This is the kind of place you will love if you want to ski, eat straightforward (but very high quality) food, meet cool people, and don't care much about luxury. Our room did not have a private bath, ie. It's an old-school kind of place designed to house people serious about skiing and chilling - this is not a luxury hotel. But it is an amazing place to stay; everyone was extremely friendly and we met lots of cool people. The location - trailside - is perfect. I would just caution against bringing someone here who is not interested in skiing all day. There is not much else to do. I hope to go back soon.

I came back this morning from my second stay at Snowpine. My first trip to Alta was in 1986. That year we stayed Goldminder's Daughter. Since then we have stayed at the Peruvian, twice, and for many years rented condos and houses, including Sugarplum, Travis, Wilkinsen (now Brighton) & others. Last year (08/09), based on reco of my father who is also an Alta lover and long term skiier we stayed at Snowpine. We LOVED it. Greg and Meredith, the hosts, are extraordinary people. They really care, as do all their staff, and they deliver an outstanding value holiday. If you're looking for a traditional style American lodge, I would also say it is, for the price, great quality. The meals are very good (Salmon/Steak per previous reviewer). The portions are large. The service is by skiiers for skiiers. (Each of the staff made the effort to ask how we were and more than this, several, with small and large gestures, made my children, wife and I feel special.... Meredith lent my daughter her powder skis on a dump day!!! Greg goes out of his way to show you around Alta, including his secret powder stashes). Snowpine has a great Jacuzzi and a Sauna. You ski out and you get back to the lodge by a rope tow (the one location downside, but that's not been an issue for us) - but it's Alta and you're in the middle of the best snow on earth.
To Alta and the best snow on earth..... Alta is for skiiers. There's not a lot of social life other than the enjoyment of being with those you travel with or likeminded people at the lodge. On both stays we've thoroughly enjoyed mealtimes, both with our family and friends, the other guests and staff. The total package is very special.
This year we had a larger group, my family, two other familes, my father and a family friend. We all enjoyed our time at Snowpine and are all intending to return next season.

Staff were very friendly, food good and plentiful, hot drinks continuously avaiable. The cookies post skiing were fantastic. Dining room looks right over the mountain and Alf's High Rustler run. Stayed in a smallish twin room with en suite, lots of hot water. The lodge caters for keen skiers, mainly male and around the 30/40 plus mark. Evening meals were on shared tables which meant that you quickly get to know others. The outside hot tub overlooking the mountains after skiing was also very social.
There is nothing pretentious about Snow Pine Lodge but it ticks all the boxes. There is virtually no night life, pre dinner drinks followed by a game or a DVD after dinner was about all we did. However after a full days skiing we were pretty tired so this was not a problem.

In summary this was the ideal place to stay in Alta.

I come to Alta every January and have always stayed at Goldminer's Daughter. Snowpine Lodge was running an early season special that was too good to pass on so I booked space in the dormitory for myself and my 13-year-old son. Being used to a standard "hotel room" experience at Goldminer's Daughter, I didn't know what to expect of a dormitory arrangement but was willing to take my chances.

We were a bit turned off by our first impression of the dormitory and my son asked if we could switch to one of the hotel rooms which we found out were fully booked. I'm glad we stuck with our dormitory accommodation because it made for a very unique experience.

The dorms are not for everyone. If you like to meet other people and are not concerned about having a lot of privacy, the dorm is ideal. Every guest we encountered and every staff member were exceedingly friendly. The place has a very laid back vibe and after a couple days, it felt like we were guests in someone's home.

Breakfast and Dinner are served at a set time in the small dining room and we met lots of interesting fellow skiiers by dining with them. Again, if you would rather keep to yourself then this place is not for you. The food was great and if you don't mind the set menu, it works out well. I overheard a vegetarian making a request for an alternative entree when we were having steak one night and the staff happily offerred to accommodate him with a fish entree.

They have a small bar that serves beer and wine. There are fresh baked cookies waiting for the returning skiiers in the afternoon. There's an outdoor hot tub overlooking the slopes, ski storage, boot dryers, a sauna, three public rooms with fireplaces, and you can ski in and out. What more can a hardcore skiier want? I loved it and think I may not be going back to Goldminer's Daughter.