Amber’s Updates: Wildfire Season & Pro Downhill Series

Summer is in full swing at Solitude, and while it’s been another incredible season on the mountain, it’s also been one that has kept wildfire top of mind across Utah and the West.

Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted, especially our friends at Eagle Point Resort and those continuing to deal with active fires. We’re also incredibly grateful to the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect our communities, including several Solitude team members who are serving this summer. Thank you for everything you do.

As a precaution, Solitude is now operating under Stage 2 fire restrictions. For guests, the biggest change is that smoking is only permitted inside personal vehicles or in parking lots. Behind the scenes, we’ve also partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and Unified Fire Authority to provide wildfire awareness training for all team members as we continue to prioritize preparedness and safety.

The mountain has remained remarkably green thanks to recent afternoon monsoons. Wildflower season is in full bloom, and with the Wasatch Wildflower Festival underway, now is one of the best times of year to visit. The trails are vibrant, the flowers are spectacular, and temperatures are typically about 20 degrees cooler than the valley.

Next week, Solitude will once again host the Pro Downhill Series, a UCI World Cup qualifier that brings some of the world’s best downhill mountain bikers to the Wasatch. Racing begins with athlete check-in and practice midweek before the action ramps up throughout the weekend. The Moonbeam base area will transform into a festival atmosphere with vendors, big screens, food and drinks. There will also be designated viewing areas where spectators can catch the athletes in action.

Alongside race weekend, our lineup of free summer events continues. Coca-Cola Sunset Cinema continues every Thursday evening at Moonbeam. Perfect for gathering with the crew under the stars to watch free movies beginning at dusk. Saturday mornings feature outdoor yoga in Solitude Village, and live music fills the Village every Sunday evening. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, there’s no better place to spend a day.

Ikon Pass holders also have plenty of reasons to visit this summer. Every 26/27 Ikon Pass includes one complimentary bike park day ticket that can be used at Solitude. Full Ikon Pass holders who selected Mountain Credits as their renewal benefit also receive $25 in monthly credits, while Ikon Base Pass holders receive $10 each month. Credits can be used throughout the month at Solitude. They can be used for retail purchases, rentals, Little Dollies, and Stone Haus, with additional redemption locations planned in the future. Mountain Credits expire at the end of each month, so be sure to use them before they’re gone.

Looking ahead, our next signature summer event is Summer Fest during Homeowners Weekend in early August. It’s one of our favorite weekends of the season, bringing together live music, games, family activities, and great food as we celebrate another memorable summer.

It’s already been an incredible season thanks to our hardworking team members who continue to bring the mountain to life every day. We’ve also been making great progress on several behind-the-scenes projects, including snowmaking improvements that will enhance the winter experience.

Believe it or not, we’re also approaching the 100-day countdown to opening day. Winter will be here before we know it.

To catch up on previous Amber’s Updates, visit https://blog.solitudemountain.com/category/ambers-updates/