Fall has arrived in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and changing aspens are making September one of the best times to visit Solitude. And with cooler temperatures settling in, winter is starting to feel close.
Snowmaking Improvements
One of Solitude’s biggest summer projects is taking shape along Main Street, where crews have been making significant upgrades to the resort’s snowmaking system. The work builds on last summer’s new pipeline, which brought additional gravity-fed pressure to the system. This summer, crews are upgrading lines and valves, improving valve houses, and adding both fixed and portable snow guns. Three new fixed guns have already been installed along Main Street. Together, these improvements will help Solitude make better use of snowmaking windows and strengthen early-season coverage.
State of Solitude
State of Solitude returns Friday, September 25, at Moonbeam Lodge. The annual event is an opportunity to hear from Solitude leadership about what’s been happening across the mountain, the projects completed this summer, and what guests can expect this winter. Those who can’t make it up the canyon can tune in virtually.
Solitude Bike Park Whip Off & Big Cottonwood Winter Welcome
Saturday, September 26, brings a full afternoon and evening of biking, community, and getting excited for winter. Solitude Bike Park Whip Off will give riders another chance to send it before bike season comes to an end. The action takes place at the final jump on Pyrite Plunge, with the Moonbeam base area serving as the hub for the event.
After the Whip Off, the celebration continues with Big Cottonwood Winter Welcome at Moonbeam. Expect live music, food and drinks, an outdoor movie, and plenty of excitement for the winter ahead.
Make the Most of Fall
There’s still time to enjoy fall on the mountain. Lift-served operations are now running Friday – Sunday and will wrap up on the first Sunday in October. Cooler temperatures and recent rain have created prime conditions for hiking and biking, while fall colors are beginning to fill Big Cottonwood Canyon. St. Bernard’s Dinner & Wine Pairing Series also continues into fall. Sunday evening dinners feature a five-course menu with thoughtfully selected wine pairings and offer another way to spend an autumn evening at Solitude.
Winter Hiring Is Underway
Solitude is actively hiring for Winter 26/27, with full-time and part-time opportunities available across the resort. Those looking for another way to spend the season on the mountain can also explore opportunities to become a volunteer mountain host. Open positions and additional information are available on Solitude’s website.
Winter Is Getting Close
With snowmaking improvements nearing completion, fall operations winding down, and winter hiring underway, preparations for the season ahead are in full swing. Solitude has announced its planned opening date, conditions permitting, but the team will be ready to open earlier if weather and snowmaking conditions allow. There’s still plenty of fall left to enjoy before then. Come up for the changing leaves, get in a few final bike laps, join the community for State of Solitude and Big Cottonwood Winter Welcome, and start counting down the weeks until ski season.
To catch up on previous Amber’s Updates, visit https://blog.solitudemountain.com/category/ambers-updates/