I spent the 3 days before coming to Alta at Deer Valley. Make no mistake, Deer Valley is great. But so is Alta, especially the Rustler. In contrast to DV (with scripted "my pleasure" at every turn), the staff seem genuinely friendly and helpful. Warning- if you need luxury rooms, these are not. They are, however, perfectly functional with good beds (better than Alta Peruvian), soft linens and clean bathrooms (but no marble- you'll survive or go to DV). The food was excellent and beautifully presented. The meal service provided was great as long as you're not picky about what shoulder your food is served over (DV :) ). Additional amenities were nice and clean, including eucalyptus steam room, sauna and indoor hot tub as well as outdoor. Lift access was easy to either side of the mountain being midway along the rope tow. The mountain will accommodate all levels of skiers, but is home to "the hike to/not sure if this has a name" crowd.

Staying at the Rustler Lodge the past few days was one of our most enjoyable trips ever. The food was wonderful, as was the room, especially the extremely comfortable bed. Particularly outstanding was the staff's eagerness to make our stay as fine as possible. My wife caught a cold that kept her in on our last day. The head of the dining room overheard our conversation and offered, then brought her a thermos of ginger tea that Helen said gave her surprisingly good relief. We give the Rustler hour highest recommendation.

It's because the Rustler is just about the perfect ski lodge. I've read about the people who have been coming here for 20, ever 50 years and I'll be one of them. I've only stayed here three times (this is my second review of the Rustler) my wife and I will continue to stay here as long as we able to ski. The service is second to none. From making a reservation to arranging travel from the SLC AP the staff makes things easy. You'll not find a friendlier and more professional staff. It's part of the Rustler culture to have great customer service, and then includes both the permanent and the seasonal staff. The food is beyond comparison and the bar is a friendly place to have a pint or two before dinner. Go ahead and sit down next to and strike up a conversation with a stranger. After all, you've got something in common. The Jacuzzis are a great place to unwind after a day on the mountain. The on-site ski shop will wax and tune your skis overnight and have them ready the next morning by 8. The Rustler is steeped in tradition and that's the way people who stay here like it. It's not elegant but it's comfortable, it's quaint. It makes you feel like you've come home to see family you haven't seen in a year. And that is why people keep coming back.