Kendall Mountain Recreation Area
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Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

4.6
·102 reviews·Silverton, United States

Affordable Colorado skiing and free ice skating with stunning San Juan Mountain views. Perfect for beginners and budget travelers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fresh snow, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fresh snow, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Affordable Colorado skiing and free ice skating with stunning San Juan Mountain views. Perfect for beginners and budget travelers.

4.6
(102 reviews)

"Great place to learn how to ski at a great price. Love love loved this place."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Budget-Friendly Fun

Kendall Mountain is known for its affordable skiing and free ice skating. A great value for families! :moneybag:

⛸️ Ice Skates Available

Rentals are available for the ice rink, making it easy to enjoy a winter wonderland experience. :ice_skate:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 102 reviews

Type

Ski Resort

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Affordable Skiing & Snowboarding

Affordable Skiing & Snowboarding

Main ski slopes

Enjoy budget-friendly slopes perfect for learning to ski or snowboard with stunning mountain views.

Free Ice Skating

Free Ice Skating

Outdoor ice rink

Lace up for a charming, free ice skating experience with a picturesque backdrop.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Throughout the area

Breathtaking panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains await at every turn.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Value Skiing in Colorado

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area offers some of the most affordable skiing in Colorado, making it a fantastic spot for beginners and budget travelers. It's a small, friendly mountain perfect for learning.

Wedding Venue Woes

While the recreation area is beautiful, be aware of potential issues with booking events. Some couples have reported price hikes and double-bookings after signing contracts.

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Fresh snow, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Quieter slopes for learning
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, ice skating
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I found a deeper well 📍 Kendall Mountain Recreation Area #visitsilverton #iceskating
rodeoodyssey
113 likes • 2.2K views

💰 Budget-Friendly Fun

Kendall Mountain is known for its affordable skiing and free ice skating. A great value for families! :moneybag:

⛸️ Ice Skates Available

Rentals are available for the ice rink, making it easy to enjoy a winter wonderland experience. :ice_skate:

Hardrockers Holidays 50th Anniversary event happening NOW over at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area @kendallmountain #hardrockersholiday #tugawar #silvertonsunday #visitsilverton
visitsilverton
115 likes • 3.7K views

👍 Friendly Staff

Lift operators and staff are often described as super nice and welcoming. :smiley:

❄️ Great for Beginners

Perfect place to learn how to ski or snowboard with gentle slopes and helpful staff. :ski:

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Budget-Friendly Fun

Kendall Mountain is known for its affordable skiing and free ice skating. A great value for families! :moneybag:

⛸️ Ice Skates Available

Rentals are available for the ice rink, making it easy to enjoy a winter wonderland experience. :ice_skate:

👍 Friendly Staff

Lift operators and staff are often described as super nice and welcoming. :smiley:

❄️ Great for Beginners

Perfect place to learn how to ski or snowboard with gentle slopes and helpful staff. :ski:

💍 Event Booking Caution

Be cautious when booking events; some past clients reported price changes and double-bookings. ⚠️

What Travellers Say

4.6
(102 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is praised for its affordability and beginner-friendly slopes, offering a charming, low-key ski experience. Visitors enjoy the free ice skating and friendly staff, though some event bookings have faced issues with pricing and scheduling.

"Nice older lodge. The kitchen needs a complete overhaul and bathrooms need changing tables. Great location and views. Months after a signed contract the city did jack up the price, which was bad, but they need the $ for updates so.. ok."

Cortina Henzler

"My partner and I booked Kendall Mountain for our wedding in May 2024, about a year and 2 months in advance. Despite our contract, we were notified via email in September that they were doubling the price. We were given 2 months to decide whether to pay more and keep our reservation or cancel for a full refund. We, like many frustrated couples, attended a town hall in Silverton to share our experiences. We wanted to see if they would honor the original price, but after a month, Ana called to tell us that they double-booked us, and that we could either choose a weekday or cancel our reservation. We opted to cancel so we wouldn't have to deal with them anymore.

We love Silverton and the San Juans, but this was the worst customer experience we've ever had. We strongly urge other couples to look at alternative options so they don't have a similar experience."

Erich Harman

"Great place to learn how to ski at a great price. Love love loved this place. The lift operators were so nice and the bathrooms are kept very well. I loved learning how to ski out here. I also noticed a little ice skating area outside, so that is also a great little perk."

Kaitlyn Bleier

What People Like

Affordable skiing
Free ice skating
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Event booking issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is located in Silverton, Colorado. If driving from Denver, take US-285 S to US-50 W, then US-550 S to Silverton. The area is well-marked once you're in town. Parking is generally available on-site. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Kendall Mountain are limited. Most visitors drive. If you're in Silverton, it's a short drive or a longer walk to the recreation area. Reddit

In winter, access is primarily for skiing and snowboarding. Roads are usually maintained, but always check local road conditions before heading up, especially after snowfall. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kendall Mountain is known for being one of the most affordable skiing options in Colorado. Lift ticket prices are very reasonable, especially compared to larger resorts. Reddit+1

Yes, the outdoor ice skating area at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is free to use. Skate rentals are available. Reddit

For skiing, it's generally recommended to check their website or call ahead, especially during peak season, though walk-up tickets are often available due to its smaller size. Reddit

Operating hours vary by season. The ski area typically operates during winter months, while the ice rink is available in winter and other areas may be accessible year-round for different activities. Check their official schedule. Reddit

Look out for potential local discounts or package deals, especially if you're a Silverton resident or visiting during off-peak times. The inherent affordability is a major draw. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Kendall Mountain features tree runs and trails suitable for all levels, from beginner to intermediate. It's a great place for learning and enjoying relaxed skiing. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for beginners due to its affordable price, friendly atmosphere, and manageable slopes. Reddit

Besides skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy free ice skating, and the area offers beautiful scenery for general recreation. TikTokReddit

The lodge is older but functional, with bathrooms that are generally well-maintained. Some reviews mention a need for updates to the kitchen and bathrooms. Reddit

Some visitors have reported being allowed to build hits off to the side, which is uncommon at larger resorts, suggesting a more relaxed and accommodating environment. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The lodge at Kendall Mountain has a kitchen, but reviews suggest it may need updates. It's advisable to check current offerings or bring your own snacks and drinks. Reddit

Silverton, the nearby town, offers several dining options ranging from casual cafes to local eateries. You can find more variety there. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a common practice, especially for a budget-friendly experience. There are often picnic areas available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire area offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. The ski slopes, the ice rink with the lodge in the background, and various viewpoints along the trails are excellent for photos. InstagramReddit

Yes, the snow-covered landscape and the charming, smaller-scale ski resort provide a picturesque setting for winter photography. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the mountains. Instagram

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