Silverton Mountain Facilities and Services
Silverton Mountain has modelled itself on the no frills approach of the
New Zealand club fields. However the day lodges at the NZ club fields seem glitzy in comparison to the tent structure used as the “day lodge” at Silverton. The tent is located about a 260 walk up the hill from the carpark on a slippery little slope – this is the first filter for unfit or lazy skiers!
The initial morning proceedings occur in the chilly tent. Luckily there are no crowds at Silverton, because the staff and the facilities can’t cope with small groups of visitors. The check in process is disorganised mayhem and you can sign your waivers sitting on one of the old car seats that have springs poking out of them.
The tent is not particularly large so the guide distribution and safety briefing is done down in the cold car park.
Restroom facilities are located behind the tent. These are very basic pit toilets and there might even be toilet paper if you’re lucky!
Silverton Ski Rentals, Snowboard Equipment
Ski and snowboard rentals are available at Silverton Mountain in a little bus near the tent. A range of K2 powder skis are for rent that are mostly mega fats.
Various demo Venture snowboards are also for rent but you have to BYO bindings. Venture custom made snowboards are based in Silverton so it seems apt to try one out!
The bus also rents out avalanche equipment and a standard or airbag backpack to carry the gear. Otherwise if you don't have your own, you can purchase
avalanche safety gear. Skins or snowshoes are not required at Silverton Mountain as all the terrain is accessible by boot pack.
Eating On Mountain
There is a little bar in the tent that sells snacks and drinks. Lunch has to be ordered in the morning and you get a roll, chips, water and a muesli bar. There is no running water at Silverton Mountain, although they sell bottled water.
Facilities for Children
There are no facilities for children on-mountain or in Silverton.
Ski School
The assumption is made that you already know how to ski or board really well, so there are no ski or snowboard lessons available.
Health
Whilst the guides can help with basic first aid needs, take care with your health as the closest medical facilities are a long way away. Apart from ski related injuries, a common affliction is
altitude sickness. At the giddy heights of Silverton, many of the “locals” find it amusing that the newbies from sea level have wet coughs typical of altitude sickness. However this illness should be taken seriously and prevention is the best cure. A prescription can be obtained from your doctor for Diamox. Silverton used to also suggest that Viagra was a very effective medication, although it obviously has some interesting side effects! Consider a couple of warm up days at nearby
Purgatory Mountain Resort or
Telluride to acclimatise. Minimise or eliminate alcohol intake and keep well hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids.
Silverton Shopping
Silverton shopping opportunities are incredibly limited. There are various little emporiums and gift shops in Silverton that are swarmed during summer when the Durango to Silverton train arrives. Alas in winter the shops are all boarded up.
The tent at Silverton Mountain has a small retail section in one corner with souvenirs and logo-wear. Examples of souvenirs include t-shirts, caps, teddy bears and magnets. One of their souvenir slogans is “Got Balls? Ski Silverton”, whilst other logo-wear features a skier falling down the mountain. They also sell ski socks in case you’re one of the unfortunate people who don’t quite make a creek crossing!
Silverton is home to custom built ski and snowboard factories, Scotty Bob’s and Venture Snowboards respectively. Keep an eye out for demo days.
For substantial ski or snowboard related purchases you’ll need to go to one of the shops at Durango Mountain Resort, 30 minutes south of Silverton.
Grocery Shopping Silverton
Luckily none of the Silverton lodgings are self-catering because there are no grocery stores. The town of Ouray is 30 minutes north over Red Mountain pass, or Needles Country Store is just past Durango Mountain Resort, about 30 minutes south. For substantial grocery purchases, the town of Durango is about an hour south of Silverton.
