Nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, sits Snowpine Lodge, Alta’s first luxury resort. While it hasn’t always been a luxury resort, it has always been an important building rooted deep in Alta’s history. The town of Alta was established in 1871 but had been largely abandoned after the Depression with the decline in silver mining. Snowpine Lodge is one of the only buildings in Alta that can still be traced back to when mining was the primary industry in the Albion Basin. Today, Snowpine Lodge embodies a rustic mountain elegance while staying true to its history.
Snowpine Lodge was first used during the mining days of Alta, but in the late 1870s was converted into a general store and a U.S. Post Office. J.G. Stillwell, who was once the manager of the Emma Mine in Alta, ran the store and post office. When he passed, he was followed by his son Howard Stillwell who continued to run the store until the stock market crash of 1929. In 1935 the old store was brought back to life by the Civilian Conservation Corps. They kept the original granite stone walls and timbers but renovated the rest and turned it into Alta’s first public shelter for skiers who frequented the new ski area. At that time, it was known as the Rock Shelter, later followed by Snowpine Lodge when they began to take guests overnight.
With the recent move into luxury, the hotel is now largely modern, though touches of the Snowpine’s rustic past remain in the wood beams and exposed stone walls and fireplaces. While most of these nods to the past were re-created in the latest remodel, some of the original walls can still be seen inside Stillwell Spa, Snowpine’s full-service spa. In fact, Stillwell Spa was named after J.G. Stillwell, the original owner of the general store. With six treatment rooms, a relaxation room, an oxygen bar, a sauna and steam room, guests have may spaces to relax and unwind. They may also enjoy an invigorating soak in the beautiful grotto, a large indoor hot tub set alongside the building’s original granite stone.
In addition to luxurious guest rooms and suites, Snowpine Lodge continues to offer dormitory rooms like it did during its Rock Shelter days. Though these dormitories have been upgraded, they do offer a home for skiers on a tighter budget. These rooms can sleep two to four guests in comfortable accommodations while still offering access to all Snowpine’s premium amenities.
Amenities at Snowpine Lodge are top-notch with a mountain view outdoor heated pool and two hot tubs. Guests have access to a large game room, called The Nest, featuring ping-pong, a pool table, an arcade room, and so much more. The Little Nest includes a ball pit and activities for the littles and is set within The Nest. Common areas can be found on every floor to encourage guests to mingle outside of their hotel rooms to meet new people and share stories from the day’s adventures. Snowpine also offers an in-house Powder House Ski Shop for easy gear rentals and purchases along with ski lockers for storage while enjoying the incredible terrain of Alta Ski Area.
Snowpine Lodges sits at the base of Alta Ski Area, known for its world-renowned deep powder skiing, and even offers its own chairlift from the ski area back to Snowpine. After a day of adventures, guests can relax in their room or enjoy delicious apres-ski-inspired cuisine and live music at Snowpine’s on-site bar, The Gulch Pub. Swen’s Restaurant, Snowpine’s on-site restaurant, offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere with refined dining and stunning views. Swen’s is named for the owner’s ancestor who once worked in the mines at Alta in the 1870s, and it’s the perfect place to fuel up with breakfast before exploring the mountains and the perfect place to return to at the end of the day for a scrumptious dinner.
With unrivaled mountain recreation, incredible views, upscale amenities, top-notch restaurants, plus a fantastic full-service spa, Snowpine Lodge offers something for everyone no matter the season. Get 10% off our best rate when you book today!
