Silverton Ski Deals & Travel Info
This is not your typical ski resort. There is only 1 ski lift here and the majority of the terrain either requires hiking or a helicopter for access. The number of skiers that are allowed on the mountain each day is usually less than 500, and the majority of the season is for guided skiing only. Silverton is located in SW Colorado, near Telluride and in a spot that receives more than 400 inches of snow each year. That makes this an ideal spot for powder skiing and sidecountry/backcountry skiing.
Silverton Ski Resort Highlights
If you don’t mind working for fresh tracks, this may be the resort for you. Here is all you need to know:
- Guided hiking and helicopter ski terrain
- Expert terrain only
- Guided skiing only from season opening through mid-March
- Just a 1-hour drive from La Plata-Durango airport
- Located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado
Silverton Vacation Deals
Ski Rental Deals
Transportation Deals
Mountain Stats
- Trails: NA
- Skiable Terrain: 26,819 Acres
- Total Lifts: 1
- Avg. Snowfall: 400+"
- Vertical Rise (Total): 3,887'
- Vertical Rise (Lift-Served): 1,900'
- Summit Elevation: 13,487'
- Max Lift Elevation: 12,300'
- Base Elevation: 10,400'
Getting to Silverton
Highway 550 is the main route in and out of the town of Silverton, CO and there are mountain passes to contend with on both sides regardless of whether you are coming from the north or south. From the north, you will need to go over Red Mountain Pass. From the south, you will need to get over Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass if you are coming from Durango.
Once you are in Silverton, head north on Rt. 110 out of the town. Drive for about 15 minutes and you’ll see a dirt parking lot on the side of the road with a single chairlift rising out of the valley and up onto the mountain.
Silverton, CO FAQ
No! Silverton contains only expert and extreme terrain. Do not overestimate your abilities; once you’re at the top of the lift, there’s only difficult ways down, often full of moguls and trees.
A day pass during unguided season (March and April) is just $99. If you are hoping to book a guide mid-season who will show you around and take you into otherwise inaccessible terrain, your day runs at $229. Private guide service is $489.
Ask at the ticket office when you collect your pass in the morning. If you have a season pass, you can book a heli tour for $30, otherwise it will cost you $184 in addition to your $99 day pass.
There’s plenty to do in the town of Silverton and the surrounding area. Hop on over the pass to Ouray for world-renown hot springs, or take the tourist train from Durango and enjoy hot beverages while taking in incredible views of the San Juan Mountains.
Most importantly, the ski area requires their clientele to have their own backcountry gear and to know how to use it! This includes a beacon, shovel, and probe.
Silverton Mountain is about 20 minutes from the town of Silverton and has little to no amenities at the base area. It’s part of the charm! Be sure to book your lodging ahead of time and bring your own lunch.
There is only one two-person lift at Silverton, although another lift is in the plans for the near future.
Tips for Skiing & Riding Silverton
Be sure to bring your beacon, shovel and probe, and know how to use them! Since Silverton is generally considered mitigated backcountry access, you’re required to have the necessary backcountry gear. The lift operators will check your beacon at the bottom of the lift, and the ticket office attendants will check your backpack to be sure you have this essential backcountry gear.
Bring your own snacks! The ski area just has one small hut with basic snacks and drinks. To stay hydrated and fed, especially given the extremely physically challenging nature of the terrain, bring your own water bottle and food.
Book a guided trip for early season and bring cash. Silverton is unique in that, until March, you’re required to book a guide to ski or snowboard here. This is due to the extreme avalanche dangers in the area. Be sure to bring cash to tip your guide!
Get an unguided season pass to ski through March and April. If you’d rather not shell out the cash to hire a guide for earlier season skiing, hang tight until March when their unguided season begins. The ski area will of course be quite a bit busier during these times, but you can book a season pass for just $200 if you can get the early bird prices.
Make sure the passes are open before you drive there. Highway 550 can close due to weather and prevent you from getting into the Silverton area. The passes to the north and south can all close during the winter.