With the final bolts tightened, tests passed and chairs hung, Utah’s largest on-mountain improvement for the upcoming season is ready for action - Powderhorn II.
Powderhorn II starts near the bottom of Sunshine Bowl, travels above a widened Concord ski run, and ends in the same location as the original Powderhorn Lift. Some terrain improvements at the top terminal allow Diamond Lane to start right at the top terminal - no more crossing the road to get to the other side. Skiers left - towards Eagle Ridge - has been graded eliminating the off-camber double fall line mogul field to access gentler terrain. Guests will no doubt enjoy a smoother ad quicker transition from riding the lift to making turns.
PH II Bottom Terminal as viewed from Moonbeam Express. Photo: Marc Guido
The move to a mid-mountain starting point allows expert snowriders to make continuous laps on the upper mountain - from Diamond Lane to Sunshine Bowl - without the need to return to the base area via beginner runs. A speedy 7 minute lift ride on the new lift, as opposed to 12 on the old double, saves 5 minutes per run on some of the state’s steepest groomed terrain. Plus, the off-piste terrain in Honeycomb Canyon will still be conveniently accessed from the top of this lift.
Beginner and intermediate visitors will appreciate the new lift, as well, even though they may not ride it until their skills improve, as advanced and expert visitors will remain higher on the mountain, easing traffic in prime learning areas lower on the mountain. Crafting this natural segregation put visitors of like abilities in terrain conducive to their ability, creating an improved experience for all.
Posted by solitude under Mountain
November 14th, 2009 at 2:57 am
Those who use the per-lift pass like myself will not be excited about the quick burn rate on short runs. Should give two laps for the price of one on Powderhorn II
November 19th, 2009 at 9:17 am
old phorn vertical=1600, eagle express=1500 u loose only 100 feet. i can’t wait to ski the bumps on concord!!competition boyz and girls get ready!!!
new ph3 vertical=666 bring it on!!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 9:46 am
Thank you Solitude for continuing on-mountain improvements! And now the brand new proposal to add Silver Fork Canyon and new lifts! I responded pro-expansion to the latest Cottonwoods Canyons Planning Survey. Did you know Silver Fork used to be within the Solitude Permit area? Wonder why it ever was removed in the 80s?
December 17th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I’ve skied Solitude for the last 11 years in a row. I am not skiing there this year. They’ve ruined my favorite chair lift and made is short and lame. Way to go on making your mountain less appealing. I guess Solitude doesn’t make much from the per-lift passes because once people realize they’re getting half the vertical for the same price they’ll go elsewhere.