Alta Lodge, Alta

First things first, let's get this straight - this is not some frou frou ski resort. Don't expect whirlpool bathtubs and marble counter tops. The Peruvian is a no-frills, utilitarian lodge with a friendly, helpful staff, and some pretty good food. They run two shuttles to take skiers back and forth from the slopes, and the drivers couldn't be nicer. They were constantly recommending the best slopes that they thought would have the best snow and smallest crowds. The dining room staff also offer similar recommendations. Everybody at the Peruvian is passionate about skiing, and the want to make sure the guests enjoy themselves as much as possible. There's a reason that the guests of the Peruvian have all been coming back year after year for 10+ years. You can't beat the price, and I've never met a friendlier staff.

Years ago the Peruvian was quite nice but it has definitely changed for the worse. The parking lot has huge lagoon-sized potholes. A discarded mattress adorns the yard and spoils the view from the front guest rooms. The decor and level of maintenance are more akin to a fraternity house than a hotel. The waiters unapologetically announce shortages of wine, bread and beer (as in none). The prior guest's refuse greeted me in the wastebasket in my tiny, tiny room. Bathroon tiles and thresholds are cracked and missing. Carpets are frayed and not frequently vacuumed. The pool and lounge areas are gathering places for heavy drinking and loud behaviour by both guest groups and locals, who apparently have unrestricted access to amenities that guests pay dearly for. The lobby furniture is not straightened; newpapers and playing cards are scattered around and seldom cleaned up. The list goes on. I would say the Peruvian is more a youth hostel than a lodge, and is it is way overpriced.