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I think chocolate gets a bad rap. People spend so much time focusing on the negatives that they forget about the positives of this delectable treat. In a way, they’re taking a glass-half-empty approach to chocolate. But by focusing on the negative, they’re missing out on the fact that chocolate may elevate your mood, raise good cholesterol, promote blood flow and make you a better skier or snowboarder. Ok, I may have made up that last point, but the rest are completely true.

If you can’t tell, I’m more of a glass-half-full type of guy when it comes to chocolate. So it should come as no surprise that I’m stoked for the 20^th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Tour at Solitude Mountain Resort on January 23!

I’ve heard of chocolate parties, but the 20^th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Tour is more like a chocolate vacation. First, you get a Chocolate Lovers Passport, which is very similar to a normal passport in that it gets you into the event. The only difference – instead of security checkpoints and strip searches you get pampered with chocolaty goodness. Second, you get to explore Solitude Mountain Resort. Six different tents are set up around the mountain, each featuring a different type of chocolate and give away. Third, you’ll probably want to bring a bag to carry all the giveaways and prizes that you could win.

Still not convinced? Pardon me while I name drop. Cream O’ Weber, C. Kay Cummings, Sweet’s Candy and Bakers C & C will all be there. As will V Chocolates, Utah Truffles and Premium Ice Cream Creamies.

By now you’re probably having chocolate dreams and possibly even drooling. Don’t worry, this is normal. What’s not normal is missing out on the 20^th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Tour. So grab your friends and family, make sure your sweet tooth is fully functioning and make your way to Solitude Mountain Resort for the 20^th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Tour!

Posted by Joe under Events
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Do you consider yourself a fan of sushi?  If so, a mountain resort outside Salt Lake City might not be the first place you’d think to find good sushi.  The whole land-locked and high elevation thing probably plays a part in that.  But if you’re going to let some little things like that get in the way of trying Hungry Tuna Sushi at The Thirsty Squirrel, then you should take your fan-dom, roll it up and toss it, because you’re missing out on the best thing since chopsticks!

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 3-8 PM, Solitude Mountain Resort’s resident sushi chef, Clayton Wall, rolls out a menu that is changing the Cottonwood Canyons après ski scene.  From rolls of all shapes and sizes, to the delicious miso soup and edamame, you’re sure to find something that will tickle the taste buds.

At this point you’re probably waiting for a recommendation on what roll to get, and possibly an in-depth review of the ingredients and flavors.  But I’m not a food critic, and even if I was I wouldn’t want to over inform you about something so simple and delicious.  Just take my word for it and go with the signature Solitude Roll . . . or the Honeycomb Roll . . . or the Voltaire Roll.  Actually, try one of each.  Missing out on any one of these rolls would be a shame!

Hungry for more reviews? Stay tuned to this blog for more installments of “A taste of Solitude.” That’s right, this was just the first blog of many to feature the wide array of dining options found only at Solitude Mountain Resort.

Posted by Joe under Dining
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If you’ve read my biography on the Meet The Crew you know that I’m the rookie. This is both a good and a bad thing. It’s good because all the old timers (I won’t name names) feel it necessary to show me the secret stashes, sweetest runs and the best apres ski watering holes. It’s bad because I have absolutely no idea what I’m getting myself into or the assumed risk that you take every time you click into your skis and head beyond resort boundaries.

Call me naive, but I’ve never worried about avalanches. Part of this may be due to growing up skiing in eastern Washington, which isn’t exactly a hotbed of avalanche activity. But I honestly think it’s because I was completely unaware of avalanches in general . . . until I moved to Utah.

People in Utah are serious about their avalanche safety. This fact is perfectly demonstrated by how quickly I got signed up for Back Tracks Avalanche Awareness Course. The conversation with my boss went something like this:

Boss - “Rookie, have you ever taken an avalanche course?”

Me – “Nope, do I need to?”

Boss – “Yes. And consider yourself signed up for the Avalanche Awareness Course tomorrow.”

And with that I was on my way to the Avalanche Awareness Course, not knowing what to expect and wondering how much there really is to learn about avalanches. Man, was I surprised. At no other time in my life have I gleaned more valuable information in a two-day span. Put on by Back Tracks, and taught by members of Solitude’s Professional Ski Patrol, the Avalanche Awareness Course was a great introduction to the identification of avalanche hazards and how to travel responsibly and safely outside resort boundaries.

Here are some of the more important and interesting factoids I took away from the course. Note: These may or may not be obvious to you, but I’m a rookie.

• 75% of avalanche victims are experienced backcountry recreationists.
• Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees.
• Cross avalanche terrain one at a time, not in groups.
• Snow pits and shear tests are the most reliable ways to analyze the safeness of the snowpack
• An avalanche is broken down into three parts: starting zone, track and run out zone
• There is more than one type of avalanche

Needless to say, I’m not naïve when it comes to avalanches anymore. And if I were to give one piece of advice to anyone thinking of venturing into the backcountry it would be to take the Avalanche Awareness Course.

Back Track’s

Posted by Joe under Mountain
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What? It’s almost Christmas already? For once I’m not disappointed that time is flying. Why? First, the closer we are to Christmas, the closer we are to presents. Duh! Secondly, it means that we’re in the midst of Solitude’s 2^nd Annual Winterfest!

For those of you who don’t know, Winterfest is two weeks of pure awesomeness for the whole family. Yes, I just made up that word, but it seemed fitting.

What classifies as awesomeness? Allow me to inform you. A pedestrian only village that is bustling with people, activity, fun and games. Ice skating parties complete with s’mores made over an open fire (the way they should be). History lessons. Movies. Astronomy presentations and star gazing tours. Solitude Ski Patrol rescue dog demonstrations. Snowshoeing tours. Holiday singers.

Wow, that is quite the list! And believe me it could, and does, go on. But I won’t share all the secrets of Winterfest, because the best part is discovering it for yourself!

Check out more details at: http://www.skisolitude.com/summer/clubsolitude.php

Posted by Joe under Events
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Do you remember middle school dances? You know, the one’s where the guys were on one side and the girls on the other. Both wanted to dance with each other, but neither group knew how to make the first move . . . until the DJ played that special song that broke the ice.

Where am I going with this?Allow me to explain. Before this big storm, this winter had been like one of those dances. It was struggling. Skiers and boarders looked longingly at the mountains. Luckily, DJ Ullr spun that special song (aka the storm) bringing powder hounds together with the mountain for a memorable dance (aka powder turns). But this song wasn’t just one and done. It kept playing for 48 hours dumping 46” of snow on Solitude Mountain Resort!

Now, this may be just another dump of Utah’s finest for you, but this is EPIC to me (Note: if you see me frolicking about in the waist deep powder, just let me have a moment). You see, I’m not from around here. I grew up skiing the heavy-wet of the Pacific Northwest. Days like these past few are what set the Wasatch, and more specifically Solitude, apart from the rest of the field. Days like these past few have been the subject of my powder dreams for years. And days like these past few are what we can expect for the rest of the season.

So, I thank you DJ Ullr for breaking the ice and I look forward to making turns to your tunes for the rest of the season!

Posted by Joe under Blog Entry
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Join members of Solitude’s Professional Ski Patrol and Snow Safety team to learn how to travel responsibly and safely outside resort boundaries. This two-day course is a great introduction to the identification of avalanche hazard and the skills needed to safely travel in the backcountry.

The course will focus on identifying avalanche terrain, analyzing snow and weather factors, managing group dynamics, and avalanche rescue skills. The morning of day one will start with the guides giving a presentation on avalanches, followed by the rest of day one and two being spent in the backcountry putting these concepts into action.

All participants will have the option to use our brand new Black Diamond touring setups, consisting of the Justice skis with Fritschi Freeride bindings and Ascension skins.

Call BackTracks at 801 536-5705 or visit us at solitudebacktracks.com to reserve your spot.

Posted by solitude under Events
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So, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you probably know that The ‘Tude has added three new lifts in two years.  Sure, those other lifts are cool:  Apex gives you sweet access from the Village at Solitude, and Moonbeam has a sweet name, which makes me wonder, what is a moonbeam anyways?  Does the moon shoot beams?  I digress.

Now, I’m not trying to be brash, but those lifts don’t hold a candle to me.  Oh, sorry, where did my manners go?  Please allow myself to introduce . . . myself (cue music).  I’m Powderhorn II, or PH II or the new PH.  Really, you can call me anything you want, the name isn’t important.  The important thing to remember is that I’m going to change the way you visit Solitude.  Again, I’m not being smug, I’m just being confident.  Believe me, there’s a difference.

I’m a pretty big deal for a couple of reasons.  First, I’m a quad.  A fixed grip quad if you must know.  No more of this two-at-a-time, trying to figure out who rides with who stuff.  I’m all about getting you, plus your family and friends, up the hill.  Secondly, I start mid-mountain.  No more long and reflective rides, as nostalgic as they will remain.  This means two things:  Shorter laps for experienced skiers on the upper-mountain and lower Honeycomb Canyon (more of the good stuff!), and even less traffic on the intermediate and beginner runs of the lower-mountain.  Really, I’m a win-win kind of lift. Your welcome.

For the skeptics . . . well, I can’t change your mind.  True, different areas on the mountain will get skied more than they did in the past.  But remember, this is Solitude, there’s never a shortage of sweet stashes to blow through!  You just need to know where to look! And when you find those stashes of the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” and believe me you will, just remember who got your butt up there (Hint:  Me!).

But seriously, there’s no need to thank me.  The powder yelps and smiles will be thanks enough.

See you out there,

PH II

Posted by Eagle under Mountain
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There are few things in life that go better together than fresh snow and sun.  Luckily, I live in Salt Lake City where I get to experience this combination more often than not.  For those of you who don’t live in Salt Lake City, I apologize.

Today up at Solitude was a prime example of this combination at its finest!  Overnight, eight inches of fresh pow blanketed Solitude’s slopes and by mid-morning the sun was out creating perfect early season conditions.  Needless to say I hit the slopes like it was my job!

Three lifts (Apex, Link, Moonbeam) were up and spinning, giving me access to three different runs.  And yes, I skied them all!  With the groomers out last night and this morning, the runs were in pristine condition making for some great turns.  And for those of you wondering, there were powder stashes to be found on the edges of the runs.  I would say they were early season teasers of the great pow days to come.

Insider tip:  Eagle Express opens tomorrow!  You know what that means right?  Time to hit Sunshine Bowl!

Posted by Joe under Mountain
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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
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Far and away, the most legitimate resort awards program is by Ski Magazine. Being that actual skiers - the readers of the magazine - not editors swayed by advertising revenue and popularity contests, are rating the resorts they frequent, Solitude is proud of the amazing rankings we received.

OVERALL - #26. Just being ranked is compliment - nevermind scratching close to the top 25.  Thank you readers!

In individual categories, Solitude really shined in areas we expect to (weather, snow, etc.) as well as in areas we strive to excel, such as providing a wide variety of groomed terrain.

#1 Weather

#4 Snow

#10 Grooming

#6 Value

#8 Access

Posted by Nick under Mountain
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