Solitude Mountain Resort, tucked away in Big Cottonwood Canyon is an often overlooked resort. Solitude is perfect for advanced skiers and powder enthusiasts looking to explore a unique mountain and find low crowds and untouched snow. While names like Park City, Alta, or Snowbird might steal the spotlight, Solitude offers an experience all its own. Picture fresh powder, heart-racing terrain, and a charming village with a cozy, laid-back vibe—all without the hectic crowds of larger resorts. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Solitude Mountain Resort from top trails to the lodging options, top spots for après ski and insider tips to uncover hidden powder stashes. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a seasoned skier, here’s how to make the most of your time at Solitude.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 2494 feet vertical drop
- 10,488 ft Summit elevation
- 1200 acres of skiable terrain
- Best for Exploring and Finding Powder Stashes
- Best for Powderhounds & Groups of Powderhounds
- 500 inches of snow annually
- IKON Pass
“Solitude Mountain let’s you feel the essence of skiing. The balance of adrenaline and serenity while carving fresh tracks on empty slopes”
Why it’s awesome
The Greatest Snow on Earth®
Utah’s trademarked “Greatest Snow on Earth®” slogan isn’t just marketing—it’s science. The powder has a perfect light and dry composition that feels divine to ski through. The state’s unique geography is to thank for its legendary powder. As Pacific storms cross the Sierra Nevada, they lose much of their moisture, leaving lighter, drier snow by the time they reach Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. This low moisture snow is soft, fluffy, and perfect for skiing. The Wasatch Range’s high elevation, cold temperatures, and ideal orientation ensure heavy snowfall and preserve its quality. With consistent storms, dry air, and perfect terrain, Utah’s snow has earned its reputation among skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
Big Cottonwood Canyon’s unique microclimate gives Solitude high quality snow throughout the winter. The canyon’s orientation funnels cold air and moisture from storms and Its elevation and location attract frequent snowstorms, resulting in some of Utah’s highest snowfall totals.
The resort receives an average of 500 inches of light, powdery snow each season, which comes close to the renowned Snowbird and Alta Ski Areas in Little Cottonwood Canyon. That means more powder days and a longer season.
Terrain of Solitude
Over 50% of the mountain is classified as advanced to expert terrain. To be honest, even most of the blues here are not groomed and comparable to black diamond trails at other resorts. The best way to experience true intermediate terrain is to lap the Apex or Eagle Express which have some larger groomed blue runs or to head over to Brighton next door!
Honeycomb Canyon
The crown jewel of Solitude’s terrain is undoubtedly Honeycomb Canyon. This area offers powder-filled tree runs, open bowls, and steep chutes, delivering a backcountry-like experience without venturing too far. Much of the terrain remains untouched, practically guaranteeing you’ll find incredible powder stashes.
At the top of the Summit Express, you’ll have four main options to explore:
- Wide Open Bowls (Advanced): Traverse left along the ridge to access Voltaire, Prince of Wales, and the Boundary Chutes. Look for your preferred drop-in point as you go. No matter where you choose, you’re in for an awesome ride.
- Tree Runs: Head to the right ridge for steep, challenging tree runs. Buckeye Junior is the easiest option, while Black Forest and Memorial Chutes offer consistently strong pow stashes.
- Fantasy Ridge (Boot Pack – Expert Terrain): For the most extreme runs in Honeycomb Canyon, venture to Fantasy Ridge. Be sure to check in with ski patrol and bring avalanche safety gear, including a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Exit through the backcountry gate and prepare for a hike. The views are breathtaking and the runs are STEEP. Black Bess and Honeycomb Chutes are a straight adrenaline rush.
- Woodlawn Trail (Intermediate/Advanced): This trail meanders along the 1.5-mile canyon floor, leading you back to the Eagle Express lift. No matter which run you take, you’ll eventually end up here it’s the natural exit point for canyon.
For an extra points, hop on the Honeycomb Return lift and ride down Challenger, the steepest groomed run in Utah. This will take you back down to the Eagle Express. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring this legendary terrain.
Best Runs at Solitude
- Challenger –Take the Eagle Express lift and follow the Eagle Ride trail to its end, where you’ll find Challenger—the steepest groomed run in Utah. This slope alternates between super steep sections and less super steep stretches . It’s rarely crowded, so embrace the rush, send it and feel some butterflies!
- Evergreen Chutes – If you’re a fan of steep tree runs and stunning views, get ready for another classic Solitude boot pack. Start by taking the Summit Express lift, follow SolBright for a short stretch, then hike up the ridge for about 15 minutes. Only place to go from there is down. Weave your way through the trees before re-emerging onto Dynamite, leading you back to the Summit Express.
- Milk Run –If the gate is open, don’t miss the chance to check it out! Start by heading skier’s right off the Powderhorn lift and traverse for a short distance. From there, enjoy an exhilarating descent with a vertical drop of 1,100 feet in just 0.35 miles. You can either weave through the trees or carve turns in the open space, either way it’s a great ride.
Check out the Solitude Mountain Map and plan your routes!
Guided Tours: Hidden Tracks
Solitude Mountain is a trove of hidden gems, and they’re eager to share them with you through their Hidden Tracks guided tours. Led by top ski instructors, these tours take you on an unforgettable journey to discover the best powder stashes on the mountain. Enjoy priority lift access and, if you’d like, receive expert tips to elevate your skills. Perfect for groups of up to five, this experience is open to participants aged 13 and older. It’s the ideal way to kick off your ski vacation and make the most of your time on the slopes.
Après Ski & Surrounding Area
On Mountain & Village
Out of all the resorts in both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons Solitude is the only one with a real base village. The village here however is still relatively small when compared with some other destination resorts.
Despite its small size, the village boasts an impressive selection of restaurants. Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery is an excellent choice for satisfying both sweet and savory cravings. Honeycomb Grill offers a variety of flavorful options, including hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, entrees, and shareable plates. Meanwhile, St. Bernard’s elevates comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
The Silver Fork Lodge just minutes away. Established in 1943, this historic lodge is full of charm and character. The menu features delicious barbeque, perfectly cooked steaks, and a variety of vegetarian and seafood options to suit all tastes. The lodge also offers a free on-demand shuttle to and from the village.
The Yurt: Gourmet Dining
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, make a reservation at The Yurt. This one-of-a-kind dinner is crafted by skilled chefs over a traditional wood-fired stove. Guests are treated to a prix fixe, four-course meal, with a menu that changes daily and features fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
What truly sets The Yurt apart, however, is its intimate and unique setting. Diners gather around a communal table, creating the perfect atmosphere for lively conversation and connection. This shared experience, combined with exquisite food, ensures an evening you won’t soon forget. You can even bring your favorite wine. A $20 corkage fee applies.
Reaching The Yurt is part of the adventure. Ski down from Sunrise or Apex Express, or take a scenic 5-minute stroll in snowshoes to arrive at this cozy, welcoming space. The entire experience lasts approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours.
Dinner is priced at approximately $100 per person, with a minimum age requirement of 14 years. Please note that corkage fees, gratuity, soft drinks, and alcohol are not included in the dinner price. This will be an evening of great food and a setting like no other.
Photo courtesy of Solitude Mountain
Brighton Resort-Solitude’s Friendly Neighbor
Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Ski Resort are attached via the SolBright Trail, a ski path linking the resorts together. Brighton tends to be a bit cheaper with terrain geared more towards beginners and intermediate while Solitude is full of caches, hidden spots, and has a livelier village.
For added convenience, a nearby shuttle service connects the resorts and surrounding areas, ensuring hassle-free transportation. Visitors can access both resorts with an IKON Pass or Salt Lake Ski Super Pass, which grants access to Solitude, Brighton, and other nearby resorts, along with streamlined transportation options. For more information on planning a multi resort ski trip Contact Skizi today for a hassle free consultation.
Salt Lake City
Best Apres Ski in Salt Lake City: Local Cuisine and Breweries
Salt Lake City has a vibrant food and drink scene as well. You can find breweries and farm to table restaurants throughout the city. Uinta Brewing Co. and Squatters Pub Brewery have a cozy atmosphere with some hoppy craft beers.
Hog Wallow Pub
If you’re you’re looking to venture into Salt Lake City after skiing go to Cottonwood Heights and check out the Hog Wallow Pub. Known for its welcoming ambiance, excellent drinks, live music, pool tables and outdoor fire pits, Hog Wallow is a quintessential après-ski escape. Enjoy a delicious burger, sandwich, wings, or their famous fried pickles while warming up by the fire and listening to live music.
Antelope Island
If you love hiking, birdwatching, scenic views, or wildlife, Antelope Island is a must-visit. Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes.. The island is home to 500-700 bison roaming freely, and its scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and Utah mountains.
Winter brings a peaceful atmosphere, with fewer visitors and plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection. At night, Antelope Island becomes a stargazing haven. With dark skies, it offers incredible views of stars and galaxies.
Temple Square
Temple Square is the heart of Salt Lake City and an iconic piece of the city’s culture. This 10-acre historical site features the majestic Salt Lake Temple and other significant landmarks that are rich in history and architecture. While there be sure to get the tour of The Tabernacle and its world class acoustics. You can literally hear a sewing drop on the pulpit from 150 feet away. The craftsmanship, history, and cultural will be a memorable stop during your day off the slopes.
Solitude Mountain Lodging
There are a few options for lodging in the Solitude Village area. You can either stay at one of the few lodges at the base of the mountain, stay in a private home near the resort, or find a place in Salt Lake City and commute in.
Salt Lake City’s UTA Bus Service runs route 972 to Brighton and Solitude. The bus is pretty good and at $5 each way so staying in the city is not bad idea to save some dollars. Check out the best options on where to stay below.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary and expertise.
Mid Range Accommodation
Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant
Located less than 10 minutes down the road from Solitude, the Silver Fork Lodge is a cozy mountain retreat perfect for a weekend getaway. This charming cabin-style lodge offers a welcoming atmosphere with rustic decor and breathtaking views of the surrounding slopes. Guests can enjoy a hearty, cooked-to-order breakfast included with their stay.
Take advantage of the lodge’s convenient ski storage to stow your gear, then relax in the on-site sauna to unwind after a day on the mountain. The restaurant and bar inside serve delicious meals and drinks, making it a great spot to gather with friends or family after a day in the snow.
The Inn at Solitude
The Inn at Solitude is a charming retreat right at the base of the mountain right by the Sunrise and Apex lifts. You’ll find well-appointed rooms featuring rustic décor and mountain views. With amenities such as a hot tub, gym, spa and bar it’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Guests can unwind after a day on the slopes by enjoying the warm ambiance of the lodge or exploring nearby dining and leisure options. Rooms sleeps 2 or 4 guests.
Budget Accommodation
Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Cottonwood
If you have your own vehicle or don’t mind ubering/taxiing (approx $25 each way outside of surge times) each way then the Courtyard Marriot at about a 30 minute drive is a good option for you.
This has a Starbucks on site, a pool, bar, hot tub, gym, and business center.
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Cottonwood
This highly rated hotel is located a few minutes walking from the 6200 S & Wasatch Blvd Pnr Bus Stop. This is the second pickup point of the UTA Bus which takes you to the resorts in area. Route 972 goes to Solitude and Brighton for $5 each way. Buses leave every 30 minutes from about 8:30am to 8:30pm.
If are traveling without a vehicle you can stay at this comfortable hotel and walk to the bus stop and the ride to the resort.
Cost Breakdown: 4-5 Days
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lift Tickets | ~$400/4 days (multi-day pass discounts available, IKON and Flex Pass). |
| Accommodations | ~$1200/ 5 nights depending on choice of lodging. |
| Gear Rentals | ~$320/4 days if needed (or BYO gear). |
| Food & Drinks | ~$60–$120/day (options range from casual eats to fine dining). |
| Transportation | ~$60 roundtrip from SLC |
Total for 5 days: ~$1800–$2800, depending on your lodging and dining preferences.
5 Days BYOG w/ Pass in Budget accommodation can surely cost less than $1000 per person. Contact Skizi to find you the best deals at no cost to you.
Getting There
Fastest Route
- Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport(SLC), then drive 50 minutes
- Transfer from the Airport
- The SLC area has excellent transportation options to the resorts in the area. Most options are under $100 for a roundtrip or the UTA Ski Bus for as low as $5.
- Transfer Companies
- UTA Ski Bus
- Canyon Transport
- Utah Mountain Shuttle
- Uber & Lyft
Other Options
- Fly into Provo Airport (PVU), then drive 65 minutes.
- If you are trying to beat the crowds, rent your own vehicle, and can get a good flights into Provo Airport then this option could work for you.
- The Provo Airport is smaller, a bit further from Solitude, and transportation is not as easily accessible.
- If you are driving I definitely recommend snow tires and 4 wheel drive, to stay updated on the status of the roads, and a full tank of gas as there is no gas station up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Contact Skizi
Get your custom itinerary and reservations secured. If you want awesome snow, solid terrain, or an excellent family ski trip without spending huge amounts of money then now is the time to secure your trip to Solitude Mountain Resort.
Let us create the ultimate trip for you! From lodging and flights to lift tickets, transportation, and activities, we handle all the details—at no extra cost to you.
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