaks serves as a backdrop to your dining adventures! While we offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury at Alta Chalets with food stocking, gourmet kitchens, and private chef services, there are some compelling reasons to venture out and explore the local resort restaurants in Alta and Snowbird.  The Alta and Snowbird ski towns boast a treasure trove of culinary...

Nestled within the majestic Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Snowbird stands as a true winter paradise for skiers, snowboarders, and off-slope adventurers. The Snowbird Resort area is located just 27 miles from the bustling heart of Salt Lake City along Utah Highway 210, more commonly known as Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drive.  With over 500 inches of snow and 60 avalanche paths, Little Cottonwood Canyon Drive is considered one of the...

As summer bows gracefully to the crisp embrace of autumn, there’s a reason nature enthusiasts and leaf peepers across the globe turn their gaze toward the Beehive State. Utah is known for its breathtaking natural beauty which transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors in autumn, setting the stage for unforgettable adventures and fall foliage experiences.  There are endless ways to experience fall colors in Utah. Explore any of the...

Whether you need to soothe your ski legs after a day on the slopes or are simply seeking the simpler pleasures in life, the Cliff Spa at Snowbird is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate during your stay with Alta Chalets in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon.  Perched slopeside on the 9th and 10th floors of the Cliff Lodge, the Cliff Spa at Snowbird features 21 treatment rooms, a fitness...

Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons are known for their world-class ski resorts with the “Greatest Snow on Earth” and some of the steepest inbound runs in America, but what lies beneath the powder stashes of Alta-Snowbird is equally appealing!  Some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in Utah’s Wasatch Front begin right here in the higher reaches of the Little Cottonwood Canyon. Spring thaw and mud season begins around mid-May...

Situated high in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, the Alta Ski Area is simply awe-inspiring in any season! As the snow melts, powder hounds trade their skis for hiking boots and mountain bikes to venture out on the trails, plan fly fishing trips along the rivers, mountain climb the jagged peaks, and enjoy world-class golf on some of the most scenic high-elevation golf courses in the nation.  Whether you’re a golfing family...

There’s more to Snowbird Utah than 2,500 acres of world-class ski slopes boasting the greatest snow on Earth. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is one of Utah’s best destinations for summer fun!  Situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah’s scenic Wasatch Mountains, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort offers alpine adventures in all four seasons. Alta and Snowbird’s laid-back ski culture, iconic snow conditions, and diverse inbound and...

The town of Alta and the world-renowned Alta Ski Area are located at the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah’s scenic Wasatch Mountain range. Alta is less than 30 miles from downtown Salt Lake City and accessible only on a single stretch of road – Utah’s Scenic Highway 210, aka Little Cottonwood Canyon. Scenic Highway 210 is a glacier-carved corridor that winds up through the Little Cottonwood Canyon...

Situated at an elevation of 9,500 feet at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Albion Basin sits above the Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Resort and is one of the most spectacular and renowned destinations in the Wasatch Mountains (and the US!) for wildflower Alta viewing.  The wildflower season in Albion Basin is world-famous and draws thousands of visitors to the summer slopes of the Alta Ski Area and Snowbird...

The Alta Ski Area near Salt Lake City is known for its authentic ski experiences with world-famous ski slopes, an old school ski town, and spectacular alpine scenery high in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. From a bygone era of silver mines, saloons and ski pioneers to a bucket-list destination for year-round outdoor recreation, here’s 10 things you likely didn’t know about Alta, Utah – and endless reasons to add...

The town of Alta sits at an elevation of 8,530 feet at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, an alpine splendor only 25 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. One of the highest cities in Utah and the US, Alta is world-famous for the greatest snow on earth, alpine adventures, and a laid back way of life that makes Alta unique to other US ski resorts. ...

The town of Alta is nestled in the beautiful Wasatch Mountain only 28 miles from Salt Lake City. Surrounded by towering peaks, steep walled canyons, granite cliffs, secluded trails for hiking and biking, and miles of creeks, streams and high-altitude alpine lakes, Alta is near to some of the top fishing spots in Utah and the Wasatch Mountains. Alta is renowned for its world-class skiing and perfect powder, but the...