Solitude Ski Resort: Skiing, Map, Weather

Learn about Solitude Ski Resort, Utah 🎿, including maps, parking info, weather tips, and endless things to do! ⛷️

About Solitude Ski Resort

Source from Solitude Mountain Official

Solitude Ski Resort is in Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 29 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah. It covers 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, with trails for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

The base elevation is 7,994 feet, rising to a summit elevation of 10,488 feet, providing a vertical drop of 2,494 feet. Owned by Alterra Mountain Company since 2018, the resort usually opens for the winter season in mid-November.

Solitude village is small, and most places are a short walk away. To reach the Moonbeam base (home to ski school), you can ski down the Easy Street green run or use the shuttle service between the village and Moonbeam base. During peak holidays, a snowcat shuttle can work.

Cheap & Fast eSIMs for your Skiing Trip

Solitude Ski Resort Map

Source from Solitude Mountain Official

Solitude Mountain Resort offers a range of trails for all skill levels across its 1,200 skiable acres.

Solitude Winter Ski Trail Map

The winter trail map at Solitude breaks down the terrain into easier, more difficult, most difficult, and expert only categories.

• Easier Trails: About 10% of the mountain is perfect for beginners who are learning the basics.
• More Difficult Trails: These make up 40% of the terrain and are great for intermediate skiers who want to build confidence.
• Most Difficult and Expert Only Trails: A challenging 50% of the mountain is for advanced and expert skiers, offering steep slopes, moguls, and exciting runs.

Solitude Trail Breakdown

Solitude Summer Trail Map

During the summer, Solitude becomes a destination for hiking and mountain biking, with well-marked trails for all levels.

Source from Solitude Mountain Official

Parking at Solitude Ski Resort

Source from Solitude Mountain Official

Solitude Ski Resort has implemented paid parking, reservations, and incentives to manage congestion and encourage carpooling. Parking lots typically open at 7:00 a.m.

Solitude Parking Locations👋

• Entry 1 (Day Parking): Ideal for day visitors with direct access to Moonbeam and Link lifts. This lot can fill up quickly on weekends.
• Entry 2 (Village Parking): Reserved for guests staying at Solitude Lodging with access to the resort village.

Winter Parking Reservations 👀

From December 21, 2024, to March 30, 2025, parking reservations are mandatory for arrivals before 11:00 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and two holiday Mondays (January 20 and February 17). Reservations are released:

• Initial Inventory: November 1 at 10:00 a.m. MST.
• Weekly Updates: Sundays at 6:00 p.m. MST for the following weekend.
• Same-Day Availability: Limited spots open at 6:00 a.m. MST, subject to cancellations and snow removal.

Solitude Ski Resort Parking Fees 💰

*Holiday dates: January 20 and February 17, 2025.

Solitude Parking Pass ✅

For frequent visitors, season parking passes are available:

• Full Parking Pass ($499): Valid for up to two cars with a limit of one car per day. Allows up to five active reservations.
• Midweek Parking Pass ($99): Valid Monday through Thursday, excluding holiday Mondays.

Both passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and do not guarantee a parking spot.

Tips for Parking at Solitude 🤔

• Free Afternoon Parking: After 1:00 p.m., parking is free without a reservation.
• Carpool Discounts: Vehicles with three or more passengers receive discounted rates.
• No Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is prohibited in all lots.

How to Get to Solitude Ski Resort

Source from Google Map

Solitude Ski Resort is a scenic 13-mile drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190) from Salt Lake City and 34 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). You can choose between driving, using shuttle services, or taking the UTA Ski Bus, which is free for Solitude and Ikon Pass holders.

Driving to Solitude

If you plan to visit only Solitude and stay on-mountain, a car isn’t essential. However, self-driving is a flexible option if you intend to explore other Utah ski resorts or stay off-mountain.
For GPS navigation, use the address: 1200 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, UT 84121. From downtown Salt Lake City or SLC Airport:

1. Take I-80 East to I-215 South.
2. Exit at 6200 South (Exit 6).
3. Continue onto Wasatch Blvd, then turn left at the Big Cottonwood Canyon sign.
4. Drive 12 miles up the canyon to reach Solitude.

Note: Traffic can be heavy on weekends and powder days. Occasionally, Big Cottonwood Canyon may close for avalanche control, but this happens less frequently than in neighboring Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Rental Cars

For those requiring a vehicle, rental services are widely available at SLC Airport. Comparison platforms like Trip.com 8% OFF Car Rental can help find the best prices across major providers.

Public Transportation

The UTA Ski Bus is a cost-effective way to reach Solitude from Salt Lake City. Use UTA TRAX light rail to connect with ski buses heading to the resort. Park-and-ride stations like Big Cottonwood Canyon & Wasatch Blvd and 6200 S & Wasatch Blvd provide additional convenience, though these lots may fill up on busy weekends.

Hotels near Solitude Ski Resort

When planning your lodging near Solitude Ski Resort, consider the following accommodations🏩👍

For the most current information and potential special discounts, please visit the Trip.com website.

Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant – Located approximately 1.6 km from Solitude Ski Resort, this 3-star lodge offers a rustic mountain ambiance with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, dine at the on-site restaurant, and relax in the sauna. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. This lodge is ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking a cozy retreat close to the slopes.

Slopeside Solitude Condo - Walk to Ski Lifts! – With a perfect guest rating, this condo is ideal for couples and small groups. It has a sauna, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen. Its close proximity to the ski lifts allows for easy access to the mountain, enhancing your skiing experience.

Solitude Ski Resort Weather Guide

Solitude Ski Resort in Utah is known for its light, dry powder snow and consistent weather conditions.

Solitude Snowfall & Weather Overview

• Temperature: During the peak season (late December to mid-March), temperatures typically range from 20°F to 35°F (-6°C to 2°C) at the base, with colder conditions at higher elevations.
• Snowfall: Solitude averages about 500 inches of snowfall annually, ensuring consistent powder throughout the season. The most snow usually falls from January through March, which is also when the resort is fully operational.

Best Time to Ski at Solitude

• Peak Ski Season (Late December – Mid-March): For the best snow and most reliable conditions, late December through mid-March is the ideal time to visit Solitude. The resort typically sees the heaviest snowfalls, and the terrain is fully open, offering a variety of runs for all skill levels.
• Spring Skiing (Late March – Mid-April): If you prefer fewer crowds and sunny weather, late March to mid-April offers enjoyable spring skiing with softer snow, especially during the afternoons. The snow conditions are still good, but the temperatures are warmer, making for a more comfortable experience.

Things to Do at Solitude Ski Resort

Source from ski utah (Annie Davis)

Sled Dog Tours 🐾
Dog sledding is a must-try! Glide through snowy trails behind a team of eager huskies while soaking up stunning mountain views. Some tours even let you take the reins and steer the sled yourself~

Ice Skating ⛸️
For a classic winter vibe, head to nearby outdoor rinks like the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City or Park City’s downtown rink. Rentals and lessons make it easy for anyone to join in, whether you're a pro or just learning.

Source from ski utah (Annie Davis)

Tubing 🎢
Not up for skiing? Tubing is a blast for all ages. Resorts like Soldier Hollow and Woodward Park City offer groomed hills and conveyor lifts, making it effortless to enjoy the downhill thrills.

Snowshoeing ❄️
Take a peaceful walk through the snow at your own pace. Solitude has great trails for snowshoeing, offering quiet moments and amazing views. Rentals and guided tours are available if you need them.

Source from ski utah (Annie Davis)

Nordic Skiing 🎿
Solitude’s Nordic Center is perfect for cross-country skiing fans. With miles of groomed trails, it’s a relaxing way to explore the beauty of the mountains.

Yurt Dining 🍴
End your day with a cozy dining experience in a snow-covered yurt. Solitude’s Yurt Dining serves gourmet meals in a magical, private setting—an unforgettable way to enjoy the mountains at night.

Solitude Ski Resort Hours

Source from ski utah (Annie Davis)

Solitude Ski Resort Operating Hours

Solitude Ski Resort generally operates from mid-November to late April for the winter season. Lifts run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., although some lifts may close slightly earlier depending on conditions. Always check the resort’s official website for any updates or weather-related changes.

Time in Solitude Ski Resort

Solitude Ski Resort follows the Mountain Time Zone (UTC−7). This means that if you're visiting from the East Coast of the U.S., Solitude is two hours behind, while it's one hour ahead of the West Coast. For international visitors, be sure to adjust your watches or devices accordingly to match local time.

Ski Resorts near Solitude Ski Resort

Brighton Ski Resort (from Wikipedia)

Solitude Ski Resort is perfectly located in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon, surrounded by some of the best ski resorts in the state. Here’s a guide to the resorts close to Solitude:

Brighton Ski Resort (2 miles)

Brighton is Solitude’s closest neighbor, located just two miles further up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The resorts are connected by the Sol-Bright run, accessible to strong intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Alternatively, you can take the UTA Ski Bus between the two resorts, though schedules may be limited. Brighton is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent night skiing.

Source from ski utah

Little Cottonwood Canyon Resorts (Less than 30 miles)

• Alta Ski Area (25 miles): Alta is famous for its skier-only slopes and incredible powder. While it’s a short distance “as the crow flies,” you’ll need to drive to reach it due to the canyon layout.
• Snowbird Ski Resort (23 miles): Just next to Alta, Snowbird offers steeper terrain and a world-class tram system, making it ideal for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Little Cottonwood Canyon Resorts (from Visit Salt Lake)

Park City Resorts (Around 40 miles)

• Park City Mountain Resort (42 miles): Known for its expansive terrain and vibrant après-ski scene, Park City is a must-visit for all skill levels.
• Deer Valley Resort (43.5 miles): This skier-only resort offers luxurious amenities and impeccably groomed trails, perfect for a more upscale experience.