If you are looking for a wonderful winter getaway, you’ll find a great “snowcation” retreat at Solitude Mountain Resort.
Thanks again to Visit Ski City for hosting my visit. This article contains affiliate links.
Solitude Mountain is a ski resort located in the Big Cottonwood Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains that’s conveniently located 34 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport.
You can easily rent a car or take a shuttle and park once and play and stay if you want to.
After you experience a stay at Solitude Mountain, you’ll understand why so many families make it an annual tradition.
Ski or Snowboard at Solitude Mountain
One of the main draws for the resort is, of course, skiing and snowboarding.
You’ll find 66 trails at this 1,200 acres family-friendly resort.
Beginner skiers have trail options that are close to each other. Advanced skiers will still find plenty of challenging runs.
Solitude Mountain is also only a 7-minute drive to Brighton Ski Resort near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This is another great option if want to experience an additional resort nearby.
Solitude Mountain will always have a special place in my heart as the resort for my first time skiing out West.
I’ve skied in the Midwest primarily over the years and now I understand why everyone loves skiing in Utah!
Skiing on powder is a gamechanger, with 500 inches of snowfall annually.
Try Nordic Skiing Or Snowshoe
If you want an alternative to downhill skiing, make sure that you check out Solitude’s Nordic Center.
There are 20 kilometers of trails for both the classic and skate style of Nordic Skiing.
You can rent cross country snowshoes at both the Powderhorn Adventure Center and the Nordic Center. Cross country skies are only available for rental at the Nordic Center.
If you prefer to learn the basics before you go, there are lessons (private and group), clinics, and workshops that you can attend.
There are 3 free shuttles that transport guests from Solitude Village to the Nordic Center departing at 10am, 1pm, and 3:30.
Experts Only Experience -Hidden Tracks Mountain Guide Tour
If you are an advanced/expert skier who wants to experience the hidden tracks at Solitude Mountain, you’ll definitely want to sign up for the “Hidden Tracks” guided tour.
This tour takes you to areas of the mountain that are not open to the public without a tour guide.
Guests ages 14 and up who have some off-piste experience can sign up for a full or half-day tour option. Advance booking for this tour is highly recommended and you’ll want to bring your GoPro to capture your experience.
Get fitted for Rentals at Powderhorn Adventure Center
If you don’t have equipment with you, rentals are conveniently available directly across from The Inn.
You can get fitted for your equipment and then conveniently bring it to your room if you are staying nearby.
Take a Ski or Snowboard Lesson
Lessons aren’t just for beginners.
No matter what your skill level, a lesson can help you feel more confident on the slopes and with your equipment.
If you are a brand new or newer skier please do NOT let a friend or family member try to teach you.
TRUST ME, I know this from personal experience.
It’s frustrating for both parties because they tend to put unrealistic expectations for you to progress sooner than you are ready for.
You really need a professional who can evaluate your skill level and help you progress during your time together.
Solitude Is Also The“Home” Mountain for an X Games Legend
During my visit, I got to briefly ski with US Freestyle skier, Grete Eliassen. She has medaled in the X Games 6 times, 4 time US Open Champion, AND World Record Holder…to name a few.
Grete lives close to Solitude in Brighton which means that you have a good chance of spotting her at her home mountain at Solitude.
Grete Set The Women’s World-Record Ski Jump At 31 Feet!
Now when I say I “skied” with her, I only went down one of the same runs with her and that was more on accident. The moguls were not my friend. I was also the only one in my group who was not an advanced skier.
I parted ways with her after that run ( I know my limits) but I did meet back up with her and my group for lunch. It was so cool to spend time with Grete and gain more insight into her world as an athlete and also now as a mother.
How to Save on Lift Tickets
If you plan on skiing multiple days during your visit, the best value is an Ikon or Epic Pass.
The passes are good for one year and give you access to multiple ski resorts around the world.
You will need to plan in advance if you plan on purchasing either one because the passes are limited in quantity and typically sell out for the season.
I also have to note that the ski lifts and the lines for the chairlifts at Solitude were WAY faster than any other resort I’ve ever experienced in the Midwest.
Another way to save on lift tickets is by purchasing your single or multi-day tickets online in advance.
Afternoon, half days, and night skis are also typically discounted.
Try to avoid booking around the holidays when prices and crowds are higher. You can typically find lower rates late January through March (avoiding holiday weekends.)
If you have a 5th or 6th grader visiting Utah make sure that you take advantage of the 5th and 6th Grade Ski Passport Plus.
Ski to Lunch Mid-Mountain at The Roundhouse
Located at the base of Powderhorn II chairlift.
It’s really important that you drink a LOT of water before, during, and after you ski.
Drinking a lot of water can also keep you hydrated to help reduce your chance of getting altitude sickness.
You are also burning a lot of calories so make sure that you pack a protein bar if you want to eat on the go or grab some protein at the Roundhouse.
The dining area on the second floor offers lots of light and a cozy fireplace that you can dine around.
Dinner at Honeycomb Grill (in Solitude Village)
You’ll find lots of fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients on the menu for both vegans and non-vegans.
An Intimate Dinner inside a Mongolian Yurt
This unique dining experience is recommended for adults and youth ages 13 and up with a max of 26 people.
Dining in the yurt is only available during the winter season Wednesday- Sunday which makes it even more special.
This is a VERY popular dinner and you must have reservations prior to the dinner.
*The price of dinner also includes a guided experience, snowshoes, corkage, and tax.
Yurt guests will be supplied with snowshoes for a quarter-mile hike to the Yurt. They also have headlamps that you can wear.
We opted to not turn ours on to help our eyes to get used to sights and sounds of the woods lit by moonlight.
How to dress for Yurt Dining
You’ll want to dress warm and in layers including waterproof boots. (Jeans + sweater and jacket are good PLUS warm boots).
Once you are inside the Yurt you’ll be comfortable and cozy.
A Seasonal Four Course Meal in a Yurt
The menu at the yurt changes weekly which gives you an excuse to come back more than once in a season.
After your dinner, you can burn off some of the calories with the hike back to your room.
The trek back is WAY easier than the way there. I pride myself on being in decent shape and hike pretty often.
The big difference was hiking in altitude when you are used to Midwest elevations. I was just surprised that I was getting winded on an incline that would not be a big deal at all at home.
The irony is that I actually live in a city that is ALL hills. The hard part of the hike on the way to the yurt was by no means hard.
If you get the opportunity during your visit I would HIGHLY recommend this dining experience!
Grab a Drink at The Thirsty Squirrel
The best part of skiing is “Apres-ski” aka the social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.
Guests 21+ can relax and enjoy a laid back environment to grab their drink of choice.
You’ll find a nice selection of craft beers, wine, and cocktails. I loved the attention to detail in my Kentucky Mule with a Solitude ski stir stick.
If you visit during a weekend during the winter season you can also enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Stay Onsite at The Inn at Solitude
Solitude Village, second entrance
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Solitude, UT
During my stay, I enjoyed beautiful views slopeside. The ski slopes were walking distance from our room at the Inn.
The restaurants and shops at the Village were also within very close proximity.
You can truly park once and not leave if you don’t want to.
If you need to relax after your time on the slopes, you can relax in the outdoor heated pool or hot tub at the Inn.
The breakfast at St. Bernard’s (onsite at The Inn) has a great mix of protein and lighter fare.
If you prefer to have access to your own kitchen for meals The Inn has Double Queen with an en suite kitchen.
How to Save on Your Stay at Solitude Mountain
Additional Lodging Options at Solitude Mountain are Creekside Condominiums, Eagle Springs Lodge East, Eagle Springs Lodge West, Powderhorn Lodge, Crossings Townhomes, Silver Aspen Townhome, and Spring Branch.
You can save on your stay by using Booking.com.
An Environmentally Friendly Approach To Parking
Solitude Mountain is committed to improving Utah’s air quality by encouraging carpooling and the use of public transportation.
Guests can receive reduced rates for parking and preferential parking the more occupants they have in their vehicle.
Learn More About Solitude Mountain Resort
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Solitude, UT
Check out the Solitude Mountain Resort website for more information.
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