|
|
|
Overview
 The Alta Lodge is most revered for its traditionalism. In operation for more than 60 years, not many things have changed at Alta since the days when it was a colorful mining town. Skiers of all levels and ages still enjoy a wide variety of terrain on the mountain and a relaxing experience back at the lodge, bringing them back year after year.
By the mid-19th century, Alta was a silver-mining boomtown, boasting a population of close to 5,000.With 26 bars lining the area’s main street during this period, the town of Alta developed quite a personality. However, after a series of natural disasters, such as fire and avalanche, Alta’s population had dwindled to one by the 1930s. George Watson elected himself mayor and in 1938 deeded 1800 acres to the Forest Service for a ski resort. On January 15, 1939, the second chair lift in the United States carried 350 skiers up Collins Hill for 25-cents a ride--$1.50 for a full day pass.
 Today Alta offers 13 lodging properties. The Immediate base area provides a housing capacity of approximately 1,136, ranging from dormitory to deluxe. Lodging is individually owned and managed. In addition, Alta provides 10 restaurants and four ski rental shops. Base elevation is 8,350 feet, peaking at 10,550 feet. Most importantly, Alta offers 2,200 acres of skiable terrain, with runs suitable for first-timers as well as the experts. Moreover, the average temperature is 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity at less than 10-percent, which keeps the snow light and dry. Alta is known for its great powder, with an average snowfall of 500 inches per year.
 Alta offers a unique skiing experience, as the number of skiers in the area is limited, and snowboarding is prohibited (snowboarders can hit the slopes at Snowbird mountain, located just down the road). Limiting the number of skiers usually occurs during holiday periods. Nevertheless, it is no secret that Alta caters more toward the traditional skier, as opposed to the vacationer. There is nothing fancy at this resort, no superfluous amenities, just steep, deep and cheap skiing.
Beginner and intermediate skiers can access Alta via the Albion, Sunnyside and Cecret (pronounced secret) lifts. The triple chair Sunnyside services a mile long beginner run, known as Crooked Mile. Above this beginner area skiers can ride the Sugarloaf triple chair, which also accesses beginner and intermediate terrain.
 From Sugarloaf, skiers are able to cut back to the Supreme lift or access the front side of Alta. From the top one can enjoy a panoramic view of Alta and Herber Valley. Down the mountain are several challenging intermediate and advanced runs such as So Long, Big Dipper and #9 Express.
On the front side of Alta are the Wildcat and Collins lifts, which carry visitors to the top of a variety of intermediate and advanced runs. From the top of Collins one can access the Germania lift in addition to intermediate and advanced terrain. Aggies Alley, the Meadow and Corkscrew are intermediate runs from this lift, advanced runs include Nina’s Curve, Schuss Gully and Collins Face.
 Wildcat lift runs to the top of the Peruvian Ridge, accessing primarily advanced terrain. Aggies Alley provides intermediate access off Peruvian Ridge to the Germania lift and additional intermediate terrain. From the top of Wildcat skiers can choose advanced runs down Peruvian Ridge, Punch Bowl, Rock Gully, Wildcat Face and the Westward Ho Area.
Germania loads mid-way up the mountain across from Watson shelter. The lift provides access to a wide variety of intermediate and advanced terrain. Race Course, Sunspot, Yellow Trail, Greeley Bowl, Lone Pine and Alf’s High Rustler, to name a few, are excellent expert slopes. Ballroom, Mambo and the Saddle are great intermediate bowls and runs.
|
