Silverton Mountain Colorado one lift unlimited terrain

Silverton Mountain is like nowhere else in America. Or anywhere that springs to mind on the planet for that matter. There’s just one lift, a second-hand double chair. But from the top of it the options are pretty unlimited.

In a word, wow! So many tasty choices are available at the top here © Silverton Mountain

To go further, and go faster, they have heliskiing too. But off the lift is essentially heli quality skiing anyway. Silverton gets a very healthy 400 inches average snowfall and there’s never more than very limited numbers enjoying it.

There’s a choice of guided or non-guided, the latter only available for a short window later in the season.

This is what you get from both options, and their advice for doing either.

Share the chair .. © Silverton Mountain

Guided Skiing and Boarding at Silverton Mountain

The Guided option allows individuals or groups to access the Silverton Mountain goods for a very affordable $USD 179 per day. The Guided Season runs from December 27, 2018 – March 17, 2019; Thursdays-Sundays (plus Monday, Presidents’ Day).

Guided skiing and snowboarding at Silverton Mountain is similar to heli-skiing, snow cat skiing, and resort skiing, but really unlike anything else in the country.

You will be accessing up to 1,819 acres of backcountry type terrain via chairlift, without the big crowds signature to other ski areas.There are no groomed runs and no cut trails, just loads of nature’s finest black diamond skiing in the U.S.A. During an average guided skiing day, you can expect to get in anywhere from 3-6 runs (roughly 10,000+ vertical) of some of the best terrain in the world. While we cannot guarantee top to bottom powder skiing, the snow quality is typically very good.

Each guided skiing group of approximately eight people can expect to hike anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour for each run, although you can also drop straight from the lift. Hiking 15 minutes to an hour allows access to large open bowls and steep, tight chutes. Often during heavy snowfall, we ride primarily in the trees. After each run you will return to the lift by shuttle or foot. Walking for 10 minutes to return to the lift is possible.

For most internationals the guided option is the smart option – unless you are seriously good © Silverton Mountain

Groups are formed at the start of each day, so there is no need to inform them ahead of time who you’d like to ski with. Groups are created according to self-assessed skill levels (fast, medium, slower) and by grouping of friends.

They carry this fairly obvious proviso: “Please be aware that if you are significantly holding up the rest of your group hiking or skiing, we may try to move you to a slower paced group. If it is determined your fatigue or skill level becomes a safety hazard to yourself or others, you may be asked by your guide to sit out the rest of the day without refund. If you are unhappy with your group please inform your guide.”

A group of similar standard can also book a Private Guiding day, rates as below, and move at the group pace they are comfortable with

December and April
1 person $489; 2 people $689; $289 for each additional person
January, February, and March
1 person $989; 2 people $1189; $289 for each additional person
All include lift ticket, lunch & beer/wine

Unguided Skiing Silverton Mountain

Later in the season there’s a nearly 4 week window for unguided skiing. However, day numbers are always restricted on the mountain, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation for unguided skiing if you are coming from far away. The chair starts spinning at 9am and last chair is at 3pm. All guests, including season pass holders, must check in at the tent before boarding the lift.
Reservations close 24 hours before the ski day.

2018 – 2019 UNGUIDED DATES
March 21 – April 14, 2019; Thursdays-Sundays. (Guided Only skiing/snowboarding the remainder of the season)

Guides are available for those who want guided skiing during the unguided season. Guided skiers are allowed beyond the boundaries to certain areas of the mountain during the unguided season on a daily basis, as per BLM safety regulations
These areas are constantly shifting around the mountain based on snow safety with loads of great terrain for both.
With 1,819 acres, Silverton Mountain has more unguided expert terrain than any ski area in North America.

Not your average trail map! © Silverton Mountain

Heliskiing at Silverton Mountain

Silverton Mountain is the only Heli-operator in the continental United States to offer single drops – that means you can ski their lift-accessed backcountry all day and add one, two, or three additional Heli laps at just $179 per person per drop.
They also offer a $1,190-per-person 6 run heli day where we get you six runs in terrain that can rival the Canadian Alps, or go with their private ship option starting at $10,990 and explore the range to the fullest.

2018/19 HELI SKIING MENU
Heli will be available 7 Days a Week for Single Drops, 6 Run Heli Day, and Private Heli in Silverton, CO from November 24th, 2018 through March 17th, 2018. Then available Sat/Sun through 4/14/19.

The best Private Heli-skiing in the lower 48 is just across the mountains from Aspen or Telluride in Silverton. Whether you are in Aspen, Telluride or Vail, world-class Heli skiing is now within reach.
With a private Helicopter all to yourself you’ll be able to explore their 29,000-acre zone including newly added terrain. The very best and most fun way to heli ski/board! Private ship includes two hours of actual Hobbs flight time (for more than 8 skiers/boarders fees apply).

$10,990 Monday — Wednesday
$16,990 Thursday — Sunday

For booking all programs and more info get on the Silverton Mountain site here.

Getting to Silverton

Fly to Durango or Montrose -Silverton is located just one hour north of Durango, or one hour south of Montrose.
Silverton is around 6.5 hours south of Denver, and 5.5 hours from Albuquerque.
Either way it’s a beautiful drive. McClure Pass is the fastest route from Denver, but if it is snowing, stick to I-70 and exit in Clifton and follow signs to Delta/Montrose for the shortcut to 50/550 South.
Silverton Transportation operate shuttles.

Ski Colorado more info

Silverton puts the icing on the South West Colorado cake for good skiers and boarders – combine it with Telluride, Crested Butte, Wolf Creek and/or Purgatory.

Check the official Colorado ski websites for more & frequent updates
www.colorado.com/28resorts
Colorado.ski.com

For more of our Colorado ski features and news
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