Alta's Rustler Lodge :

Feature written: By Chuck Taylor

As you wind your way up towards Alta in the Little Cottonwood Canyon just east of Salt Lake City you'll be transported into an energy vortex that was created by the last ice age. The canyon is dramatic. Steep granite walls tower overhead and the snow falls here more than any other place in Utah. It gathers strength over the Great Salt Lake and funnels up the canyon in a microclimate made for skiers. It’s known as the greatest snow on earth!

Alta’s Spirit
Something special is happening as we ascend to the 8,500’ base of the mountain. It feels like a crescendo. The anticipation is building as we arrived at Alta's Rustler Lodge just before Christmas to experience Alta Ski Area's 75th anniversary. As we settled into the rhythm of the lodge in front of the fireplace it was revealed. The towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains had magically assembled an orchestra for us. Its member’s passion for the mountain life radiated joy. The music is beautiful to our ears. The stage is struck. The snow is falling and we’re surrounded by good energy. Let’s get into the holiday spirit and check in at Alta’s Rustler Lodge and take a few runs on the greatest snow on earth at the Alta Ski Area!  Read The Alta Ski Area Story

Alta’s Rustler Lodge
Luxury travelers like to know what makes a resort worthy of a positive review. The old adage location, location, location is certainly at the top of the list. However, in today’s real estate development game, legacy family owned and operated properties have an edge. They often can consistently deliver better customer service than their big corporate counterparts. Their secret weapon is personalized customer service and pride. It makes the cream raise to the top. 

Alta’s Rustler Lodge is a family operation and it excels exceptionally at both of these disciplines. It’s been in the same loving hands for over sixty years and has undergone a series of renovations. The lodge’s monolithic facade looks as if it was deposited on the site by the glacier itself. It sits proudly and blends with the surrounding landscape. The Old Western charm of the original ski lodge lives on. You can still warm yourself in front of the original fireplace that greeted skiers in the old lobby. 

Guest Room 
Our room was a Superior King that was conveniently located on the main floor of the lodge off the lobby. At first glance you’ll be thinking that the cinder block hallways on each floor are hinting at what the room décor might be. As we entered our room we were pleasantly surprised. The room was generous in size and measured 28' x 14' and had a comfortable couch, coffee table and sitting chair. A small desk and reading lamp also fit smartly in the far corner of the room near the floor to ceiling picture windows. The furnishings were not glitzy but rather homey and welcoming. The massive wood beams made the space feel even larger and suggested we were in the mountains. There was plenty of closet and dresser drawer space to fit enough gear and outfits for any clotheshorse. We especially liked the room’s views. They were spectacular with amazing vistas overlooking the ‘Eagle’s Nest’ lounge and Alta! The spacious bathroom had a soaking tub and a separate vanity sink stocked with Tarrocco "orange" bath amenities and two comfy white cotton robes. If you’re inclined to stay on the ‘grid’ during your stay then you’ll appreciate the complimentary in-room WiFi and the LG HD Flat Screen Television. 

Listed rates are based on a minimum of 5 nights. Please note that the daily room rates includes a full breakfast and exceptional fine dining service as well. Short stay and single occupancy rates are also available. The pricing for our Superior King is as follows:

Value Season: $435.00
Regular Season: $555.00
Peak Season:  $790.00

Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a jazzy nightlife in Alta you’ll be scratching your head. However, you don’t really need all of that while you’re on the mountain. It’s not about that. It’s about skiing, people, food and the magnificent views.  Chef Ed McCall and his professional staff have got you covered. They’ll attend to your every need. The main dining room has floor to ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of Alta and the Wasatch Mountains. The menu changes daily and you’ll never have to sample the same dish twice during your stay. Meat lovers, vegetarians and foodies alike will all appreciate the menu. There’s something for ....