Hi friends! 

Finally back after a whirlwind month on the road, and diving back into my Ikon Pass travel series! If you started reading back in January, you’ll remember I shared a Spring adventure from Solitude Mountain in Utah. 

If you’re a ski bunny traveling to the area in the winter, chances are you’re already familiar with this next destination!  Tucked into Little Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll find some of the BEST snow in the country at Alta Ski Area. Known as one of the few ski only mountains in the U.S., this snowy haven is truly an experience like none other.

Getting There

Skiing in the SLC region is incredibly easy to navigate! Located just 32 miles away from the city, the Wasatch Mountains in Little Cottonwood Canyon are a world all their own. If you’re flying in, and are staying at Alta (there are countless unique, independently owned lodges, condos and vacation homes to choose from!), there’s no need for a rental car. Make sure to check out the shuttle services around Alta beforehand! 

Exploring the Mountain

From a historical standpoint, visiting Alta Ski Area is like stepping back in time. Once a prospering mining town, you can still find remnants of its origin throughout the base (Keep reading to see where you can glimpse one of the old mines!). Opening with a chair lift in 1938,  Alta became one of the first ski areas in the United States. You can learn more about the town’s history here .

With numerous dining options on mountain, there’s no need to head back down the canyon at the end of the day. From breakfast to après, I found a few favorites along the way! 

• For morning coffee + a quick bite my go-to was Alta Java, located slopeside in the Albion Day Lodge.

• For lunch, the most scenic dining spot can be found at Alf’s Restaurant. Easily accessible by skiers of all abilities, it’s the perfect family friendly location on mountain! If you’re closer to the base, the Albion Grill or Goldminer’s Daughter are great options!

• Every lodge at Alta has their own dining options, and après experience. At Snowpine Lodge, head to Gulch Pub for a cozy atmosphere and unique menu, with a beautiful view of the mountain to top it off!

Alta is known around the globe for its powder skiing!  With an annual snowfall average of 540” powder days are a way of life here. I was lucky enough to get in the night before a storm, and can verify - there’s NOTHING as fun as first turns in fluffy freshies! From powder to bluebird, every day on mountain was unique. I personally love tree runs, and kept taking laps off the Sugarloaf chair (There’s a secret cabin village nestled in the trees!! To find it, Take Devil’s Elbow to Razorback to Cabin Hill. On a powder day, you’ll find some of the best fresh snow here!) 

Checkin In :: Snowpine Lodge

With numerous ski in/ski out accommodations at Alta, each boasting their own unique styles, it’s a bit of a toss up on which to choose! If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic setting, Snowpine Lodge is the way to go. The Lodge dates back to the late 1800’s and has evolved from a building used for the mining industry, to a general store, and now transformed into a luxury ski lodge! With chic, modern furnishings, the interiors feel luxurious without being stuffy.

There are countless cozy corners (all guest floors have indoor and outdoor seating areas - perfect for both WFH and après gatherings!), rooms with breathtaking views of the mountains, two on-site dining options, a game room, spa, and even a movie theatre. Guests also have a separate locker for storing ski gear, making it easy to boot up and head right out the door to the trails.

For the ultimate R&R après experience, a trip to Stillwell Spa is a MUST. 

Named after J. G. Stillwell, who owned the mine and general store. You can even find some of the original structure inside!! Upon arrival, ask the front desk for a quick tour of the property, and they’ll share all the amazing pockets of history to be found inside. The spa further embodies this history with its sacred space made from the original granite stone, a dimly-lit grotto with a plunge pool, and other natural materials used throughout. There are plenty of specialty treatments to choose from, as well. From facials to massage, this is the perfect place to unwind after a full day on the slopes. My personal favorite treatment was the Frangipani Salt Glow, that both exfoliates and hydrates dry, winter skin. Check out all services offered here .

With my Ikon Pass, I have seven days a season - without blackout dates - to ski and explore Alta Ski Area, but I’m sure no amount of time will feel like enough when it comes to this place! The best part is, it shares a border with Snowbird, doubling your mountain fun. (Will be sharing more of this in Part Two!). So thankful to finally have a chance to visit this incredible ski area for myself, definitely made some amazing memories that will last a lifetime! On to the next.

xo

J.

** You can now grab your 22/23 Ikon Pass at the best rate!! It’s never too early to start planning for next season’s adventures :) Head here to learn more - and explore all the incredible destinations that Ikon Pass has to offer.

This post is in partnership with Ikon Pass.