Solitude is aptly named. Tucked away in Big Cottonwood Canyon with neighboring Brighton, it doesn't get the attention of say Snowbird and Alta just one canyon over. There are only 425 beds at the base, so it hardly qualifies as a big resort. all of which is excellent news for those few visitors seeking the trademark solitude and excellent skiing spread over 12,000 acres.

"Cozy" might be an over worked adjective, but it certainly applies here. Solitude is family-owned and it shows. Loyal guests come back here year after year and staff members demonstrate the same loyalty (the director of slope-side maintenance, for example, has worked here since 1986).

The base itself suggests an old European mountain town in miniature, complete with a Bavarian-style inn, central clock tower, low-rise condo blocks and stores. Despite its newness, there is an old-world feel. It's quiet during the day and even quieter in the evening when the guests—mostly families—leave the one apres-ski spot, the Thirsty Squirrel, and drift along the snow-banked lanes, first to the small selection of restaurants, and then to an early night in the luxurious condos.

But don't be fooled by its size. Especially when combined with Brighton (both resorts are covered in a single lift ticket), Solitude offers a variety and depth of terrain.

Vacationers who want to taste the region's wide variety of skiing, riding and off-mountain activities may want to consider staying in nearby Salt Lake City.

Solitude Ski Resort Facts:

Summit elevation: 10,035 feet
Vertical drop: 2,047 feet
Base elevation: 7,988 feet

Expert : ++++
Advanced: ++++
Intermediate: ++++
Beginner: ++++
First-timer: ++++

Dining: +++
Apres-ski/nightlife: +
Other activities: +

Address: 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, UT 84121
Area code: 801
Ski area phone: 534-1400
Snow report: 536-5777
Toll-free reservations:
(800) 748-4754
Fax: (435) 649-5276
E-mail: info@skisolitude.com
Internet: www.skisolitude.com

Number of lifts: 8—1 high-speed quad, 1 quad,
2 triples, 4 doubles
Snowmaking: 150 acres
Skiable acreage: 1,200 acres
Uphill capacity: 12,550 per hour
Parks & pipes: 1 park
Bed base: 425 (resort); 17,366 (Salt Lake City)
Resort child care: None, but babysitting services can be arranged
Nearest lodging: Slopeside, condos & hotel
Adult ticket, per day: $53 (06/07)