If readers were to rank resorts for their on-hill product instead of everything else in creation, Alta would inevitably jump to or near the head of the line. The resort ranks No. 1 in Overall Satisfaction and Snow. What more needs to be said? Try No. 3 in Value and No. 4 in Challenge. Alta’s deficiencies in other departments are irrelevant to the quality of the ski experience. A typical reader’s take: “If I knew I were to die tomorrow, I’d spend today at Alta.” The ties to this mountain run deep; there are probably more ashes (of deceased skiers) scattered here than on the slopes of many volcanoes. The absence of boarders is keenly appreciated, but it’s the ambience that makes Alta unique. “The antithesis of the mountain-supermarket mega resort,” notes a gratified visitor. The road from Salt Lake City can close due to avalanche danger, and nightlife is limited, but reader quibbles about lodging and access don’t ring true: The area is 45 minutes from the airport, and the Rustler and Alta lodges provide excellent accommodations, flawless location and first-rate
cuisine—keeping it as simple as Alta itself.
/ What’s New / The infamous ropetow that links Alta’s base areas is being refurbished and the terrain recontoured at the Albion end to alleviate the hike to the lifts and lodge.
/ Don’t Miss / Skiing Alta and Snowbird on the same ticket
/ Mandatory Run / Hike five minutes on the backside of Germania to High Greeley. The crisis factor on entry is mild and dissipates as you float to Greeley Hill, an underappreciated playground.
