Silverton Mountain is not like anywhere else in Colorado, and it doesn’t try to be. There is one chairlift, no groomed runs, no beginner slopes and a base area made up of a few tents and a yurt. What it does have is some of the steepest, wildest lift-served terrain in North America, high in the San Juan Mountains above the old mining town of Silverton. It is strictly for advanced and expert skiers.
Silverton Mountain at a glance
- Location: San Juan Mountains, above Silverton, about an hour north of Durango
- Terrain: Steep, ungroomed, lift-served and hike-to terrain, plus heli-skiing
- Best for: Advanced and expert skiers only
- How it works: Mostly guided; unguided days early and late season; avalanche kit required
- Nearest airport: Durango-La Plata County
How Silverton Works
For most of the season, skiing at Silverton is guided. You ski in a small group with a guide, riding the lift and then hiking along the ridges to reach bowls, chutes and couloirs that would be off-piste anywhere else. At the start and end of the season there are unguided days, when experienced skiers can explore on their own. Everyone must carry avalanche safety equipment: a transceiver, shovel and probe.
Heli-Skiing
Silverton also runs heli-skiing, and has recently added Six Run Heli Days and more private heli options alongside its single-drop packages. It is one of the few places in the lower 48 states where you can combine lift-served skiing and heli-skiing in the same trip.
Getting There
Silverton is on US Highway 550 between Durango and Ouray, about an hour north of Durango. Durango-La Plata County Airport has connecting flights from Denver. It combines well with a stay at Purgatory, which is on the way.
For more information visit silvertonmountain.com.
Silverton Mountain: Your Questions Answered
Is Silverton Mountain for experts only?
Yes. Silverton has no groomed runs and no beginner terrain, and all of its skiing is advanced or expert. Every skier must carry avalanche safety equipment.
Do you need a guide at Silverton Mountain?
For most of the season, yes. Skiing is guided in small groups, with unguided days available at the start and end of the season for experienced skiers.
Does Silverton Mountain offer heli-skiing?
Yes. Silverton runs single-drop heli-skiing, Six Run Heli Days and private heli options, alongside its lift-served terrain.