Silverton Mountain Ski Area

How does this place work? There is one lift and then you typically hike along ridgelines. We have guided and unguided skiing, depending on the time of year (see later questions). It is all advanced/expert skiing only.

What time should I arrive? If you need equipment and are going in a guided group, it is a good idea to arrive around 8:15-8:30 am to get your gear and be ready to get in a group for when the lift starts at 9 am. For unguided day, you can arrive whenever you like.

How far from Montrose? Durango or the closest airport? The town of Durango the closer and is approximately 1 hour away, and the airport is an 1.5 from the mountain. Montrose is 1.75 hours. Driving from either direction requires driving over a mountain pass, and we recommend renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle if it is snowing.

What airlines fly's into Durango/Montrose? United, America West, and Delta all fly in and out Durango. The Montrose airport is served by American, Continental, Delta, Sky West, and United.

Are there any shuttle services to Silverton? No

What do I need to bring? Ski/snowboard boots. There is no running water at the ski area, but there is bottled water for sale. It is a good idea to bring layers of clothing.

Do I need to bring my own avalanche equipment or can I rent from you? You need to have a beacon, shovel, and probe to ski or snowboard. We have these for rent for $30 for the package, it is $35 if you also need a pack. Each item can be rented separately. A pack, shovel or probe is $7 for the day. A beacon rental is $15. You will we have DaKine packs for rent (which the guides use) need some type of pack that carries skis/snowboard. your equipment, water, food, extra clothes, etc.

What kind of ski rentals do you have? The best skis on earth- K2. Available for rent are the AK Madens(108 under foot) ,Apache Chiefs(98 under foot), and the Seth Morrison's (98 underfoot) for $35 a day. We also have the new mega-wide Pontoons available for $49 a day. You can reserve them on-line when you make a reservation, or by calling. The size choice and all fittings will be taken care of that day by our rental professionals.

Do I need avalanche training to ski/snowboard there? No.

Do I need skins or snowshoes for the uphill travel? No

Do I need to make a reservation for unguided skiing? No, but you can if you are concerned.

When is unguided skiing? From Thanksgiving until Jan 14 then from April 5 until close. The price is $49 for unguided skiing, it is $39 if you purchase a g-card, please call for details.

Can I still get a guide during the unguided skiing season? Absolutely. Guides are available year-round, and we recommend skiing with a guide if you've never been to Silverton Mountain. The price is $99 and includes the lift ticket.

How many people are allowed on the mountain during unguided skiing? Less than 475

When and how much is guided-only skiing? Jan. 18 through April 1. The cost is anywhere from $119-$129 a day. This includes both the ticket and the guide.

What about a private guide? Private guides are available; it is a great way to go if you wish to travel with your own group and at your own pace. $425 for one person, $550 for 2 people and $240 for each additional person. Price includes lunch, beer and wine.

How big are the guided groups? 8 or less

How do you form the groups? In the morning there is a self-classification process of fast and medium. This applies to both hiking and skiing. We try our best to match abilities. If groups are mixed-matched we try to keep extra guides on hands to switch people in and out. Please communicate with your guide.

How many guided runs do you get in a day? 3-7...6,000-14,000 vert & most skiers are exhausted at the end of the day.

How much vertical is the lift? 2,000 feet

How many people are on the mountain during guided-only? Approximately 80 skiers or less.

What days are we open? Thursdays-Sunday. Check dates for early at late season as sometimes we will scale back days.

When does the mountain close for the day? Lift stops uploading at 3 pm

Is there an age limit, can I bring my kids? Seven is the youngest we've ever had at the mountain, and because there is a good amount of hiking, kids often tire fast. But they are welcome. People under 18 need their parent to sign a waiver. You can contact us in advance to get it.

How much hiking can I expect? Anywhere from 5-45 minutes along ridgelines, depending on grouping. There is also quite a bit of skiing right off of the lift that requires no hiking.

How many lifts? 1

What about food and water? We have lunch orders available for $10 a day, you can order in the morning. We have water, soda, beer, liquor and a full bar at the mountain. Snacks and candy are available, but bringing your own food as a supplement is also a good idea.

Where can I stay? Please check the lodging links from this website. There are many different options.

Is there camping in the area? Yes, you can camp on the road on the way to the ski area but you need to move your car if snows in order for the plow trucks to get through.

What skis should I bring? The fatter the better. Bring equipment you are comfortable with that way if you don't like the rental skis (which never happens) then you have your ‘ol standby to trade into.