Sol Mountain

When the tenure process became easier in the late 90s and early 00’s Aaron Cooperman did his homework, exploring the mountains and checking out lodges. He took the best ideas of lots of lodges, built what is the comfiest lodge out there, in a place he could drive to in the summer, in a zone that gets a RIDICULOUS amount of snow. Too good to be true? Almost. If you’re after nothing but deep pow in open treeline and fun glades, with all of the creature comforts, especially early season, and the huge alpine lines aren’t as important then this is the place for you.

Website: www.solmountain.com

Lodge *****

Terrain ***

Snow *****

Strengths

Snow, snow and more snow. It dumps a ton, enough that often there is a 2m snowpack at the lodge in November!
Maybe the best lodge out there. Private rooms, indoor plumbing and toilets, sauna, couches, you name it!
Safe no matter what the avalanche and storm problems are. You can ski everyday the snow is skiable.
Convenient flight option from the west side or the east side, making logistics a bit simpler.
Some shorter trip options, which is unique.
Owner operated and guided with a great staff. Getting guides in the convoluted Monashee terrain is a good idea, and the Sol staff is on task and loves to shred. 6 guest to 1 guide ratio and catering to all abilities makes for a strong program.
If you are fit and adventurous their massive tenure will keep you occupied with a vast amount of north facing peaks and pow to explore. Check their terrain maps!

Weaknesses

The terrain is good, but the biggest lines are a bit further from home, so just be prepared for longer days to get the king lines! Monashee terrain can be benchy some times, so expect a few flat spots in between the amazing steep pitches.
One area on the edge of the tenure was originally Area 51 - a snowmachine mecca, and the sledders still hit some of the spots. I came across quite a few tracks on my ski week there in one particular zone but this was a few years ago, and maybe things have changed. To be clear it never was a problem on my trip.

When and why to ski at Sol? November through March. It’s a little low and warm for spring/late season for my liking. But if I could I would do a 4 day trip every Nov/Dec before xmas to get a good early season dose of the deep cold smoke! You want the certainty of deep powder skiing from the comfiest lodge out there, then this is your spot.