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Silverton Mountain

Silverton, CO, United States

Silverton Mountain is a ski and heli-ski operation based in Silverton, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It's the highest and steepest ski area in North America, with a peak elevation of 13,487' and a base at 10,400'. A single chairlift carries riders to 12,300', unloading at the top of a cirque that opens onto bowls, chutes, cliffs, and natural terrain with up to 3,000' of vertical in a single run — the mountain is left in its natural state, with no groomed runs or cut trails. The winter season (late December through mid-March) runs on a fully guided model, with groups of roughly eight led by expert guides Thursday through Sunday. From mid-March through mid-April, the mountain shifts to an unguided spring season for experienced Silverton skiers and riders, accessible with a lift ticket or season pass. Heliskiing runs year-round, seven days a week, and Silverton stands out as the only heli operator in the continental U.S. offering everything from a single add-on heli run to a full 6-run heli day, private small-group trips, and fully private helicopter charters across a terrain zone spanning roughly 29,000–40 square miles. Terrain here is advanced-to-expert only, and Silverton is upfront that this is not a beginner mountain — it's built for skiers and riders looking for a real backcountry experience without giving up lift access. Guests unsure of their fit can take the mountain's online ability quiz before booking. Silverton also offers full private mountain buyouts for groups, corporate events, and reunions. Recommended trip length is 2–3 days, and the town of Silverton — about an hour from both Durango and Montrose airports — offers a range of independent lodging options for guests to base out of during their stay.