Has anyone here been to Silverton Mountain

[Seraph]

I was just reading about this area. Is it as great as the hype I've read about it? Looks like it could be alot of fun.

http://www.silvertonmountain.com

[davekempmeister]

Seraph, I've never been to Silverton, but I do know the early and late season would be the only times one can go unguided. Someone mentioned to me that it's a solid 6-7 hours drive from Denver and that reservations have to be made because they pre-sell and cut-off at a certain number. All this having been said, I'm interested in seeing it. I'll be out there in a few weeks and if it's an option (i.e., the snow is better than in east CO, weather permits the drive, I can find a day that isn't sold out, etc) I'd love to see it. Test out the little-used (not little, used) Tanker.

[arneburner]

I guess I am the only one here that has been to Silverton or is willing to write about it. It is an experience that my family will not let me forget.

I took my wife and daughter there about four years ago in March. It had just snowed about two feet and we were expecting epic conditions. Due to the amount of new snow and the high avalanche danger, we were required to stay in the trees that were approximately two to three feet apart. As it warmed up, the snow got heavy and became quite a workout. My wife quit after one run, my daughter hung in for five and I made six runs.

I had my Nittro Powder 178 swallowtail, but I chose to use my fat skiis because of the tight trees and the need to traverse through the trees. I have skied for fifty years and been riding snowboards for 15 years. This is the most difficult terrain that I have encountered. Alta, Snowbird, Taos, Crested Butte and Jackson Hole seem mild in comparison. Snowcat and heli skiing and riding in Canada, (Selkirk and Purcell Mts) are easy compared to Silverton.

If you arrive at a time when the conditions are less avalanche prone, you may have a great time. Otherwise, be prepared for a workout you won't forget.

Arneburner

:smashfrea

[John E]

I went to Silverton about 4 - 5 years ago. I have skied for at least 30 years. At the time, I was a better skier than boarder but I took my all-mountian board anyway. My wife took her telemark skis.

They told us that we might get in 6 runs if we were lucky (for $100). I thought this was outrageous.

The snow was heavy and bottomless. My wife quit after 1 run. I lasted 4 runs. I have never been so exhausted sliding down a mountain in my life.

I have not talked to anyone that wasn't humbled by the place.

If you are looking for a challenge you'll find it at Silverton Mountain. If your looking for a light, easy experience, look elsewhere.

[newcarver]

Steepest lift served terrain in North America. Gentalest slope is 35 deg. Have to use av gear (they rent there). Can be hard to get to from the north if snow. Red Mnt Pass is scary as heck and closed most any time it snows much. That is the most dangerous highway in the US. More avalanches than anywhere in the country. It is extreem in every aspect. Only other way to get there is from the south through Durango. Forgot to mention that you might want to consider Telluride. They have added a lot of extreem terrain. There are several new shutes that are now inbounds and they added palmyra peak and flat iron bowl which used to be guided only to the inbounds areas. Be prepared to hike to get to these new areas. But a great area for inbounds "backcountry" riding.