Backtracks - Solitude

Rikki_d

Rikki_d

New member
Can anybody give me some info on the Backtracks program they advertise on the Solitude website?..I'm heading done to S.L.C. on Jan.13/07. I have sent numerous emails and left messages on there phone, but get no responce. I'm a snowboarder and would like to know how much hiking would be involved or do they just drop off the back side towards Brighton?..Has anybody been there and went on a day trip?..It starts to appear to me that Solitude has spent alot of money to make a desintation resort but don't really know how to run one?..personal opinion..Any info would be great
Thanks
Rick
 
Well, I was heretofore unfamiliar with the program, but I just had a look at it. The "sample day" presented on the website specifically mentions the Highway to Heaven gate, which is atop the Summit chair and leads into terrain between Brighton and Solitude that drains back toward the ski area. In essence, this is above and to looker's right of Millicent at Brighton, and to looker's left of Evergreen at Solitude.That wouldn't involve much hiking at all, for you traverse out from that gate and down via gravity. Depending on where the guide takes you, that could lead to some flats at the bottom near Lake Mary.

You mention that you're a boarder, so unfortunately the Ski Utah Interconnect Tour is out. For roughly the same price as what Solitude's charging for Backtracks, that would be a much more interesting day, IMO. They have good reason, however, for limiting the Interconnect Tour to skiers - there are some long flat or slightly uphill traverses involved in the Interconnect Tour, and snowboarders would be forced to posthole. It's not an anti-snowboarding thing, it's more a matter of practicality for the group has to be able to keep moving at a good pace to complete the route in one day.
 
Sounds like I might have to rent skis for the day and go to Alta..Guess nobody knows me there...so it will be ok..."Just kidding of course"
This will be my third winter in Utah and have yet to go there...just keep looking over the edge from Snowbird..I watched some riders building jumps in that valley between Milli lift and Solitude..never bothered to go down the backside, was worried I'd hit a flat spot and spend the rest of my day walking in deep snow..Might head up to Pow Mow..take the cat rides for 8 bucks a pop..
Thanks!
Hoping for a big dump in Jan.
 
Rikki_d":2jgfr9wa said:
Solitude has spent a lot of money to make a desintation resort but doesn't really know how to run one?
Click to expand...

Nobody's going to bite on this one? The locals I know who ski at Solitude are happy with the resort's strategy, which keeps it empty even on weekends, but from a moneymaking standpoint, you have to wonder they're thinking.
 
They have great looking condos and the mtn. has alot to offer..they just seem to trip-up on a few details..I called again today only to find the operator didn't know what I was talking about when I mention Backtracks!..lil frustrating to try and get answers..they built a nice new chalet but forgot that more than 1 person might want to use the washroom before or after lunch..again nice place, good concept, poor design and engineering..Still the place to go to on Sunday morning and midweek..I'll just have to hook up with a local that knows the area and where all the stashes are..
 
My friend Bob could write a doctoral thesis on everything that he doesn't like about the inside of the new Moonbeam lodge.
 
Rikki_d, I see that Mr. Nigma posted a picture of the Highway to Heaven traverse yesterday. This is viewed from the Highway to Heaven gate at Solitude, looking across at Twin Lakes Pass - the traverse line is visible on the right:

02_solitude_highway_to_heaven_061220.jpg
 
Yes..I noticed that..also a shot of the lakeside of Milli lift...I take it that the gate from Solitude leads there?..looks kinda flat on the bottom..
Thanks
Happy Holidays!
 
Rikki_d":zii8z9tu said:
also a shot of the lakeside of Milli lift...I take it that the gate from Solitude leads there?..looks kinda flat on the bottom..
Click to expand...

It is.
 
Just seeing this thread has inspired me to register instead of lurk.
I have done backtracks three times in the last two years. I found it a great experience. I went right out and got a splitboard after the first trip. It is definently not for everyone. There is a lot of hiking and traversing. Having said that I have never been in less than knee deep snow. Very good snow. One reason you may not have heard from anyone yet is that they don't start up until the 15th of Dec. I just got an Email from Chris who runs the program today, so I imagine you will soon. The three times I went out the trip ran out the traverse in the picture and up the cat track to upper silver fork and Days. During the week you may very not see anyone else out there. On the weekends it can get busy.
 
So the first time you went out, were you on a basic snowboard?..what I'm trying to find out is "how much hiking is required?" Did you use snowshoes or just walked in your boots?..The group I'm with don't own split boards..thou I'm considering buying one
 
Plan on lots of hiking. Backtracks will provide the snowshoes, no split required. The first time I did use snowshoes and a conventional board. The uphills are mostly snowshoe, although we did do one bootpack. Its all about being out in the backcountry as opposed to how much vert you will rack up.
 
Woul anyone be able to rate how this excursion would compare to an untracked day at one of the area resorts? More expert terrain? Better snow conditions? Thanks.
 
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