Solitude’s updated Eagle Express chairlift to open December 20
Dec 18, 2023, 9:11 AM
Skiers and a snowboarder riding a chair on the Eagle Express lift at its retirement on May 7, 2023. (Solitude Ski Resort)
(Solitude Ski Resort)
SOLITUDE, Utah — Solitude Ski Resort announced the new Eagle Express chairlift will open on December 20.
The new Doppelmayr chairlift is an upgrade to the resort’s previous Eagle Express lift. Its predecessor was constructed in 1989, according to Solitude Mountain Resort.
The previous lift’s chairs could carry four passengers up the mountain. In comparison, the new lift can carry 6 passengers per chair.
According to a press release, “With improved uphill capacity, the new Eagle Express will enhance access to signature runs such as Sunshine Bowl, Inspiration, and Challenger.”
Solitude’s press release said the upgraded lift is part of the $16 million improvement project Solitude took on. In addition to the new lift, Solitude installed a new bike park and three new Wyssen avalanche control systems.
Earlier this year, Solitude fans were invited to bid on chairs from the retired Eagle Express lift.
Eagle Express festivities
The new lift will begin spinning following a ribbon cutting and first chair ceremony on Dec. 20. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. according to the press release.
A DJ will present music to guests. Additionally, complimentary cookies will be available at the base of the lift beginning at 8 a.m.
Amber L. Broadaway, Solitude’s president & COO said “Guests will love the convenient access that Eagle provides to some of our best intermediate and advanced groomed runs straight from the parking lot. We know that this lift is where so many of our locals will start and end their day, and it’s crucial that we’re able to get them up onto the hill efficiently.”
Broadaway expressed pride for the job the installation team has done.
According to Solitude, the new Eagle Express has a vertical rise of 1,337 feet. The lift’s rope moves at a speed of 1,000 feet per minute. Each lift chair can carry up to six passengers to the top of the mountain in six minutes.
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