The Skiers' Guide to Solitude Mountain Resort

Solitude Mountain Resort lives up to its name as Utah's hidden gem. Tucked away in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, this resort offers exactly what many skiers are looking for - fantastic terrain without the crowds.

Perched between 2,436m and 3,196m, Solitude combines high-altitude reliability with diverse skiing opportunities. The resort features 87 runs spread across a well-designed mountain layout, with the standout Honeycomb Canyon area frequently mentioned by our users as a powder haven.

Our Snomad community gives Solitude an overall rating of 3.96/5, with particularly impressive scores for snowboarders (4.25/5) and intermediates (4.33/5). The resort also scores well for off-piste terrain (3.87/5) and family friendliness (4.00/5).

Solitude's 87 runs are nicely balanced, with 5 beginner trails, 40 intermediate runs, and 26 advanced routes. The mountain is served by 6 chairlifts that efficiently transport skiers across the varied terrain.

Intermediate skiers will feel particularly at home here, but there's plenty for all abilities. As Drew, an intermediate skier, notes: "This is a great resort with good lifts they're pretty fast... most of all it's not too much of a long wait for most lifts."

What truly makes Solitude special is its terrain variety. One Snomad community member who is an expert snowboarder said: "Solitude has a great variety of runs from green/blue cruisers to off piste/trees. Groomers are kept in good shape."

The resort's jewel is Honeycomb Canyon, which Montana, an expert snowboarder, describes as having "some of my favorite powder runs I've hit in my life." For those willing to put in some effort, Ryan highlights: "To get to a lot of the good stuff, a place like no mans land on the trail map requires a lot of traversing, but it's absolutely worth the effort... especially as a snowboarder as it is very far away very few riders get there per day."

The mogul fields (3.61/5) and tree skiing (3.67/5) also receive solid ratings, making Solitude a fantastic all-round mountain experience.

The on-mountain dining at Solitude scores 3.30/5 for eating out, with several users specifically mentioning the quality of food available.

Sabine, an expert skier, was particularly impressed with "great food on the mountain (shout out to the curry!)". This sentiment is echoed by Christian, who points out the "mid mountain lodge that sports some amazing Indian Food" - an unexpected but welcome culinary offering in a Utah ski resort.

The resort village offers a modest but adequate selection of dining options, with The Thirsty Squirrel mentioned as a popular spot for post-ski refreshment. While not competing with the extensive restaurant scenes found at larger resorts, Solitude's food offering focuses on quality rather than quantity.

Solitude earns 3.20/5 for its après-ski, reflecting its more laid-back approach to post-ski entertainment. This isn't the place for wild parties, but rather relaxed socializing after a day on the slopes.

Christian, a former local, recommends: "Thirsty Squirrel will cover your Après Ski craving!" The bar offers a comfortable setting for unwinding with fellow skiers, without the rowdiness found at some other resorts.

The quieter après scene aligns perfectly with Solitude's character - it's a place where the focus remains firmly on the skiing rather than partying. For many visitors, this is precisely the appeal, allowing for proper recovery before another full day on the mountain.

Families will feel right at home at Solitude, which earns an impressive 4.00/5 for family friendliness. The combination of manageable size, varied terrain, and relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly suitable for family ski trips.

Brigham Hill, an advanced snowboarder, confirms that "Solitude is a really good mid sized resort and great for families!" While Max adds that "Solitude is a great place to learn. There's nothing too intense about it but it offers everything you could imagine to learn."

The resort's manageable size means families can easily stay together, and the relative lack of crowds (especially midweek) means less stress for parents. Carol, an intermediate skier, highlights the comfortable accommodation: "The room had me at the robes but with the added luxury of humidifiers, down comforters, fantastic views, ski in and out with ease and ski lockers."

Solitude offers 3.69/5 for accommodation options, with a modest but quality selection of lodging choices. The resort village is compact, with most accommodation offering convenient access to the slopes.

Carol raves about her experience: "From the minute I pulled into the Inn, I was met with wonderful and helpful people carrying my bags from the parking lot to the Inn." She highlights the "fantastic views, ski in and out with ease and ski lockers" along with amenities like "hot tub and heated pool."

The resort has a "fabulous European feel to the intimate village," according to Carol, which sets it apart from some of the larger, more commercial Utah resorts. This creates a charming, homely atmosphere that many visitors appreciate.

Solitude has taken strides toward environmental responsibility, though detailed information about specific initiatives is limited in our community reviews. The resort's compact design naturally minimises its environmental footprint compared to more sprawling ski areas.

Public transport is available and encouraged, with several users mentioning the bus service to the resort. Micah, an advanced snowboarder, notes that limited parking effectively encourages alternative transport: "Definitely take the bus, there is very limited parking."

The resort's location within the protected Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed area means water conservation and quality are likely key priorities, though specific sustainability certifications aren't widely discussed among our reviewers.