Opening day at a ski resort usually means grabbing the rock skis and sliding on man-made snow. That was not the case on Solitude Mountain’s 2018/19 opening day. On Saturday, December 1st, skiers got to enjoy the best opening day in recent memory.
Solitude opened this year with four lifts running (Apex, Moonbeam, Powderhorn II, and Eagle Express) and around 23 runs available. Such a strong opening is thanks to 81-inches of snowfall so far, including 11-inches the day leading up to opening. Along with the expansive terrain and lift options on day 1, dining was open at Moonbeam Lodge, Argenta Pub, Honeycomb Grill, and Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery.
Before 9 a.m. on opening morning, the excitement was palpable in the lift lines. Solitude staff handed out donuts to the hardcore early-birds. Then at the stroke of 9, the season officially began. The first skiers on the mountain were treated to untracked, deep powder. What a way to kick off the ski season!
I was there and consider it to be the best opening day at Solitude in years. Coverage was awesome with nary a rock to be found. I wasn’t nervous at all skiing on my new skis (as opposed to my old rock skis.) Laps on Eagle Express paid off as I found untracked lines for hours by searching in untraveled places. Powderhorn and Apex also skied well.
Opening weekend should continue to satisfy as more snow is on the way for Sunday. If this year’s opening day is any indication of things to come, we may be in store for a great season at Solitude.