Silverton Mountain

Silverton Mountain is unlike any other ski area in North America. One chairlift. No grooming. No beginners. No intermediates. This is lift-served backcountry skiing for experts who want steep, deep, and raw. If you have to ask if you're ready, you're not.

The mountain operates on an unusual model: guided skiing only most days, with unguided access on select dates for those with backcountry experience and gear. The terrain rivals any backcountry zone in Colorado, but with avalanche control and a chair to get you back up.

The Terrain

Elevation: Base at 10,400 feet, summit at 13,487 feet. Nearly 3,000 feet of vertical in a single run—if you can handle it.

Pitch: Average slope angle around 35 degrees. Plenty of zones exceed 45 degrees. Cliffs, chutes, and exposure everywhere.

Snow: San Juan powder is legendary. The altitude and dry climate produce light, cold snow. Silverton averages over 400 inches annually.

Hazards: Unmarked cliffs. Tree wells. Variable snow. Rocks. This is not a controlled resort environment. You are responsible for reading terrain.

Guided Skiing

Most operating days require guided skiing in groups of 8-10 with a certified guide. This is how most visitors experience Silverton Mountain.

What's included: Full-day lift ticket, guide services, avalanche transceiver rental, and safety briefing. Groups rotate through different zones as the day progresses.

What to expect: Your guide chooses terrain based on conditions and group ability. You'll hike for some shots. The guide handles avalanche assessment. Expect 8,000-12,000 vertical feet total.

Skill requirement: You must be an expert skier or snowboarder comfortable in steep, variable conditions. Guides will send you home if your skills don't match the terrain.

Unguided Days

Select days offer unguided access for experienced backcountry skiers. You're on your own to assess terrain and make decisions.

Requirements: You must have your own avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe—and know how to use them. Previous backcountry experience is mandatory.

Verification: Staff may check your gear and ask about your experience before selling a ticket. This is for your safety and others'.

Freedom: No guide means you choose your lines, ski at your pace, and explore. But you also own the consequences.

Heli-Skiing

Silverton Mountain also operates helicopter skiing to access terrain beyond the chairlift. Multi-run packages available for those wanting even more vertical.

Terrain: First descents possible. Zones that see few if any tracks. Some of the most remote lift-accessed terrain in Colorado.

Cost: Premium pricing—but competitive with other heli-ski operations. Book well in advance.

Practical Information

Season: Typically December through April. Opening depends on snowfall; closing depends on avalanche conditions.

Hours: Single chair operates limited hours. First chair around 9am, last around 3pm. Hiking extends your options.

Pricing: Guided days around $200, unguided around $80. Transceiver rentals available if you don't have your own.

Reservations: Required for guided days. Walk-ups possible on unguided days if not sold out.

Tips

Arrive fit. You'll hike. The altitude hits hard. A day at Silverton is more work than a week at Vail.

Bring backcountry gear. Fat skis or a splitboard for the powder. Lightweight setup if you plan to hike much.

Stay in Silverton. The drive from Durango is 50 miles on mountain roads. Morning snow or icy conditions make it treacherous. Silverton lodging puts you close.

Check conditions. The mountain closes for extreme avalanche danger. Call ahead to confirm operations.

Be honest about your ability. This mountain injures and has killed people who overestimated themselves. There's no shame in skiing somewhere else.