Alta, and Rustler specifically, is the antidote to Deer Valley's splendiferousness. Rustler sits on the only Avalanche-proof spot in Little Cottonwood Canyon - a little promontory with its own short chair lift, almost equidistant between both of Alta's bases: Albion and Wildcat - perfect. Dinner is included in the room rate because, well, there aren't a lot of other options. Despite this "captive audience" factor, that might otherwise result in Soviet-era gruel, the food is both excellent and varied. Perhaps a testament to the ability to know their number of diners in advance and then plan and execute against those metrics. The only minor nit is periodic service slights, which is eminently understandable give all the wait staff are generally young and thinking about the next day's tracks. The common areas soar - literally - with 2 story windows in dining room and lounge, overlooking the mountain from Rustler's promontory. The bar/lounge is a great spot in the morning to sip coffee and bang-out any requisite work e-mails to the sound of Alta's howitzer charges cutting the Avalanche risk (the road to Alta is apparently the most Avalanche-prone in the US) - heaven. Après-ski, the outdoor heated pool & jacuzzi are a true bonus and their view of the mountain & sunsets down the canyon, just stunning. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, though bathrooms merely utilitarian. My daughter cracked me up by saying the cinder-block hallways reminded her of "an El Chapo escape tunnel." No matter - The real luxury here is the fact Alta is a great mountain and Rustler is under-stated luxury of the best kind: everything you need under one roof and so very easy to let go of quotidian worries. I'm going back in 3 weeks for a guys ski weekend and literally can't wait.

My wife and I surprised our kids with a week long ski trip to Alta, UT. We stayed at the Rustler Lodge and can't imagine a more perfect stay. The Rustler staff were incredibly helpful, attentive and personable. We drove our rental car into the covered garage, handed the keys to a staff member and our bags were waiting in the room when we opened the door.

We had our rental equipment sized and ready to go in no time and were able to get a few runs in the first day. Having the ski shop inside the Lodge may renting quick and easy -especially for our 5 & 9 year olds.

We had 2 adjoining rooms. Our room had a king bed and the kids' room had 2 queens with pull-out couch. The rooms were spacious, comfortable and clean. Large bathrooms with extra sinks were much appreciated. Tons of hooks to hang ski gear and jackets. We all slept like rocks.

Food: We ate breakfast and dinner at the Rustler every day during our visit. The food was amazing. We did not here a single complaint from any of the kids. We fueled up each morning at the breakfast buffet and tried everything on the menu each night. The dinner specials were delicious and the waitstaff were exceptional. The Rustler offered a kids dinner on the weekend where our kids ate as a group with other kids followed by crafts and a movie. My wife and I enjoyed a nice dinner (without kids)!

The outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi were such a great way to end our day. I was nice to relax and soothe our sore muscles after a long day skiing.

We can't wait to go back to the Rustler. Thank you for an amazing vacation.

My husband and I have come here for years. It is a ski in- ski out lodge on the best slopes anywhere. Almost always have great snow. The price of the room includes an anything you want for breakfast and a fabulous 4 course dinner every night with many chioices. The staff is great. Tom, the owner, is always around and dinner at the Wasatch table with Sherman and other guests is a great way to meet other guests. Free drinks and horses d'our vessel every night. If you want to ski, not shop, thus is the only place to be. It is a short drive from the airport so you can skip on your travel days...impossible anywhere in Colorado.