The only one of Alta’s five hotels to stay open year-round, the Alta Lodge also is distinguished as the first hotel property in this mountain community. Families particularly enjoy this property because of the free kid’s club for those ages 4 to 12. This includes ski school, craft activities and a kids-only dinner at 5:30 p.m. daily. On top of that, kids stay free in the early and latter weeks of the ski season. The dates change a bit each year, so ask for details.

The Alta Lodge has 57 rooms, each one just a little different than the previous. It’s an older lodge, so other than the family suite, the rooms are rather small. The rooms don’t have TV’s, but there are several public TV areas with large DVD libraries.

For a truly European experience, and just for you and your older children, stay in the dorm room with 12 other guests and experience the communal shower. The original lodge rooms are rather basic. If your kids are fussy about their surroundings, they may not appreciate the appeal.

The Alta Lodge is known in the area for its Sunday brunch. Families drive all the way from Salt Lake to enjoy the massive buffet that includes bison, salmon, dozens of salads and more. Otherwise, breakfast, lunch and dinner (included in room rates) are served at very strict times — most people are in a hurry to get out on the slopes. Breakfast includes a number of very healthy choices, along with French toast and pancakes. Dinner is a four-course affair; if the kids don’t like the choices, the staff is quite willing to create something special.