However, as he was not a guest of the lodge, he was denied restroom access because the ski area used sewage tanks and was responsible for transporting waste down the canyon. Nevertheless, because of this conflict Barrett decided to open his own ski area and bought every piece of land available in the canyon adjacent to Alta. Construction commenced in 1956. Over the past five years, Solitude has seen a rapid growth with the addition of four new lodging options. The architecture of the closely-nit lodges at the base of the mountain creates the impression of a small European village.
All buildings are within walking distance of one another and within skiing distance of the mountain.
The base elevation of the mountain is 7,988 feet, and peaks at 10,035 feet. Solitude features 2,047 feet of continuously skiable terrain, separated nicely into beginner, intermediate and expert runs. The mountain receives close to 500 inches of powder a year, making for some of the best skiing in the country. 63 runs and three bowls provide extensive downhill opportunities on 1,200 acres. Choices include impeccably groomed slopes, thrill-seeking chutes, expansive powder bowls, intimate tree runs and cruising boulevards.