Silverton Mountain Ski Area - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Silverton Mountain Ski Area is an amazing place to visit. From the slopes, you can see some of the most incredible views of the San Juan Mountains. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the Silverton Mountain Ski Area also offers a variety of other activities, such as dog sledding, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing day in the snow, Silverton Mountain Ski Area has something for everyone.

The Silverton Mountain Ski Area is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It was founded in 2002 byannie and jonathan schleicher, who saw the potential for a world-class skiing destination in the area. The ski area currently covers 1,819 acres and has a vertical drop of 2,900 feet. Silverton Mountain is known for its steep terrain and powder skiing, and it is a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The ski area is also home to the Silverton Snowcat Tours, which offer guided tours of the backcountry terrain. The Silverton Mountain Ski Area has a long history of mining activity, and many of the trails are named after historic mines in the area. The Schleichers have worked to create a unique ski experience that combines the best of both worlds – the Challenge of backcountry skiing with the convenience of a lift-serviced resort.

The  best time to visit Silverton Mountain Ski Area is during the month of March. This is when the area typically receives the most snow, and the conditions are ideal for skiing. The days are also longer at this time of year, so you can make the most of your time on the slopes.

1. Check the weather forecast before heading to Silverton Mountain Ski Area. The conditions can change quickly in the high country, and you don't want to be caught unprepared.
2. Dress in layers. Again, the weather can be unpredictable at Silverton Mountain Ski Area, so it's important to be able to adjust your clothing to stay comfortable.
3. Bring sunscreen and lip balm. The sun is intense at high altitudes, so it's important to protect your skin from its harmful rays.
4. Be prepared for a workout. Silverton Mountain Ski Area is not for the faint of heart - you'll definitely get a workout in if you decide to ski or snowboard here.
5.  Respect the rules. Silverton Mountain Ski Area has a strict no-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, so make sure you obey all the rules while you're here.
6. Get a guide- While it's possible to explore Silverton Mountain on your own, it's much safer to go with a guide. They'll know the best routes to take and can help you avoid dangerous areas. Guides can also provide helpful tips and information about the area.
7. Explore the town- In addition to the ski area, there's plenty to see in the town of Silverton itself. Check out the historic buildings, browse the shops, and grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants. You might even want to visit one of the area's ghost towns!
8. Don't forget your avalanche gear! Silverton is located in an avalanche zone, so it's essential to have all the proper gear - including a transceiver, shovel, and probe - before heading out onto the slopes.

1. Silverton Mountain Ski Area is the highest ski area in North America, with a summit elevation of 14,325 feet.
2. It is also one of the most remote ski areas in the country, located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, about 60 miles from the nearest town.
3. Silverton Mountain is known for its steep and challenging terrain, which is mostly accessed via lift-served chairlifts.
4. In addition to traditional alpine skiing, Silverton Mountain also offers heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and backcountry guiding services.
5. The ski area has a base elevation of 10,400 feet and receives an average of 350 inches of snow per year.
6. Because of its high elevation and remote location, Silverton Mountain experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions in North America. Temperatures can drop as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, and winds can reach up to 100 miles per hour.

The average skier can expect to spend about 3 hours on the mountain, but if you want to explore all of the trails, you should allow 4-5 hours. If you are interested in other activities, such as hiking or biking, you should add an additional hour or two to your itinerary.

The best way to reach it is by car. From Denver, take I-70 west to Silverthorne. From there, take Highway 550 south to Ouray. Just past Ouray, turn onto County Road 2 and follow it until it dead-ends at the ski area parking lot. The drive takes about four hours. For those who don't want to drive, there are a few shuttle options available. Peak 1 Express offers daily service from Denver and Colorado Springs, and Town of Silverton Snowbus provides service from Durango and Silverton. There are also a few private shuttle companies that operate in the area.

The entrance fee to the ski area is $20 per person, and this includes a lift ticket and access to all of the trails. 

The skii area is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.