For a resort that prides itself on being “no-frills”, the village of Alta Utah has more than adequate facilities to service skiers. These Alta ski resort amenities are mainly at either the Albion base (targeted to beginners and kids) or Wildcat base (for intermediates and up), with a few services also in the lodges either side of the Wildcat base.

Alta Ski Rentals

There are multiple options for Alta ski rentals although many people choose to rent equipment from their lodge for the convenience factor.

The Powder House shops have 3 Alta ski rental locations: Motherlode Powder House at the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge (Wildcat base); Rustler Powder House at Rustler’s Lodge; and Deep Powder House adjacent to Alta Lodge. They have a big range of gear, with an emphasis on fat skis required for the deep Alta powder.

The Alta Ski Shop is another option at the Wildcat base, whilst Alta Sports is located in the Albion day lodge and has a big range of rental ski gear. This is probably the best spot to go for kids’ gear.

The Alta Peruvian Lodge has a small rental area, which is really only conveniently located for lodge guests. It is run by Craig, who like many other locals is an institution of Alta. He only rents out high end skis (and no kids skis), and also runs a quality repair workshop. All the other shops have repair facilities, but if you’ve got a tricky repair or need your bases done after a rock encounter at Snowbird, go to Craig.

The Alta ski rental rates are quite good when compared to Snowbird ski rentals and the Park City resorts.

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Facilities for Children

The resort provides a state-licensed child care facility for babies from 2 months old up to 9 year olds, as a half day or full day program. Costs are pretty much the same as for other Utah ski resorts. It is advised to make reservations prior to arrival. The children’s center is located at the Albion base, so for overnight guests you might want to get a shuttle to get there.

Some of the lodges offer special supervised programs for children, especially during peak periods. For example Alta Lodge offers a complimentary kids club (ages 4+) which includes shuttles to/from ski school, kids après ski activities, kids’ dinner, and then evening activities.

Alta Ski School

The Alta ski school is one of few ski schools in the world that hasn’t had to change their name to “mountain school” or “snowsports school” to be inclusive of snowboarders! Obviously no snowboard tuition is held here! The Alf Engen Ski School is named after the founder of Alta, the crazy Norwegian who took Utah by storm and enjoyed ski jumping. The ski school runs fairly standard programs in both private and group formats, as well telemark workshops for beginners up to experts. Children under four must have private lessons.

All kids group lessons meet at the Albion base, and from most of the lodges (with the exception of the Alta Peruvian) the ski slopes are very mellow to get there (the Snowpine Lodge is the closest). For adults, beginner and intermediate group lessons also meet at the Albion base.

Eating On Mountain

If you’re not staying at one of the Alta lodges that include lunch in the lodging package, you’ll be spoiled for choice for places to grab something to eat in between runs. Many of the eateries afford fantastic views.

Mid-mountain is the Collins Grill on the third level of the Watson Shelter (mid-Collins lift). This restaurant provides waiter service and upscale food at good prices, and has a deck for outdoor dining. You can also get food downstairs at the Watson Grill, and Baldy Brews has hot, cold and alcoholic beverages (well as alcoholic as it gets in Utah).

Near the base of the Sugarloaf lift is Alf’s Restaurant with food typical of a cafeteria. For more than your average cafeteria food, the Albion Grill at the Albion base has a great range of healthy food in addition to the standard fare.

The Goldminer’s also has other food options other than the formal restaurant. The Slopeside Café and Espresso bar has cheap lunches, and the bar upstairs has Mexican food.