UPDATE: It turns out that the Independent Skier Magazine jumped the gun on announcing the acquisition of Solitude ski resort by Boyne Resorts, owners of Brighton Ski Resort. We have received the following message from John Kircher the managing director of Boyne Resorts.
Regretfully, I have to tell you that the recently published story on the acquisition of neighbouring resort Solitude by Brighton Ski Resort did not happen.
Widely rumoured in the area, it is in fact true that negotiations were going on, unfortunately the deal will NOT happen due to lack of third party financing that was anticipated by both resorts.
Both resorts are disappointed but will operate this coming season as they have for the past many years.
Brighton has been operated by Boyne Resorts since 1986. Solitude remains owned and operated by the DeSeelhorst family since 1986 as well.Regards,
John Kircher
Principle and West
managing director
Boyne Resorts
The original post can be found below:
Independent Skier Magazine is reporting that Brighton Ski Resort, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah has bought the neighboring ski resort Solitude. If this news is true, the combined resort would be 2,250 acres making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
“Massive news from Utah. Solitude Ski Resort sold to the owners of Brighton Resort (Boyne USA). Will both mountains become connected? Stay tuned to independent Skier for updates and more info as it becomes available. ” – Independent Skier Magazine
The two resorts are already essentially connected by a trail known as the Sol-Bright, but a true merger will mean join operations and more interconnectivity.
“Brighton Ski Resort is a ski area located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, 30 miles (48 km) from downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Brighton Ski Resort was the first ski resort in Utah, and one of the first in the United States. Brighton was started in 1936 when members of the Alpine Ski Club built a rope tow from wire and an old elevator motor. Brighton claims to be a “no-frills” resort whose sole business is to provide skiers and snowboarders with top-notch trails. While it does provide lodging, dining, and shopping, the extent of the facilities does not make Brighton what is typically seen as a destination ski resort. Most Brighton skiers and riders are Utah locals. Most visitors do not stay at Brighton-run lodging; many visitors stay in the greater Salt Lake area, many of whom also plan trips to other area ski resorts.” – wikipedia.org
“Solitude Mountain Resort is a ski resort located in the Big Cottonwood Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains, thirty miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah. With 64 trails, 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) and 2,047 feet (624 m) vertical, Solitude is one of the smaller ski resorts near Salt Lake City, along with its neighbor Brighton. It is a family-oriented mountain, with a wider range of beginner and intermediate slopes than other nearby ski resorts; 70% of its slopes are graded “beginner” or “intermediate,” the highest such ratio in the Salt Lake City area. Solitude was one of the first major US resorts to adopt an RFID lift ticket system, allowing lift lines to move more efficiently while reducing “lift poaching”. It was followed by Alta Ski Area in 2007. Solitude is adjacent to Brighton Ski Resort near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Solitude and Brighton offer a common “Solbright Pass” which provides access to both resorts for a nominal surcharge.” wikipedia.org