2009 Powder Resort Guide - Silverton
Current Conditions : 39F / 3.9C, Clear - 11:20 AM MDT Mar. 16
Temperature: 39°F / 3.9°C | Humidity: 26% | Pressure: in / hPa (Steady) | Conditions: Clear | Wind Direction: West | Wind Speed: 1mph / 1.6km/h
Today as of Mar. 16 3:41 AM MDT
Today - Sunny. Highs 45 to 55.
Tonight as of Mar. 16 3:41 AM MDT
Tonight - Mostly clear. Lows 15 to 25. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
Last December, Silverton Mountain had to postpone opening weekend…there was too much snow. The road crews couldn’t plow the road, the resort was buried and the electrical wires on the lift towers snapped. After two days of digging, Silverton opened--on a Monday because they’re cool like that. Silverton Mountain is one of the last great values in skiing. It’s lift-accessed high-alpine backcountry skiing for $49 a day. Silverton doesn’t need to pave their muddy parking lot, turn the yurt into a lodge or upgrade the double chair because the mountain speaks for itself. The terrain is steep and challenging and empty. There are rarely 100 people on the mountain even on the busiest days. Getting to Silverton will be the most expensive part of your trip—once you’re there, lodging, food, skiing and beer are all cheaper than anywhere else in Colorado. Most of the town makes its money in the summer, so the local business owners are just happy you’re there.
What’s New:
For $150 per drop (two drop minimum), you can take advantage of Silverton’s expanding heli ski program, which utilizes a leased bird whose main purpose is avalanche control.
Inside Line:
You won’t find Futt Bucker on the trail map (a regulatory agency found the name too offensive) but if you look hard enough you’ll find it on a discrete sign in the woods. Weave through thick some trees to a natural ledge. Just below, several natural powder chutes await.
DETAILS
- Silvertonmountain.com, 970.387.5706
- Lift Ticket: $49 unguided, $119-129 guided
- Summit: 13,487 feet
- Skiable Acres: 1,819
- Vertical: 3,287 feet
- Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
