When you picture Utah’s slopes, snow-covered peaks and winter sports likely come to mind — but a girls’ weekend in July at Solitude Resort made us rethink those assumptions.
Flying into Salt Lake for a mountain escape usually means deciding between snowboard or ski lessons first. One July weekend, however, a group of friends gathered at Solitude Resort’s woodland lodge for a girls’ weekend and mastermind retreat that proved summer in the mountains can be just as memorable as winter.
The resort’s green, rocky slopes invited long hikes and outdoor exploration. Several of us rode the operating ski lifts and considered mountain bike rentals before descending switchback singletrack trails that opened onto expansive mountain views. Bright summer greens, alpine lakes and ridge-top panoramas made every hike feel like a discovery.
We stayed in fully furnished, well-equipped condos at Solitude, which made it easy to prepare breakfasts together and hold brainstorming sessions about the business of blogging. Mornings were productive and delicious, and afternoons were reserved for casual outings — a fun pizza lunch followed by the mandatory scoop of ice cream. Sampling the local flavor was a highlight.
With fewer crowds than in peak winter or holiday seasons, the resort felt relaxed and private. Evenings found us watching spectacular sunsets, playing games with other guests, and gathering at the bar for Solitude’s signature cocktails. Fresh ingredients like ginger and peach brightened the drinks, and toasting with friends was a perfect way to end each day.
The thinner summer crowds also made it easy to take advantage of outdoor activities without long lines. We squeezed in extra hiking time to catch views that felt almost cinematic — sweeping valleys, dramatic ridgelines, and quiet spots where moose sightings and wildlife encounters added to the sense of escape.
Meals at the resort and in our condos were another highlight. We enjoyed communal breakfasts — a bruschetta-style morning spread with meats, cheeses and olives — and shared simple, satisfying dinners after long days outdoors. The combination of comfortable accommodations, good food and shared conversation made the weekend both restorative and productive.
Although it was only a quick weekend, the retreat offered a much-needed recharge. Solitude Resort proved to be an ideal summer destination for a girls’ getaway: outdoor adventure, peaceful evenings, comfortable lodging, and a flexible atmosphere that balances work and play.
If you’re searching for a summer mountain escape that combines scenic hikes, relaxed social time, and cozy, condo-style accommodations, Solitude is well worth considering for a short, restorative trip with friends.