SOLITUDE RESORT GUIDE
Solitude Resort Overview
Solitude Mountain Resort exudes the atmosphere of a friendly local’s mountain and encompasses a laid-back vibe. It is best known for steep, fall line tree skiing, consistent powder storms, winding groomers, and gentle beginner terrain. The variety of terrain at Solitude makes it an ideal destination for families or groups of different skill levels. Solitude is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon just west of Brighton.
As one of the smaller major resorts in Utah, Solitude can be fully explored in a couple days or over the course of an extended weekend. Solitude has two main base areas and a quaint European-style village with a quantity of luxurious lodges and condos. Despite its sleepy demeanor, Solitude has a few après watering holes and a handful of delicious restaurants. Solitude’s Ski & Ride School offers some of the best lessons in town and many Utahans learn to ski at this resort. Guests looking to travel to Solitude need not rent a car as complimentary transportation is provided between the base areas and the UTA Ski Bus runs to Brighton and the resorts in Park City and Little Cottonwood.
Pass summary: Solitude is an unlimited resort on the Ikon Pass. The Base Pass also has unlimited access but beware of holiday restrictions. The Ikon Pass comes with a free Ski Bus pass to avoid parking fees. Solitude is always running special deals and lodging packages, see here to take advantage. Check back regularly and book early to save. Ticket Paks are a great option for those looking to shred Solitude for 5 - 14 days.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
With an annual average of 500+ inches of snowfall, Solitude is a safe bet for powder skiing
Just 35 miles from the SLC Airport, Solitude is ideally situated for a weekend getaway or a quick mid-week trip
Lodging options abound and many condos or rooms come with hot tub access
Solitude has a full-service Nordic Center with 13 Nordic trails and 6 snowshoe trails (over 20 km to explore)
The variety of terrain keeps Solitude interesting and fun for groups of all ability levels
Hesitations
Though there are more après options than neighboring Brighton, the after-hours scene at Solitude is still fairly mellow
Crowds are much larger than they once were; formerly a bucolic, little-known resort, the unlimited Ikon Pass has stamped Solitude on the map
A handful of the lifts are dated and a tad on the slow side, rumor is upgrades are coming...
Parking: Solitude has implemented a steep fee to use their parking lot, though discounts are offered for carpooling with multiple passengers
On weekends and sunny powder days parking can be difficult; use the UTA Bus or carpool (carpooling lowers parking fees)
Insider Tips
Flights to Salt Lake are often cheap. Track storms and book a mid-week trip when crowds are scarce to ski Solitude in untracked powder
One of the best brunches in Utah can be found just down the hill from Solitude at the historic Silver Fork Lodge. Beware, they do not take reservations
You can ski between Solitude and Brighton Resort via the SolBright trail. Consider extending your trip and grabbing a day or two at Brighton, which is also on the Ikon Pass
Meet the amazing avalanche dogs! Solitude offers avalanche dog demonstrations on select days throughout the winter. Learn about the dogs and watch them perform a dramatic mock rescue
Solitude charges $20 to park, if you carpool with 3 riders; the charge is $10, carpools of 4 or more will be charged $5. To travel to Solitude, carpool or park at the base of Big Cottonwood and use the UTA Ski Bus (free for all IKON pass holders)
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Solitude's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Solitude has plenty of lodging options and there are many airport shuttles. A car is helpful to visit the city or nearby resorts, but is not necessary if you book lodging at Solitude or along the UTA Ski Bus routes.
Getting To
Closest Major City: Salt Lake City, UT
Distance: ~35 miles South East, Travel time: ~45 minutes
Closest Major Destination Resorts: Park City & Deer Valley
Distance: ~42 miles, Travel time: ~1 hour
Neighboring Resorts
Closest Neighbor (Ikon)
Brighton (~2 miles, ~5 mins or ski between)Little Cottonwood Canyon Neighbors (Ikon & Mountain Collective)
Snowbird (~23 miles, ~40 mins)
Alta (~24 miles, ~42 mins)Neighbors in Park City
Park City (~42 miles, ~55 mins)
Deer Valley ~43 miles, ~1 hour) (Ikon Pass)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airport: SLC (Salt Lake City International)
~35 mi Northwest, ~45 mins
Travel By Bus
Salt Lake City runs several Ski Bus routes with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA); cost effective (fares ~$4.50 one way)
Airport shuttle services is available to / from SLC
Canyon Transportation; starting $60 /per person each way
Travel by Car
There is no need for a car here unless you want the freedom of traveling to other resorts and visiting Salt Lake or Park City
Cons to having a car:
Solitude charges a fee for parking, discounts are offered for carpooling with multiple passengers. To avoid paying a fee, ride the UTA Ski Bus . There is a park-n-ride lot at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon which will likely fill before 9 AM on powder days or weekends
Overnight parking is limited and restricted to lodging guests. It is illegal to sleep in your car at Solitude - sorry van lifers!
4WD / AWD / snow tires / or chains are required by law during and after heavy snowfall (which happens a lot)!
Rideshares (Uber and Lyft) are available, but not always reliable
