Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Alta

Alta Ski Resort in Utah is one of the few left in the States that is SKI-ONLY!!  Similar to Deer Valley: no snowboarders are allowed here.  Which makes it a great destination for hard-core skiers, or families with kids learning to ski ~ as you won’t need to worry about boarders rushing past you on the slopes.  Some say the snow is better in Alta without the boarders, as there’s less carving happening, which preserves the powder.  To get your family close to all that action, here are the “Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Alta!”

Alta is for SKIERS ONLY: no boarders allowed. The terrain here is pretty hard-core…though there’s an area tucked away for beginners.

At Alta, you’ve got 25% beginner runs, 40% intermediate, & 35% advanced. That said, Alta is really an advanced skier’s paradise: known for its deep, steep powder ~ & black runs are everywhere, even at the base of the mountain. If you’re skiing with beginners, stick to the left side of the mountain, by Albion Base (otherwise you can really get into trouble).

 

The two hotels closest to the “easier” side of the mountain are Snowpine Lodge & Alta’s Rustler Lodge.

Notice that ALL green runs are concentrated on the left side of the mountain. Snowpine Lodge & Alta’s Rustler Lodge are closest to this side of the mountain.

Overview of Alta Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels

None of the hotels in Alta are true five-star, luxury properties.  For that: hop over to Deer Valley.  But all four of Alta’s ski-in/ski-out hotels are cozy & comfortable with great ski amenities: it’s hard to go wrong at any of them.  Because of this, it’s important to choose a hotel by the type of slopes you want to ski (i.e. green, blue, or black). 

Hotels below are listed in order from left to right on the mountain, moving from the easier Albion Base (on the left), to more challenging Wildcat Base (on the right).

Alta’s ski area, as seen in the summertime,

• Snowpine Lodge ($359+/night) = BEST VALUE & BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Snowpine is the closest ski-in/ski-out hotel to GREEN runs at Alta ~ so if you’re with beginners, this is your best choice. It’s also one of the most-reasonably priced hotels in Alta. 
• Alta’s Rustler Lodge ($500+/night) = BEST FOR FAMILIES: Right next to Snowpine Lodge, this is another great choice for those with beginner & intermediate skiers ~ just hop on the Rustler Lift (steps from the Lodge) to Transfer Tow…then head either to greens on the left, or more difficult terrain to the right & up higher.  Food is included in your stay here!
• Alta Lodge ($550+/night) = BEST OVERALL + FOR ALL LEVELS: You can still get to greens here via the Transfer Tow ~ or hop on Schuss Gulley Lift, which takes you up to blues & blacks.  While this a great choice for experienced skiers, they also have a popular Kid’s Club that handles lessons & lunch…so another great choice for families!  Plus food is included in the price here…
• Alta Peruvian Lodge ($379+/night) = BEST FOR HARD-CORE SKIERS: Because it sits at the base of Wildcat Lift, which leads only to blacks & blues, Peruvian is ideal for advanced skiers. There’s an old-school feel here that attracts a lot of repeat visitors….so if that’s your style, this is your spot.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Alta

1. **Snowpine Lodge ($359+) = Best Value & Great for Beginner Skiers

Built back in 1938, Snowpine Lodge is one of the most historic hotels in Alta.  In terms of accommodations, you’ve got everything from dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms (great on a budget), to more elegant rooms with flat-screen TV’s & lux bedding.  Amenities include hot tubs with slope views, an outdoor pool, spa treatments, heated ski storage, & a modern restaurant with full breakfast & dinner.  Cozy lounges are sprinkled throughout the hotel with libraries, wood ceilings, & great fireplaces to relax by with a nice hot toddy.

Closest Ski Lift: Grizzly Tow (to Transfer Tram)

Snowpine Lodge offers one of the best values in terms of comfort for the price. And you can see how close it is to the lift! Photo by Snowpine Lodge.

Modern, comfortable rooms. Photo by Snowpine Lodge.

Snowpine’s heated outdoor pool with slope views. Photo by Resort Pass.

Sip on a Spanish coffee in the cozy Gulch Bar…Photo by Snowpine Lodge.

“Perfect ski hotel! Snowpine Lodge is simply amazing. Views from the room, service, restaurant, & everything else ~ I have nothing bad to say. Snowpine is the gold-standard for all other ski hotels. The value here cannot be beat.

 

My wife & I can’t wait to come back!”

 

– A Client from Los Angeles

2. Alta’s Rustler Lodge ($500+) = Best for Families

Located right next to Snowpine is Alta’s Rustler Lodge, which was established 75+ years ago ~ making it another historic place to stay.  Rooms are perfectly comfortable, though not five-star luxury, & many have great mountain views.  Breakfast & dinner are included in your stay, & the food wins rave reviews.  After a day of skiing powder: relax in their heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, or slip into their Eucalyptus steam room.  Their Rustler Lodge dining room offers hearty American-style fare with epic mountain views, & Eagle’s Nest Club is a great spot to grab a drink.

Closest Ski Lift: Rustler Lift (to Transfer Tram)

Alta’s Rustler Lodge includes breakfast & dinner in the price of your stay!

Warm & cozy ski apres-vibes. Photo by Alta’s Rustler Lodge.

“Our family of four (including 2 teenage boys) have stayed at the Rustler many times, & each visit has been wonderful. The ski-in/ski-out location has amazing skiing, warm & capable staff, delicious meals, many returning guests, & relaxing ambience ~ which all create an unbeatable winter vacation every time.”

 

– Julia C.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Alta

3. Alta Lodge ($550+) = Best for All Levels + Kid’s Club!

Even though Alta Lodge is the priciest hotel on the list, there are NO TV’S in the rooms!!!  I’m stating this right up-front, because I know that may be a deal-breaker for some.  On the plus side: there are whirlpools & hot tubs with killer mountain views, a sauna, sundeck, Kid’s Club (great for families), a good bar & restaurant.  Breakfast is FREE here, & a 4-course dinner is also included in your stay!  And for those on a budget, Alta offers dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms, that are much cheaper than standard rooms.  If you don’t want that, make sure to reqeust a Standard Room, or my favorite: the Corner Room with Fireplace & Balcony.

Closest Ski Lifts: Lodge Tow to Schuss Gulley & Wildcat

Alta Lodge is just steps away from the “Lodge Tow.” Photo by Trip Advisor.

Many rooms at Alta Lodge feature beautiful slope views. Photo by Alta Lodge.

Slip into one of their hot tubs post-slopes…

– A Client from Beaverton, Oregon

4. Alta Peruvian Lodge ($379+) = Best for Advanced Skiers

Alta Peruvian Lodge sits at the far edge of Alta ski resort, making it a five-minute walk to the slopes/Wildcat Lift.  Is this a true ski-in/ski-out hotel then..??  Their repeat clientele would undoubtedly say “yes” ~ but if you’re traveling with kids & want a more seamless experience: another hotel would be better.  But if you’re planning to ski Alta and Snowbird ~ the Peruvian Lodge is your best bet, as it sits right between the two.  Rooms have NO TV’S, & the overall feel is rustic & woodsy.  But there’s a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, & sauna to relax in post-slopes, plus a relaxed bar & restaurant.

Closest Ski Lift: Wildcat Lift

Alta Peruvian Lodge attracts repeat customers year after year. Photo by Trip Advisor.

The Peruvian’s restaurant has great slope & poolside views.

“If you’re looking for glitz & shopping: keep looking. If you’re looking for world-class skiing & a friendly, 60’s-style ski-in/ski-out lodge, this is #1 in North America. I absolutely love the old lodge feel, & clientele are the most interesting customers who’ve been coming back for decades.

 

I make sure I get to the Peruvian every year!”

 

– A Client from Boulder, Colorado

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Alta

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