Silverton Mountain
The ultimate expert-only mountain for raw, ungroomed powder and thrilling heli-skiing adventures in Colorado.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Record-breaking snowfalls
Silverton Mountain
Best Time
Record-breaking snowfalls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The ultimate expert-only mountain for raw, ungroomed powder and thrilling heli-skiing adventures in Colorado.
"The Mecca of skiing. Big Mountain. All Backcountry. No frills."
🎯 Know Your Limits
This is expert terrain only. If you're not comfortable on double blacks, consider other options.
🎒 Pack for the Backcountry
Bring your avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and be prepared to hike.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 199 reviews
Type
Ski Resort
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hike-to Backcountry Terrain
Above the single chairlift
Vast, ungroomed bowls and chutes await. Earn your turns with hikes ranging from 10 minutes to over an hour.
Helicopter Skiing
Summit and surrounding peaks
Experience the ultimate thrill with a heli drop for unparalleled powder and breathtaking views.
The Single Chairlift
Base to mid-mountain
An iconic, old-school lift that serves as the gateway to extreme alpine adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Expert Terrain Only
No Frills, All Thrills
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Know Your Limits
This is expert terrain only. If you're not comfortable on double blacks, consider other options.
🎒 Pack for the Backcountry
Bring your avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and be prepared to hike.
🚁 Heli Skiing is a Must
If your budget allows, the helicopter skiing is an unforgettable experience.
🚌 Shuttle Bus System
Be prepared for a bus ride back to the lift after your runs. It's part of the adventure!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Know Your Limits
This is expert terrain only. If you're not comfortable on double blacks, consider other options.
🎒 Pack for the Backcountry
Bring your avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and be prepared to hike.
🚁 Heli Skiing is a Must
If your budget allows, the helicopter skiing is an unforgettable experience.
🚌 Shuttle Bus System
Be prepared for a bus ride back to the lift after your runs. It's part of the adventure!
💧 Hydrate and Acclimate
The altitude is no joke. Drink plenty of water and give yourself time to adjust.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unparalleled expert terrain and the raw, backcountry experience at Silverton Mountain. The challenging runs, deep powder, and optional heli-skiing are major highlights. However, the lack of amenities, the need for hiking, and the extreme difficulty mean it's not for everyone.
"Not much to look at from the base. Muddy parking along the road. An old double lift, a school bus converted into a rental shop. A barely functioning school bus shuttle.. But the terrain from the top of the lift is phenomenal! And the heli skiing is a must-do.. What a ride!"
Brian Baker
"Don't expect much on the amenity side of things but expect a lot of exceptional skiing and riding terrain. One lift that tops out above 12,000 feet and most runs require a hike to access. You also hike out and catch a bus back to the lift. No beginner runs or really even intermediate runs as it's all black diamond and above but quite the exceptional runs and the snow can run deep as well. Bring your big boy and girl pants and enjoy the challenge."
Chris Freeman
"Wow! What an amazing place. Skiing in its purest and most difficult form. Any superlative you can think of applies. Big Mountain. All Backcountry. No frills. Mandatory training before you even get on the one single old 2 person chairlift. They don’t even rate the runs. They start at Double Black EX and go up from there. Want bigger? Hop on a heli for a run or 6. Every run involves a hike ranging from 10 minutes to a 90 minute slog. The Mecca of skiing. 🎿"
Tyler Thompson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silverton Mountain is located near the town of Silverton, Colorado. The closest major airports are Montrose (MTJ) and Durango (DRO), both about a 1.5-2 hour drive away. Many visitors drive from Denver, which is a longer but scenic journey. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility.
There is no direct public transportation to Silverton Mountain itself. You'll need to arrange your own transport, typically by car. The town of Silverton has limited local transport options.
The roads leading to Silverton can be winding and mountainous, especially in winter. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for snow and ice, or consider a 4WD/AWD vehicle. Check road conditions before you travel.
Parking is available at the base area, but it can get muddy and crowded. Arrive early, especially on busy days. Some reviews mention limited parking and a 'muddy parking along the road'.
While the focus is on extreme skiing, non-skiers can enjoy the scenic drive to Silverton and the town's historic charm. The mountain itself is not designed for sightseeing for non-skiers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices vary, but expect them to be on the higher end due to the exclusive nature of the terrain. Check the official Silverton Mountain website for current pricing and booking information. 'Silverton lift tickets' and 'Silverton mountain lift tickets' are common search terms.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided days and heli-skiing. Limited capacity means tickets can sell out. 'Silverton mountain tickets' is a key search phrase.
Operating hours can vary based on conditions and season. Generally, the single chairlift operates from morning until mid-afternoon. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
No, Silverton Mountain is strictly for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. There are no beginner or even intermediate runs. All terrain is rated double black diamond and above.
For guided days, mandatory avalanche safety training is required. This ensures everyone is prepared for the backcountry conditions. 'Silverton ski' and 'Silverton mountain ski' are relevant keywords.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Silverton Mountain boasts thousands of acres of ungroomed, expert-level terrain, including steep bowls, chutes, and glades. It's all double black diamond or harder, with significant hike-to access.
Yes, hiking is a significant part of the Silverton Mountain experience. Expect to hike from 10 minutes to over an hour to access the best terrain after riding the chairlift.
Guided access means you'll be skiing with experienced guides who know the mountain and avalanche conditions. This is mandatory for certain days and highly recommended for maximizing your experience.
Silverton Mountain is known for its 'no frills' approach. Expect basic facilities like a converted school bus for rentals and a shuttle bus system. The focus is on the skiing, not luxury.
Yes, snowboarders are welcome and can enjoy the challenging terrain. However, be prepared for the hiking and the nature of the backcountry.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Silverton Mountain has very limited dining options on-site, typically a small cafe or bar. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, or plan to eat in the town of Silverton.
The town of Silverton offers a few local restaurants and bars, ranging from casual pubs to more established eateries. Research options in town for a more substantial meal.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea to save money and ensure you have sustenance for a long day of skiing.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit views, dramatic chutes, and vast powder fields offer incredible photographic opportunities. Capture the raw beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the adventurous spirit of the skiers.
It can be challenging due to the extreme terrain and weather conditions. Be prepared for cold hands and the need to secure your gear while hiking and skiing.
A durable camera that can withstand cold and moisture is essential. Consider a GoPro or similar action camera for capturing dynamic shots while skiing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit