I recently came across some pics from my first trip to Silverton - awesome mountain. Every journey out West should include a day or two at Silverton. This place is no joke - 3,000 vertical feet of some of the most challenging terrain in the US – hike access only (they do provide Heli Service), although you get a lift from the bottom on an ancient, dinky 2-chair that looks like it’s from a black and white Warren Miller clip. I actually felt a slight “gaper” sensation as I pulled into the parking lot and got out of my car (even after 20+ years of snow experience!).
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| 'Welcome Elk' |
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View from the 'chair'
At Silverton you better have your A+ game – seriously. If the physical requirements of the day don’t make a little puke show up in your throat, the terrain will have you thinking you might have bitten off a little more than you can chew. Steep. Tight. Deep. Steeper than you’ve ever seen. When you think about that “steep” pitch at your local hill that you slay with ease, remember it doesn’t exist here. Everything is steeper, waaaayy steeper. You don’t understand that until you’re at the top of a slope and your guide is pointing at you yelling “NEXT – GO!”
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| Hiking starts here |
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Last run of the day
You might be thinking, “Why would I want to go there?” If you thought that, you probably aren’t a Mountain Athlete. But if you’re prepared for and can handle this harsh, unforgiving environment, you’re rewarded with some of the most soul-fire fueling, bottomless powder turns available. It’s like being in your own back-country snow video minus the giant cheese-wedge and private halfpipe.
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Hike out trail
If a trip to Silverton sounds like fun to you, make sure you’re ready. Work with me in the gym to get your body (and mind) prepared – and – work with me on the mountain to get your technique/skill in gear. Don’t go out there and be stuck in “gaper mode”. |
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| Welcome to Silverton |
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