Gary L. DeSeelhorst
(1938 - )
In 1977, with an extraordinary amount of fortitude, foresight and passion for winter sports, travel-weary Phoenix business executive, Gary DeSeelhorst decided to seek a quieter career path. He answered a Wall Street Journal ad to purchase a troubled ski area in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon. For the next 38 years he nurtured the Solitude Ski Resort into a world-class destination.
DeSeelhorst, his wife Betsy and sons David and Scott had a vision for the resort that was not to be denied. They overcame a multitude of obstacles, ranging from drought to sewage disposal to environmental protections and public safety. Ultimately, they built something that would stand the test of time.
Their tireless efforts were validated when readers of SKI magazine selected Solitude as one of the top-rated resorts in the country. In 2015, the family sold its interests in the European-style family friendly Solitude Village and its challenging mountain to Deer Valley Resort.
In other contributions to the benefit of winter sports, DeSeelhorst led the effort to create a 17-mile long sewer line that serves most of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Always willing to give of his time, DeSeelhorst held seats on the Salt Palace Advisory Board and the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees.
Gary L. DeSeelhorst – a visionary who brought Solitude to solitude-seekers worldwide.
