Years ago I remember popping into the old Watson Shelter at Alta to grab a drink and to allow a buddy to de-fog his goggles. It was a low key ramshackle of a place but the vibe was pure and the feeling one of a true skiers hang out. Indeed, it was a shelter, not a lodge.

So when Alta determined that they’d tear down (they burned it, actually) the old Watson’s and rebuild it they had a lot to consider given the history of Watson’s. But it seems that the only thing remaining from the old to the new is the name. Everything else is improved, including the views.

Moving the location of the shelter just 50 yards to the east gives Watson’s Shelter a commanding view of Mount Superior and the peaks of the central Wasatch Mountains. On a sunny day, this Europeanesque view is unmatched in Utah as a place to relax, have a meal and enjoy the company or quite serenity of the mountains.

The Food

The prices at the Watson Shelter are roughly the same as the other offerings at Alta but the views can’t be beat. There are two options at Watson Shelter; the first is the Collins Grill which is sit down restaurant style. The menu for the Collins Grill can be found online. They have daily specials in addition to the menu.

The other option at Watson Shelter is the cafeteria style which despite the visual “cafeteria” may create the food is good by any standard. I had the Baldy Burger which is one of the biggest burgers I’ve ever eaten. Think everything on it, everything. Add to that a bucket of fries which can easily be split between a few people and you’re set. Two Baldy Burgers and a med bucket of fries set me back $21. While not cheap like McDonald’s it’s worth the stop.

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