Snowshoeing is a winter sport that’s just right for me. Speeding down a hill on skis or in a sled makes me nervous – I’m more focused on staying alive than enjoying the scenery.

Admittedly, I was hooked after my first foray into snowshoeing. I participated in a Snowshoe Shuffle to support organ donation here in Utah. The event was held at the Solitude Nordic Center and my step-son and I enjoyed the adventure.

I’ve also been to Bryce Canyon in the winter, and snowshoeing along the rim trail is a great way to spend an afternoon (or moonlight hike).

Here’s what you need to know about your next visit to the Solitude Nordic Center near Brighton, Utah.

Know Before You Go

Getting everything together for any winter adventure can seem daunting. But the Solitude Nordic Center has all the equipment you’ll need for snowshoeing (or cross country skiing should you decide to go that route).

• Focus on your winter gear and dress in layers. Here’s a rundown of what you will need:
  long johns (warm underwear)
• sweat pants or yoga pants (not denim/cotton)
• short sleeve shirt
• long sleeve shirt
• winter coat
• gloves
• winter hat
• scarf (optional)
• Wool socks
• Sturdy snow boots (the snowshoes will attach to your boots)

Pack a bag with some other essential items that you can carry with you, like:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses (to avoid snow blindness)
• light snacks
• water bottle
• camera

Travel Up Big Cottonwood Canyon

There are two main ways to travel up Big Cottonwood Canyon: Drive yourself or take the bus.

Make sure you have a vehicle with tires that are equipped for winter if you decide to drive up the canyon. You don’t want to be the guy that causes an accident or slides off the road and messes everything up for everyone else.

There is limited parking available at the Solitude Nordic Center. If that parking lot is full, you can try parking at Brighton Ski Resort and walking over to the Solitude Nordic Center. It’s not far.

Another option is to park at the Solitude Village and take the free shuttle up to the Solitude Nordic Center. The shuttle only runs at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

I took the UTA Ski Bus up the canyon, and I think more people should go that route. Yes, that does mean you lose the convenience of going at your own pace and having your own car. However, it does place one less vehicle in the canyon.

The cost per person for a round-trip ride up the canyon is $9 ($4.50 each way). You’ll want to bring exact change, because the drivers can’t give change. The bus is accessible at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s a crowded ride up the mountain, especially following a fresh snow storm, so be prepared for that.

Ski Utah has put together information about the ski bus for multiple ski resorts in Utah. Check it out.

Check in and Hit the Trail

The Solitude Nordic Center has multiple pass options available to suit your interests. If you’re looking to save a little money, visit after 12:30 when their rates drop a few dollars. The Solitude Nordic Center is only open until 4:30, but that is still plenty of time to enjoy the trails.

Best part: Kids 6 and under are free!

Once you’ve got your pass and your snowshoes on, you’re ready to hit the trail.

There are a lot of snowshoe trails you can reach from the Solitude Nordic Center, depending on how adventurous you are.

Silver Lake Loop begins at the Solitude Nordic Center and is a 1 kilometer hike around Silver Lake. From this trail, you can branch off onto other trails that offer a different experience.

If you’re more interested in a guided tour, check out the Snowshoeing Adventure Package. It’s offered twice a day (10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), but does require advanced reservations. The adventure includes the trail pass, snowshoes, overshoes and pole rentals, in addition to the one-hour guided tour.

Solitude Mountain Resort does offer dining and lodging options, so if you want to make a weekend out of it, there is that option.

The Details

• Name: Solitude Nordic Center
• 2017-2018 Winter Season Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (December 2, 2017 – April 15, 2018)
• Address: 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, Utah 84121
• Phone: 801.534.1400 (or 1.800.748.4758)
• Website: www.SolitudeMountain.com

PIN THIS: