Right now it’s a frosty few degrees below freezing, with light snow in Alta, Utah, an idyllic place to ski, but such popularity on this very expensive real estate comes at a price. Starting at over $500 a night during the cold months on average, come summer, hotel prices drop to well under a hundred dollars in what’s some of the best hiking territory in the Rocky Mountains.
Road Trip It
The first time I visited Alta was by happenstance during a road trip I took when Ford gave me a car. Wandering up into the mountains after visiting the “Up” house (long story) before the next day’s drive, I came across Alta Lodge. Inside was mostly empty in the cozy ski lodge posing as a summer hotel. The regular rate for a four-person suite was $99 a night which they gladly reduced even further with a bit of gentle negotiation.
The hiking is incredible and these views you’ll have pretty much all to yourself, are genuinely special.
Salt Lake From Above
Those of you visiting nearby Salt Lake City on a road trip adventure of your own should considering adding Alta as one of your stops.
Off-season prices are less than a quarter of ski season with some of the most accessible hikes of all levels in this part of the United States.
Aside from an excuse to post these pictures, I write this because Alta is so simple that without the skiing, it’s not a destination you’ll find much about during the greener months.
For many people who love the outdoors though, Alta is a unique spot neglected by large groups of people – much like Iceland in winter.