On approaching the hotel for the first time, keep in mind you are entering from the back of the property. The classic old school lodge look at first alarmed us to a kitschy formula, but the front desk and manager on duty were first rate and put us at rest.
In a word this hotel is great. It's the best at Alta and with ski-in, ski-out coupled with lockers, rental shop, spa, outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, steam room and an adults only bar that is the best view in the valley, surprisingly great. The food (breakfast and dinner are included) is above average and kitchen is incredibly flexible. The aforementioned bar has happy hour food and a blazing fire and no kids.
The nicest surprise was a terrific kids table wherein you drop your kids off at 5:45 and a large group is carted off a private dining area behind the kitchen. The staff feeds them, breaks out some arts and crafts, and then brings them to the activity room on the top floor to watch a movie. At 8 o'clock you are reunited with the children.
It's a wonderful way to allow the kids to play and the adults to relax for dinner and a drink.
We'll be returning as we have yet to find a more entertaining ski location.