Solitude Celebrates Second Longest Season in History With Employee Cardboard Derby

Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah celebrated the end of their second longest season ever this past Sunday, May 19th, 2024. They ended with a season total of 574 inches of snowfall, and a cardboard derby for their employees. See below.

Solitude was open for 181 days of skiing and riding during the Winter '23/'24 season. This places the resort on the shortlist for one of the longest seasons in North America.

This derby was reminiscent of using lunch trays with friends to slide down the snowy hillsides. Only this looks a lot more intense and a little more team oriented.

We had a few questions about the unique DIY derby, so we reached out to Jeff Carroll, the Vice President of Marketing & Guest Experiences at Solitude.

Jeff Carroll, Solitude Mountain Resort Q&A

Was the derby employees-only, guests, or both?

"The derby was employees only. It was held during our end of season party."

Is this an annual tradition or did it come about this year?

"It was new this year, but likely to become an annual tradition."

Were there any events specifically due to having the second-longest season at Solitude?

"Nothing in particular. We went into the season planning to operate as long as possible because it provides value to Ikon Pass and Solitude season pass holders. We were the first to open this season in Utah, and even though we did so with marginal conditions and only one lift, our skiers and riders were very appreciative of our efforts. The 574 inches of snow we received certainly helped with staying open until May 12th, but in reality, we had already targeted that date early in the season."

How did the operations teams and officials at Solitude feel about this achievement?

"We're proud of our ability to open as soon as we are able and operate late into spring. Passholders have paid for a season of skiing, and we are committed to providing as much skiing and riding as we can."

A season that started off slowly ended up being one of their best seasons ever. Let's hope Solitude can out-do themselves next season, but either way, this is a huge achievement.

Plus, there's no better vibe than employees of a resort being more stoked than anyone.

Related: The True History of the Very First Panty Tree

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