Come for the Skiing.
Stay for the food.
At the halfway point of the season, we've built up our ski legs and powder days, storm skiing laps and long spring days in the mountains are in the forecast. Let's finish our ski days and the second half of the season strong—and that starts with proper nourishment.
Whether you ski seven days a year or seven days a week, skiing burns calories. Add a little high altitude and a dash of dry air, and you have the perfect recipe for a taxing day on your body. It’s important to stay properly hydrated and well-fueled to enjoy time in the mountains.
It’s okay to crash when you’re on the slopes because you crossed your tips in the bumps. It’s not okay to crash on the lift because you didn’t eat enough food or drink enough water.
Sure, you can get by with semi-frozen pocket snacks, chairlift protein bars and a few sips from the water fountain, but where’s the joy in that? Skiing is an escape from the ordinary, a chance to spend time doing something we love in the mountains. We all love to ski, but as humans, we also love food and sharing a meal with others.
Why not combine our love of sliding through the mountains with our love of food?
Fortunately, Alta Ski Area has plenty of great dining options in close proximity to every run on the mountain. From Catherine’s Pass to Westward Ho, from the bottom of Big Griz ski conveyor to the top of Mount Baldy, food, water and shelter—and bathrooms—are just a chairlift ride or a few linked turns away. And our hardworking teams are here to help you find the perfect mid-day meal to help you ski your best. For those who are new to Alta, we’ll point out some of the time-tested locals’ favorites. And for those of you who ski Alta 100-plus days a year, we’ll highlight a few new menu items to freshen up your ski legs and your palate.
Without further ado—and before this starts to read like another long-winded online recipe, complete with the unabridged history of the origins of tomato soup—here’s a quick 2025–26 Alta Dining Guide.
Watson Shelter in Collins Gulch—it’s more than just a Shelter
The Watson Shelter is located mid-mountain in Collins Gulch, adjacent to the Collins angle station. Accessible to intermediate and expert skiers via a short ski from the top of Collins or Wildcat lifts. The Watson Shelter has three levels and three unique dining establishments.
Baldy Brews—a coffee shop located at the snow level.
The newly remodeled coffee shop is more inviting than ever. We removed an ordering window and invited skiers to step into the coffee shop where a barista is waiting to take your order. Choose from a selection of great grab-and-go snacks and beverages.
Baldy Brews | Photo: Kipp Schorr
Local Favorite:
- Italian Hot Chocolate or Mocha
New for 2025–26:
- Gluten-free and vegan pastries and baked goods
Pro tip: On spring days, the ski beach in front of Baldy Brews is a great place to soak up some rays while your body soaks up some nutrients.
Baldy Brews ski beach | Photo: Photo-John
Watson Cafe—a cafeteria-style diner located at mid-level.
The Watson Cafe offers stunning mountain views of Mount Baldy, Mount Superior, Hamburger Hill and Collins Gulch. This mid-mountain cafeteria is the go-to lunch spot for intermediate and expert skiers lapping Collins and Wildcat lifts.
Local Favorite:
- Burrito Bowls—a great mid-day meal filled with complex carbs, beans, veggies and your choice of protein that is perfect for a long day of skiing.
Watson Cafe Burrito Bowl | Photo: Kipp Schorr
New for 2025–26:
- Baldy Smash Burger—Watson Cafe brought back the burger that put them on the trail map. With the mission to “make Hamburger Hill smell like Hamburgers again”, this burger is the talk and smell of Collins Gulch this summer.
- The Nashville Hot Chicken Sando—a new and delicious spicy chicken sandwich.
Pro tip: Additional seating is plentiful on the third floor of Watson Shelter. Find an open table and stay for the views.
Smash Burger at Watson Cafe | Photo: Kipp Schorr
Collins Grill—a Full-service European-style bistro located on the third level.
A unique dining experience, offering skiers the comfort to slip out of their ski boots and into some cozy slippers. Featuring local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients—everything is made in-house, daily. Our favorites include scallops, lamb, roasted duck and Utah trout. In addition, there are ample gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available. Offering signature cocktails, local beers and wine. Open Wednesday–Sunday 11:30 - 2:30 Reservations are recommended -not required. 801-799-2297.
Collins Grill | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Local Favorites:
- The Popper Bloody Mary—includes a bacon-wrapped, cream cheese-stuffed jalapeno, which is the perfect “warm-up” on a cold day.
- French Dip Sliders Au Jus—made with boneless short ribs.
New for 2025–26:
- Cheddar Jalapeno Polenta with Crispy Pork Belly and Hot Honey.
Pro tip: Make a reservation to score a window seat.
A window seat at Collins Grill | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Alf’s Restaurant–Alta’s longstanding lunch locale
Alf’s Restaurant—located mid-mountain in the Albion Basin.
A mid-mountain favorite easily accessible from Sunnyside, Supreme and Sugarloaf lifts. This cafeteria-style restaurant is the perfect spot for a mid-day refuel. On warm days, the Alf’s deck is ideal for working on the goggle tan while hydrating and soaking up some Vitamin D.
Alf's Pastrami Reuben and Chili | Photo: Tyler Struss
Local Favorite:
- Pastrami Reuben—in a toss-up with Alf’s famous chili, the Pastrami Reuben maintains a slight edge due to its versatility on warm spring days.
- Alf’s famous Chili and Vegan Chili—we couldn't not add this one.
New for 2025-26:
- Sunday Specials—Alf’s Restaurant continues to offer new specials every Sunday this winter. Swing by on Sundays and see what the Alf’s Crew has concocted this weekend.
Pro tip: Show up before 11am or after 1:30pm to hand-pick your own table and avoid the inevitable crowd.
The Alf's deck on a spring day | Photo: Photo-John
Cecret Coffee—located on snow-level under Alf’s Restaurant.
The newest spot for rehydrating and refueling, Cecret Coffee is a local’s favorite for grab-and-go treats and snacks. Despite its top-Cecret location, this hidden gem
Cecret Coffee | Photo: Photo-John
Local Favorite:
- Cecret Waffles—the Waffles from Cecret Coffee are one of the best-kept Cecrets at Alta. A perfect grab-and-go snack or a great excuse to start your morning with fresh corduroy and even fresher waffles.
New for 2025-26:
- The Cecret Special—espresso with chocolate, cinnamon, steamed milk and whipped cream.
Pro tip: Waffles take seven minutes to make. In a hurry? Grab a cookie.
Cecret Coffee date | Photo: Re Wikstrom
Albion Day Lodge
Albion Grill–it’s more than your family’s basecamp.
Located at the base of the Albion Basin, just steps from the Sunnyside lift, Alf Engen Ski School and the Big Griz ski conveyor, this cafeteria-style restaurant is ideal for families and new skiers—but it’s so much more than that to the skiers of Alta. The staff of the Albion Grill team up with local musicians for weekend apres-ski entertainment and weekly specials.
Albion Grill specials | Photo: Photo-John
Local Favorite:
- The Breakfast Burrito—start your daywith this hearty and delicious mix of potatoes, eggs, cheese, and protein.
New for 2025–26:
- Weekly Themed Specials—the Albion Grill is offering themed specials every week of the season—from borscht to chicken mole to Cincinnati chili cheese dogs and more.
Pro tip: the Albion Grill has a great selection of grab-and-go snacks to keep your family—or yourself—on the slopes a little longer between breakfast and lunch.
Albion Grill window seat | Photo: Tyler Struss
Other Great Dining Options
Wildcat base area
- Slopeside Cafe at the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge | Open daily from 7am–4pm
The GMD Patio on a sunny day | Photo: Lee Cohen
Albion base area
- Alta Java | Open daily from 8am–4:30pm
- The Igloo at Snowpine Lodge | Friday–Sunday from noon–6pm
- Gulch Pub at the Snowpine Lodge | Open daily from 11:30am–9pm
The Igloo at the Snowpine Lodge | Photo: Tyler Struss
Après-ski
- The Igloo at the Snowpine Lodge | Friday–Sunday from noon–6pm
- Gulch Pub at the Snowpine Lodge | Open daily from 11:30am–9pm
- Slopeside Cafe at the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge | Open daily from 11am–6pm
- Alta Peruvian Bar (the P-Dog) at the Alta Peruvian Lodge | Open daily from 3:30–10pm
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