Deer Valley Resort, a favorite location for outdoor and bicycle industry demo events, has entered into an agreement to purchase Solitude Mountain Resort and will begin operating the resort on May 1, 2015.

Solitude is an incredible resort and provided a huge opportunity for us to expand our offerings right here in Utah, said Bob Wheaton, president and general manager of Deer Valley Resort. Solitude is in unique position with their widely varied terrain that attracts both local and destination skiers. We are ecstatic to be able to add the resort to the Deer Valley® family.

The DeSeelhorst family has enjoyed being a part of Solitudes history for almost 40 years. We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish at the resort and in our mountain community, said Dave DeSeelhorst, owner and general manager of Solitude Mountain Resort. We feel very fortunate for the opportunity to have worked with so many amazing people in our industry and most importantly being able to work with our incredible staff at Solitude over the years. It is exciting to pass on this unique and beautiful resort to one of the best resort operators in the country, Deer Valley.

For the upcoming 2014-15 ski season, Solitude will operate as usual under the leadership of the DeSeelhorst family. To foster the most effective and strategic change over, select Deer Valley staff will work alongside Solitude staff during the next six months to evaluate resort operations and gain knowledge about the Solitude brand and culture. Deer Valley will then take full ownership of Solitude Mountain Resort on May 1, 2015.

The DeSeelhorst family will continue to run Solitude for the upcoming 2014-15 season.
“Deer Valley recognizes Solitudes unique position in both the local and destination markets and acknowledges that we have much to learn about the current operation and brand position,” Deer Valley Resorts said in announcing the deal. “Consequently, we will have select Deer Valley staff work hand in hand with Solitude staff this winter to share knowledge.”

Deer Valley plans to continue allowing snowboarding at Solitude and keep the Brighton connection in place.

Although Deer Valley will bring some of its service oriented and operational philosophies to the resort it does not plan to rebrand Solitude as another Deer Valley.

Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort full season pass holders will receive four ski days at each respective resort. Deer Valley midweek pass holders will be given two passes valid, Monday through Friday, at Solitude for the coming season. Holiday restrictions will apply: December 24, 2014-January 2, 2015; January 17-19, 2015 and February 14-16, 2015.

Deer Valley will take the next six months to analyze operational and marketing/brand opportunities prior to announcing any capital investments at Solitude. In addition, Deer Valley will begin promoting the great experience and resort jewel Solitude currently is in spring of 2015.

Deer Valley said the transactions was in no way motivated by Vail Resorts purchase of Park City Mountain Resort and Ian Cummings purchase of Snowbird.

“Deer Valley has entertained many opportunities to purchase resorts over the years and in the end, those opportunities did not make good business sense,” the company said in its release. “Solitude came to us at the right time and for the right reasons including: the location in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah; past business practice and performance; and great awareness in the local market.”