Silverton Mountain is filled with bowls, chutes, cliffs, and plenty of natural terrain – the perfect spot for an experienced skier or snowboarder to visit. The mountain is left in its natural state with no cut runs (besides avalanche mitigation work), making this one a spot for experts only.

Silverton Mountain is typically referred to as the highest and steepest ski area in North America, located in the small and remote mountain town of Silverton. The mountain’s peak elevation is 13,487′ and there’s no simple way down. Expect to hike at this spot, too, as there’s currently a single chairlift that drops guests off to hike along a ridge to reach the incredible terrain. Oh – and this spot also offers heliskiing.

The most noteworthy terrain:

Gnar Couloir – this is one of the most well-known steep chutes on the mountain, and the “no-fall” type couloir usually requires a hike or heli drop to access.

Two Smokes – this straight, steep chute off the mountain face is reportedly one of the scariest or most intense runs on the mountain.

Bowling Alley – accessible from the top of the lift, this is a go-to tree run (that’s one of the mountain’s easier runs, relatively speaking).

Cabin – this run is known as a Silverton classic, holding a nice stash of snow (perfect for skiers searching for powder).

Where to park:

Skiers can park in the small dirt lots at the base area of Silverton Mountain, which are just past the main buildings on County Road 110.

Where to eat on mountain:

Silverton is an expert-only, extreme terrain mountain, so it’s all about the challenging skiing and not slopeside dining. There are no traditional ski resort lodges, cafeterias, or slopeside restaurants, so skiers have to eat in the town below. That being said, there are still some great places to fuel for a big ski day at Silverton Mountain.

Eureka Station – this spot is known for their Cornish pasties, pub grub, and great atmosphere on Blair Street.

Kendall Mountain Cafe – this is a local favorite that serves up big, homestyle breakfasts that are perfect for fueling up before the slopes or for recovering after a big ski day.

Avalanche Brewing Company – this brewery is known for its imaginative brews like the “Ladies Night Grapefruit Double IPA.” Skiers can also get pizza, salads, wraps, and more (including the cinnamon mountain dots).

The Lacey Rose – located in the heart of Silverton in the Grand Imperial Hotel, this 140-year-old saloon offers a “simple, elegant” menu with creative cocktails.

Coffee Bear Silverton – this coffee shop is a great place to fuel up before hitting the slopes. It serves Kaladi Roasters coffee in all forms.

Golden Block Brewery – this local brewery serves up pizzas and paninis and more, all cooked in a wood-fired brick oven.

Where to stay:

Villa Dallavalle Historic Inn – located in the center of Silverton, this inn offers modern amenities and a spa.

The Wyman Hotel – this is a unique 15 room boutique hotel, and it even offers a $10 bar credit per room night booked when a Silverton Mountain lift ticket is presented.

Teller House Hotel – established in 1896, this historic Victorian hotel offers another unique spot to stay during a Silverton ski trip.

Altus Lodge – this newly renovated lodge offers modern rooms, a hot tub, fire pit, and much more as a base for your skiing adventures.

The Silverton Lodge – this historic property has been refurbished but the historically important features of the building were re-purposed.

The Alma House – this authentic Victorian 1892 inn includes a hot tub, complementary coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and an optional home cooked breakfast.

Events going on at Silverton this winter:

Heliskiing – heliskiing opens at Silverton Dec. 27, 2025. Six Run Heli Day is available four days a week from Dec. 27 through March 22. Single Run is available four days a week through March 29. Private Heli is available seven days a week from Dec. 27 through March 31.

Winterfest 25 – taking place from Jan. 9-11, 2026, Silverton’s base area will have partner brands demoing skis, snowboards, and more. There will also be giveaways, gear drops, and chances to ski/ride with professional athletes throughout the weekend. Participants can also head to exclusive apres and private after parties in town in the afternoon and evening.

10th Annual Women’s Big Mountain Weekend – this event includes two guided days of skiing at Silverton with one heli run. Participants will get lunches on Saturday and Sunday, as well as get to participate in apres events, and get swag bags, and fun giveaways.

Silverton Skijoring 26 – skiers will race through Historic Downtown Silverton on Notorious Blair Street pulled by a horse competing for the fastest time on Feb. 14 – 15, 2026.

Brewski 26 – this event on March 28 includes a full day of skiing at Silverton and an afternoon of beer tasting with half a dozen or more of Colorado’s breweries. $20 will get you a pint glass, tastings, and entry fee.

Sisters in the Steeps 26 – this event consists of unguided skiing-riding on April 3 – 5, 2026, as well as a swag bag, access to Friday night and Saturday night Sisters weekend events, apres beverages, Sunday morning yoga, and raffle tickets for giveaways.

The Silverton Skinny 26 – this two person race will take place from April 9 -12 and includes a Race Division, Recreation Division, and a Juniors Division.

Silverton Splitfest 26 – splitboarders will get the chance to ride new lines, learn new backcountry skills, and demo gear at this gathering of the splitboard community from April 10 – 12, 2026.

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