Final day at Solitude always a party

April 13, 9:57 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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The costumed hordes come out for the last day at Solitude

At the end of every ski season there is a sad day when the lifts stop turning, the lodges lock the doors and the grooming machines are put away. Despite incredible April conditions, many ski areas are closing this week. Sunday, April 12, was the last day at Solitude. But to take away the depression of a favorite mountain being shuttered until next year, skiers do something to make the last day of the season among the most memorable. They party.

Parking lot barbecues, people lounging in camp chairs, bottles of beer staying cold in snowbanks, and people dressed up like freaks from another generation best describe the last day at Solitude. The entire mountain was a costume party as those who dressed up in retro-80's clothing had a good laugh and those who dressed normally had a good laugh at those dressed in retro-80's clothing.

There were all sorts of characters skiing the spring corn that day, including Scooby Doo, Santa Claus, wizards and witches, hippies, neon tube-top wackos, and the biggest hit of the day, Jesus Christ. It was Easter after all and he chose to spend his re-birthday skiing at Solitude.

Cracking open a cold beer after a morning of harvesting corn snow makes a good spring day. Add grilled bratwurst and it's a great spring day. Add mullet wigs and it's a freaking awesome spring day. Doing all of the above at Solitude creates the best spring day as the lower parking lot is big, paved, and right next to the ski runs. On the last day of the season the lot was completely filled with people who wanted to ski “The 'Tude” one last time. And on the last day of the year, they do it in style.