The purchase of Solitude - made for an undisclosed fee - was announced last week, with Deer Valley management stating that they plan to bring in a more commercial philosophy to Solitude (previously regarded as a locals hill), but they have no intention to totally re-brand the resort.
Thankfully Deer Valley, which doesn’t allow snowboarding, has no plans to outlaw snowboarding at Solitude; an announcement that has come as a relief to all of Solitude’s snowboarding locals.
This is the latest big news story to hit Utah’s ski industry, after Vail Resorts Inc. bought Park City Mountain Resort in early September (for $182.5 million), and Salt Lake City’s announcement that it has re-branded itself as ‘Ski City USA’.
Salt Lake City is hoping to highlight its convenience as a base for skiers, who can choose between the areas four ski resorts: Snowbird, Solitude, Alta and Brighton. All are easily accessed by public transport, and all are covered by one lift pass.
Add all that news to the ‘One Wasatch’ link plan, which will see many of Utah’s resorts being linked up, offering 18,000 plus acres of skiing, around 100 lifts and 200 plus ski runs all in one area - and it really is all change in Utah, USA.
