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The 2008 Outdoor Retailer show wrapped up today here in Salt Lake City Utah. The show gets pretty quiet on the last day and booths shut down at 3PM. I did see this cool product while walking the floor. Yakima will be releasing a roof box that will have an interior LED light that is powered by a small solar panel on top. Even your roof rack can be green now.
Now that the show is over I have headed up into the mountains just East of Salt Lake City. Only 40 minutes from the SLC airport lies a beautiful mountain valley sprinkled with world class ski resorts. Alta is the name of the community, and let me tell you, Summer is a beautiful time to be here.
Visiting Snowbird Resort was first on the agenda here. Snowbird is a year round resort that has a comprehensive 
activity center for summer outdoor sports. A climbing wall, bungee swings, zip lines, mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching are just a sampling of the fun they offer. I took their tram to the 11,000 foot summit of Snowbird mountain. Your descent of this steep peak can take many forms. You can switchback down the snowcat roads on your mountain bike. You can meander the trails on foot. There are even ATVs you can rent and play with on the opposite side of the peak in Mineral Basin.
I dined at the Steak Pit tonight with a group. This is the resorts oldest restaurant. It is an award winning establishment and this is apparent with the first bite of one of the premium steaks they serve. I’m usually avoid red meat, but in this case I’d like to shake the chef and the meat suppliers hands.
Alta Lodge is a where I am staying tonight. This fixture was the first lodge in the valley, and was built in 1939. The lodge is still owned by the same family and a sense of pride swells when the staff relays the heritage of this unique place. This is the kind of joint where you won’t find a TV in your room, which is a nice way to relax and detach a bit. Don’t get the impression that the lodge is locked into a bygone era, it still boasts WiFi for those who want to stay in touch. They also have a great program of ski clinics and even yoga camps to keep you busy when you’re not taking in the amazing view.
Ski towns are often overlooked during the summer as families run to the beaches.That is truly a shame. There are so many amazing mountain activities that can be enjoyed in a village like Alta and if you get an opportunity it should be on your short list.
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I’ve skied in CO a few times but never hit up Utah. Sounds like Alta might be a great place to go this winter. Is there any nightlife?
Darin, I don’t know much about the nightlife, but there are some steep lines at those resorts. A top place to ski. There are restaurants and stuff so they probably serve up beer and stuff.
@ Darin
Alta is a local favorite. You may encounter powder days with snow up to chest. I’m a local and if I’m skiing in bounds I go to Alta. There IS nightlife, but not the nightlife of Park City or Telluride. The bars are quaint and filled with die hard skiers. It’s not flashy, but it’s fun with the right crowd.. Really fun.