Utah’s big skiing news yesterday was Alterra Mountain Company’s purchase of Solitude Mountain Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Alterra announced Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Solitude, which would bring the company’s total to 13 year-round mountain destinations throughout North America, including the world’s largest heli-skiing operation.
“With its close relationship with Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort is a natural fit for Alterra Mountain Company, and a tremendous addition to our family of destinations. We are especially excited to expand our reach within Utah and offer another ski and snowboard experience in a state known for its exceptional snow and mountain culture,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company.
“Joining the impressive group of Alterra Mountain Company destinations places Solitude Mountain Resort in a strong position to continue to grow and enhance the brand and culture that is Solitude,” said Kim Mayhew, General Manager. “We are excited about the opportunities this transaction will create for our guests, our staff, and for our community in Big Cottonwood Canyon.”
Sounds like Alterra will be a good thing for the company, and Solitude Mountain Resort from a business standpoint. But will this be a good thing for Utah skiers? The big question is, how will Solitude be represented on Alterra’s Ikon Pass?
Will Solitude be on the Ikon Pass?
Earlier this spring, skiers and snowboarders excitedly awaited news about the price structure of the new Ikon Pass, which is supposed to be an alternative to Vail’s Epic Pass. With top-notch Utah resorts as part of the Ikon Pass, including Deer Valley, Alta and Snowbird, many were excited. Unfortunately, Ikon landed with a thud here in Utah.
We now know the Ikon Pass has two price options – the $899 Ikon Pass, and $599 Ikon Base Pass. Both passes are a great deal, depending on where you live. A small number of resorts have unlimited skier access, while others only allow 7 or 5 days, respectively. The problem for Utah skiers, is that Deer Valley, Alta and Snowbird do not offer an unlimited option. That means the new Ikon Pass everyone has been excited to hear about pretty much leaves much to be desired for local skiers.
But now that Solitude has been gobbled up by Alterra, will this funky, local mountain have unlimited access? Or will it simply be another 7 or 5 day add on for Ikon pass holders? Currently there is no word yet on Solitude’s Ikon Pass status.
Personally, I don’t like this trend of huge companies buying up all the ski resorts. With Vail and Alterra soon to be the only choices, the industry will become less diverse and more corporate. Unfortunately, there is noting skiers can do about it (besides committing fully to backcountry). So if we want to keep skiing, we’ll have to choose – Epic or Ikon?
There are currently no unlimited access destinations in Utah on the Ikon Pass. So the only way this sale can be good for Utah is if Solitude becomes unlimited. That way we can purchase the Ikon Pass, make Solitude our home mountain, and enjoy 5 or 7 days at Deer Valley and Alta/Snowbird. But if Solitude is not unlimited, Utah skiers will have little to gain.
In my humble opinion, since Alterra now owns Deer Valley and Solitude, they should give local skiers something to cheer about by making both resorts unlimited access for $899, and really give Vail’s Epic Pass some stiff competition.
According to Alterra, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2018, and is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.