Review of Solitude Mountain Resort – Utah, USA

Skiing at Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah is a great way to experience some of the best snow on Earth. Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this resort offers skiers and snowboarders a fun time on the mountain without the crowds. On my visit, covid-19 restrictions were in place, which included wearing face masks on the property. This was enforced and guests who did not adhere to the rules had their pass removed (which I appreciated). There are many areas to ski in Utah. Advanced skiers will have a lot of fun at Solitude, the greatest kept secret in Utah.

At over 1,000 acres, the resort offers 82 runs and multiple quads to get you up the mountain. You will even have the privilege to say you rode the first detachable quad in Utah if you take the Eagle Express lift. There are multiple dining options throughout the resort, plus a waffle shop at the base. Once covid-19 restrictions are no longer a thing, book the yurt for a great meal and guided snowshoe hike. Here is my full winter review of Solitude Mountain Resort, which includes pros, cons, and tips for your visit:

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What I Enjoyed

Solitude Mountain Resort does a great job creating a pleasant ski experience. They limit the number of tickets sold each day (even before 2020-21), which allows you to enjoy the mountain instead of standing in a lift line all day. So purchase your ticket in advance! Even on a busy day, you will still enjoy skiing here. This reason alone is why I will come back. I would rather ski than stand in line. Ski here for fewer crowds.

This area is the same canyon as Brighton, so you can expect an average of 500” of snow each winter and great conditions. Solitude has 2,494 vertical feet (760 meters), which gives you plenty of advanced runs, whether you want to hike or not. Seriously consider visiting honeycomb canyon if you are advanced. If you have beginners in your group, there are wide groomed runs that are perfect for them to enjoy.

In addition to alpine skiing, Solitude offers nordic skiing. This is great if you have family members who like both disciplines. The xc area is separated from the alpine trails, so you do not need to worry about cross traffic between disciplines.

There are multiple dining options at both base areas. Stick with moonbeam for the patio ski vibe and Solitude’s famous waffles (not gluten-free). Grab a meal at Honeycomb grill in Solitude Village for a break from the elements and true restaurant experience. Or keep your boots on and try some curry fries on the mountain at Roundhouse.

Lodging options give you great views and most are a short walk away from lifts. The reason to stay here is to enjoy their sauna, hot tub, and heated pool after a long day crushing it on the mountain. Resort guests also have free parking and concierge services.

What to Consider

Solitude is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, which means if your visit is on a snow day, the canyon might be closed due to avalanche danger. You may want to stay on location, especially if you are not renting an equipped vehicle. There are many local transportation companies equipped to transport visitors to and from the airport throughout Utah winters.

If you decide to drive, you will need to pay for parking (unless you are staying on site). Remember your license plate number and pay with a credit card. It is easy to spot these kiosks to pay, they are typically next to the Ski Bus drop off.

There are two main sections to this resort, the Moonbeam Base Area and Solitude Village. The village is where you will spend most of your time if you stay at the resort. You may want to avoid this area unless you are using their services. Instead, Moonbeam is a good base as it has a ski school, most of the parking, and easy access to multiple lifts.

There is no terrain park at this resort. Your park friends will have to take the Ski Bus over to Brighton Resort for park access while you enjoy the solitude (pun intended).

Tips for Your Trip

Save money: Purchase your day ticket online in advance or buy the Ski City Super Pass, which gives you access to Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta without blackouts.

Stay at the resort if you want to ski all day, enjoy the hot tub, and sleep. You probably won’t have the energy to do more, so you might as well stay at the mountain. If you want to do more, stay in the city.

Only equipped 4x4s or chains are allowed (and will successfully arrive) up the canyon on snow days. Follow UT’s traction law or get fined. The ski bus is best, especially if you have a front wheel drive vehicle. Follow @UDOTCottonwoods on Twitter for the updates on road conditions and closures.

Members of the Ikon pass family had access to multiple discounts throughout the resort in 2020-21, so keep that in mind when looking at dining & lodging options.

Have you ever been to Solitude? Let me know what you thought in the comments below.

The Basics – A Solitude Guide

Best Time to Visit:

The cottonwoods typically have good snow in Winter, but slush spring skiing is fun too! It’s really up to you.

How to Get There:

Fly into SLC International Airport.
The resort is about a 30 min drive from the airport. Riding the train and bus will take about 2 hours from the airport.

Getting Around:

Paid parking onsite, with shuttle access between base areas. Utilize Utah’s Ski Bus or schedule local transportation from the airport.

Currency:

USD or your credit card

Language:

English

Accommodations:

Creekside Condominiums – Slope slide accommodations with a rooftop hot tub and access to Club Solitude.

Silver Fork Lodge – Cabin in the woods with full breakfast one mile from the ski resort. You will have to use the ski bus to get to the resort for this option.

What to Eat:

Waffles at Little Dollie (Moonbeam base)

Curry Fries at Roundhouse (on mountain)

Bison Burger at Honeycomb Grill (Solitude Village)

Who Should Visit:

Advanced skiers & snowboarders can have fun in honeycomb while their less advanced friends ski groomers, but they all want to avoid crowds and just ski.

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