Cross-Country Ski at the Solitude Nordic Center

Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude Mountain Resort is known for it's quaint atmosphere and great downhill skiing. But for those who want to get away from the crowds, try something different, and get a great workout in the process, it also offers 20 Kilometers of groomed cross-country trails that run right through a beautiful conifer and aspen forest.

Your adventure starts at the Solitude Nordic Center, which is located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, just across the parking lot from the Brighton Ski Resort. The Nordic Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week. Here you can get your passes, and if needed, rentals. They offer skis, poles, and boots for both classic and skate technique. Classic cross-country skiing uses a walking motion, and is done in a track. This technique is what most people will feel most comfortable with when first learning. Skate technique uses a motion much like roller-blading, and is usually reserved for those with some experience in cross-country skiing.

The trail system begins at the Silver Lake Loop, a popular spot for hiking in the Summer. It is flat, and is great for practicing or just taking it easy. You can then head into the trees where you will experience a variety of terrain from flat to rolling, and loops of different lengths, including the cabin loop, where you will find cute little cottages located in and among the trees. If you choose, you can ski down and do the lower loops and then to the village. At this point, you can either take the free shuttle back to the Nordic Center or ski back up. If you choose to stay on your skis, the return climbs 533 feet over 3 kilometers, which can be quite the workout.

The Nordic Center also offers lessons and information can be found on their website at www.skisolitude.com. The Center also maintains trails for snowshoeing and offers rentals for that as well.