Silverton Mountain, which debuted in 2002 near Silverton, Colorado, is only a mountain for advanced and elite skiers and riders. One double chairlift reaches 1,819 acres of the sharpest and deepest un-groomed snow while trekking and helicopter access an additional 22,000 acres.
Silverton’s distinctive experience is an extreme terrain backcountry excursion and unguided skiing or snowboarding is not permitted at specific periods of the season. The resort restricts unguided skiers and riders to 475 skiers or fewer every day to promote ecological balance, and everyone is required to carry an avalanche beacon, probe pole, and shovel (rentals are available). There are guided trips and heli-skiing available. There is no need for avalanche training.
Principal Attractions
Durango and Silverton Train – Departs daily from Durango and stops in Silverton for about two hours before returning to Durango. It’s one of Colorado’s most well-known small-gauge railways. This vintage train has been in service for nearly a century, and the vistas are unparalleled.
Kendall Mountain Recreation Area: A tiny mountain that offers year-round activities such as skiing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing in the winter. This is an excellent place for novices to gain a feel for the slopes.
One Hundred Gold Mine Tour: A tour that will bring Colorado’s ancient mining days to life is just a fifteen-minute drive from Silverton. It is only accessible during the summer, but it gives visitors an idea of how miners lived a century ago.
San Juan County Historical Society: The San Juan County Historical Society is home to several significant historical sites in and around Silverton, including the Mayflower Mill and the 1902 County Jail. They are open to tourists on a seasonal basis.
Silverton Mountain Ski Area: This is where genuine adrenaline seekers go to ski and snowboard. It is Colorado’s steepest ski slope and one of the snowiest. You may also choose heli-skiing to reach more isolated areas of the mountain.
Recreation
Silverton Mountain Ski Resort is well-known for its natural beauty and welcoming residents. There are opportunities to experience the great outdoors in all directions. Colorado has 58 fourteeners, seven within twenty miles of Silverton.
There are also several woods, hot springs, lakes, and rivers nearby. Exciting 44 routes abound, several of which lead to surrounding ghost towns. Jeep and ATV rentals are available in the region.
Boating: Just over five miles from Silverton, on picturesque Molas Lake, you may enjoy non-motorized boating or rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
Camping
- The national forests near Silverton, including the Rio Grande, San Juan, and Uncompaghre, provide excellent camping possibilities. Around the 44 Alpine Loop, there are free, scattered campsites.
- Silverton Lakes RV Resort is in the heart of town, with Silverton Lakes South RV Resort only a short distance away. Silver Summit RV Park & Jeep and Red Mountain Motel & RV Park are also close.
- More picturesque camping options are available a few miles away at Kendall/Mineral Creek Dispersed Camping, Molas Lake Park and Campground, South Mineral Campground, Little Molas Lake Campground, Eureka Campground, and Lime Creek Campground.
Fishing: The Animas River runs through town, allowing for easy access to trout fishing.
Hiking
Ice Lake Basin: The Ice Lake Basin is a challenging hiking path that rewards those who complete it with mountain vistas, waterfalls, and the lakes that bear its name.
Potato Lake: Potato Lake is a short trip between Durango and Silverton that rewards hikers with some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery and the possibility of birding.
Rafting: People of all skill levels will enjoy rafting on the Animas River on a guided excursion.
Scenic Drive: Million Dollar Highway is one of the most significant ways to spend a day driving along the Million Dollar Highway, with breathtaking scenery and lots of hot springs to stop at.
Restaurant
Silverton may be tiny, but there are plenty of places to consume food and liquids to relieve thirst. Some restaurants are only open seasonally, so check their websites for the most up-to-date information.
Avalanche Brewing Company – Downtown Silverton beer and casual cuisine.
The Eureka Station is a bar specializing in pasties, a traditional meal popular among Cornish immigrant miners.
Wood-fired pizza and artisan beer at The Golden Block Brewery.
Handlebars Food & Saloon – Family-friendly food and beverages in a rustic setting.
Natalia’s 1912 – A classic eatery with a terrace and a full bar.
Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory – A location to satisfy your needs for funnel cakes.
Thee Pitts Again – Excellent barbeque served in a distinctively pink structure.
The Shady Lady Saloon is a historic late-night drinking establishment.
Accommodation
The Bending Elbow
Make yourself home in one of the six distinctively furnished bedrooms, each with a refrigerator and a microwave. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton bedding. Wireless Internet connection is complimentary, and 24-inch flat-screen TVs are supplied for your amusement. Showers, luxury toiletries, and hair dryers are available in the bathrooms. Use handy facilities like free wireless Internet access and a picnic area. Express check-out and baggage storage are among the conveniences of the public.
On-site self-parking is accessible for free. Uncovering the best ski resorts in Colorado is pivotal for a breathtaking journey. The Bent Elbow Hotel and Restaurant in Silverton are near ski lifts, a 5-minute walk from Silverton City Hall, and a 7-minute walk from Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) away, and Silverton Powdercats is 5.2 mi (8.3 km). The listed distances are to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Employees wear personal protection equipment. Guests may borrow protective clothes. Guests may purchase masks. Guests are given complimentary hand sanitizer. There are social separation measures in place. There is contactless check-in available. The property certifies that extra cleaning procedures are being implemented. Temperature checks on employees are done regularly. Guests may conduct temperature checks.
The Bent Elbow Services
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Coffee maker
- Parking is free.
- TV with a flat-screen
- Pets are welcome with the request. There may be fees.
- Hairdryer
- Check-out as quickly as possible
- Microwave
Teller Residence
Property Address Teller House is located in downtown Silverton, a 5-minute from Silverton City Hall and the Silverton Historical Society. Like the Mining Heritage Center, the San Juan County Historical Society is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) away. The listed distances are to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Rooms: Unwind in one of the eight tastefully furnished guest rooms. There is a free wireless Internet connection available to keep you connected. Dining Enjoy a great dinner at Teller House’s restaurant. Other Amenities, Business The front desk is only open during certain hours. On-site self-parking is accessible for free.
Teller House Amenities
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Parking is free.
- Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property.
- Toiletries are provided at no cost.
- Facilities for meetings and banquets
- Internet
- Hairdryer
- Check-out as quickly as possible
- Concierge assistance
FAQs about Silverton Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado
What makes Silverton Mountain unique compared to other ski resorts in Colorado?
Silverton Mountain is unique because it only offers expert terrain and guided skiing. This means that all skiers and snowboarders have to be able to handle challenging and steep terrain. The resort also only allows a limited number of guests per day to ensure a pristine mountain experience.
Can beginners or intermediate skiers visit Silverton Mountain?
Unfortunately, Silverton Mountain is not suitable for beginners or intermediate skiers. The resort only offers expert terrain, which means that skiers and snowboarders need to be comfortable skiing in challenging and steep conditions.
Do I need to bring my own equipment to Silverton Mountain?
Yes, you need to bring your own equipment to Silverton Mountain. The resort does not offer rental equipment, but they do have a limited stock of avalanche safety equipment available for rent.
Can I ski or snowboard without a guide at Silverton Mountain?
No, all skiing and snowboarding at Silverton Mountain must be guided. This is to ensure the safety of all guests and to provide a high-quality mountain experience for everyone.
What is the maximum group size for guided skiing at Silverton Mountain?
The maximum group size for guided skiing at Silverton Mountain is four guests per guide. This ensures that the guide can provide personalized attention and safety for each member of the group.
Can I book a private guide at Silverton Mountain?
Yes, you can book a private guide at Silverton Mountain. This is a great option for guests who want to have a more personalized skiing or snowboarding experience.
Is Silverton Mountain only open during the winter season?
Yes, Silverton Mountain is only open during the winter season. The resort typically opens in mid-December and closes in early April, depending on snow conditions.
Are there any dining options at Silverton Mountain?
Silverton Mountain does not have any on-mountain dining options, but there are several options in the nearby town of Silverton. The resort does offer complimentary snacks and drinks in the base lodge.