Silverton Mountain
Probably the most unique ski resort in the United States, Silverton is a mountain dedicated to advanced and expert riders---Silverton puts its easiest run at 35 degrees. There is only one ski lift and the terrain is accessed largely by hiking. Silverton doesn't groom any of its terrain and has only natural black and double black skiing and snowboarding. In order to ride, you must be packing avalanche gear. Unguided skiing is available in the early and late parts of the season and guided skiing dominates during the heart of the season. Skier caps mean that there are a limited number of patrons allowed on the mountain during any ski day. Silverton is the highest resort in North America, boasting a peak elevation of 13, 487 feet. The resort also hosts a heli-skiing operation that can be paid per run or daily.
Silverton Mountain
P.O. Box 856
Silverton,CO 81433
(970) 387-5706
Kendall Mountain Recreation Area
At the other end of the spectrum from Silverton Mountain, Kendall Mountain Ski Area is a tiny, family-oriented ski hill in Silverton. The resort offers 240 vertical feet of skiing across four runs. Tree skiing and jumps are also available. While the resort might not make the list of Colorado's biggest and most challenging, it offers a very inexpensive ski experience for individuals and families (lift tickets run about $10 to $15). It also offers other activities such as sledding, tubing and ice skating. Kendall has one double lift servicing its terrain. The resort is open Fridays through Sundays during the ski season.
Kendall Mountain Recreation Area
1 Kendall Place
Silverton, CO 81433
(970) 387-5228
Red Mountain
Red Mountain offers a motel, cabins and an RV park as well as a variety of summer and winter activities. Stay here and enjoy jeep tours, ATVing and hiking in the summer, and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter. Red Mountain provides rentals, tours and packages tailored to the outdoor adventure traveler.
Red Mountain
664 Green St.
P.O. Box 346
Silverton, CO 81433
(888) 970-5512
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is another popular southwest Colorado ski resort. The resort offers 1,325 skiable acres with 2,029 feet of vertical drop. In the 2009 to 2010 season, Purgatory added expert terrain off the Legends Lift, expanding the resort by about 10 percent. During the summer months, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad provides breathtaking, steam-powered daily voyages between the two towns.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
#1 Skier Place
Durango, CO 81301
(800) 982-6103
