What Altitude Is Solitude Ski Resort? And 5 Tips
By: Beth RushManaging Editor at Body+Mind
Utah is one of the best states for skiing enthusiasts. Choose from various resorts where you can slide through the snow and make fun memories. Before heading to the mountains, it’s best to scope out the terrain to know what you’re dealing with. The Solitude Ski Resort altitude offers thrilling views, but it can also be an issues for skiers and visitors alike.
Solitude Ski Resort Altitude
The Solitude Ski Resort altitude is split into two categories – the top elevation and bottom elevation of the mountain. The ski resort's top elevation is about 10,488 feet. Meanwhile, the base elevation is 7,994 feet.¹
Solitude Ski Resort Altitude:
- Solitude Ski Resort top elevation - 10,488 ft (3,197 m)
- Solitude Ski Resort top elevation - 7,994 ft (2,437 m)
For reference, the altitude at Park City reaches 10,026 feet. Solitude Mountain is at roughly the same elevation, with about 90% of the terrain categorized for skiers of intermediate to advanced levels.
Oxygen Level at the Solitude Ski Resort
Oxygen levels will lessen the higher you climb. Even if you stay at the bottom elevation of 7,994 feet in Solitude Ski Resort, the impact will already be apparent. Rising to the summit and going beyond 10,000 feet can feel even more challenging.
At Solitude’s peak elevation, the oxygen level is estimated to be 32% less than sea level.⁹
Those not used to high altitude may experience symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These conditions appear in 12 to 24 hours, especially when above 8,000 feet.² However, it eventually goes away afterward. If the unease persists, you can also use supplements like Zaca Chewables for nutritional support.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness At Solitude Ski Resort?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness at Solitude Ski Resort.
With up to 32% less oxygen in the air, altitude sickness can be a high risk. Similar to Leadville Colorado altitude, the peak of Solitude at over 10,000 feet can affect as much as 50% of visitors.¹⁴
Solitude Ski Resort Altitude Sickness Symptoms
With lower oxygen in the air, altitude sickness can happen as a result, including high oxidative stress on the body.
Symptoms of Leadville altitude sickness may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling ill
- Loss of appetite
These Solitude Ski Resort altitude sickness symptoms can usually develop within 6-24 hours after arrival. Follow our tips below to help combat the elevation issues.
Is the Solitude Mountain Safe for All Levels?
Solitude Mountain may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the more beginner-friendly landscapes if you want to start trekking higher altitudes. The resort itself is very family-friendly, offering amenities for skiing and snowboarding.
Kids 4 years old and below can ski for free. Parents can also pay $35 for a toddler pass to get unlimited access to the resort. Active play can contribute to better balance and coordination, as well as establish confidence. It also provides a great bonding experience for the whole crew. [³][⁴]
There are still many technical and advanced parts of the terrain, most of which are located by the summit. Those trails are great for those who want to train their skills or take on a challenge. You can check them out through the Solitude Mountain Ski Resort map.
When to Go to Solitude Mountain Ski Resort
Utah’s canyons get plenty of snow, which enhances any mountain visit. Ski visits are best timed during wintertime. If you’re getting a Solitude season pass or tickets, peak winter dates like the last week of December are blackout dates.
Colder temperatures can elevate the impact of the Solitude Ski Resort altitude on your well-being. Storms and other dangerous conditions may have higher and more challenging parts of the terrain close for visitor safety.
Activities to Try at Solitude Mountain Ski Resort
Skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the high altitude at Solitude Mountain Ski Resort. A 150-pound person burns around 500 calories per hour when cross-country skiing.⁵ It’s also incredibly fun to zip through the trails and feel the wind on your body. Snowboarding can provide the same experience and joy on a board.
People also revel in mountaineering. Hiking to great heights can provide physical sensations and thrills great for emotional regulation.⁶ It also provides several unforgettable sights and memories, especially when you go during sunrise and sunset.
5 Tips For Avoiding Solitude Altitude Sickness
The Solitude Ski Resort's altitude is manageable, but there’s still a chance you'll get a little dizzy on the climb up. Try conditioning your body for the trek with these tips.
Here’s 5 Tips For Avoiding Solitude Altitude Sickness:
1. Stay Well Hydrated
Going above sea level can tax the body and its hydration levels. It’s estimated you can lose fluid twice as fast a at high altitudes like Solitude Ski Resort versus sea level.¹⁰
Aside from being cold, the air above can feel quite dry. You should drink plenty of water, at least 2-4 liters per day.
2. Get Proper Sleep
Getting to a high altitude can feel rewarding, but its impact on sleep is interesting. It can lessen total sleep time and increase deep sleep.⁷ This imbalance can negatively affect sleep quality and make you feel more exhausted.
Getting tired on the way up is dangerous since there are minimal safe resting areas between the resort and regular ground level. Try to secure as much rest as you can before a trip to Solitude Mountain. Get sleep the night after trekking to recuperate for the next day.
TIP: Get maximum sunlight during the day, which can help naturally with melatonin production at night when you sleep.
3. Take the Trail Slow
Ski vacations are relatively short, so most people want to make the most of it. However, rushing yourself to climb higher won’t do you any good. Aside from adding internal pressure, it can shock your body and trigger altitude sickness even quicker.
Ascend as slow as possible. Enjoy the journey on the way up as you take your time. You can also focus on acclimatizing your body for two to three nights at the lodge. This can protect you from acute mountain sickness when heading out into nature.⁸
4. Descend When Necessary
Altitude sickness disappears after a while, with most people powering through it. However, don’t hesitate to return to safety if the feelings are too intense.
Returning to the base elevation or even lower places can ease any physical and emotional stress of climbing upwards and facing reduced oxygen levels. You can try facing Solitude Mountain Ski Resort again in the future.
5. Take Antioxidants
High altitudes are known to cause increased oxidative stress in the body.¹¹ Antioxidants can help combat it, however the master antioxidant glutathione was shown to deplete in high altitudes.¹²
Take antioxidant supplements to help support your body and fortify its antioxidant defenses at higher elevations.¹³
The Solitude Ski Resort altitude is a great challenge for family adventurers, training athletes, and casual hikers. Just be wary of altitude sickness getting in the way, follow these tips above to make your trip more enjoyable.
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SOURCES:
1. Solitude Mountain Statistics
https://www.solitudemountain.com/mountain-and-village/mountain-information/solitude-by-the-numbers
2. Altitude Sickness: What to Know
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness
3. Where Kids Can Ski For Free
https://www.skiutah.com/blog/where-can-kids-ski-free-in-utah
4. Physical Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
https://playworld.com/blog/physical-activities-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers/
5. Fun Winter Hobbies for Couples
https://bodymind.com/9-fun-winter-hobbies-for-couples/
6. Trailblazing for Wellness: Hiking the Mountain Trail for Mental Health
https://bodymind.com/mountain-trail/
7. An observational study of sleep characteristics in elite endurance athletes during an altitude training camp at 1800 m
https://www.sleephealthjournal.org/article/S2352-7218(21)00176-5/fulltext
8. High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/high-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness
9. Altitude To Oxygen Chart
https://hypoxico.com/pages/altitude-to-oxygen-chart
10. The Importance Of Drinking Water At High Altitude
https://summitoxygen.net/drinking-at-high-altitude/
11. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
12. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
13. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
14. Patient education: High-altitude illness (including mountain sickness)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-altitude-illness-including-mountain-sickness-beyond-the-basics/print#
