Silverton Mountain gets rave reviews

Posted by Erin Eddy

By Mark Esper, editor
Silverton Standard
Thu Nov 20, 2008, 10:14 AM MST

Silverton, Colo. -
Outside Magazine has ranked Silverton Mountain number seven on its “15 Best Ski Resorts in North America, Period” list, and ski area co-owner Jen Brill says she is “stoked” about it.
Silverton Mountain ranked above Telluride, Aspen, Taos and Steamboat Springs in the magazine’s tally published in its November issue.
“I was pretty excited about it,” Brill said. “It’s a huge accomplishment for us.”
In the article, Aspen was actually described as “the best lift-served and hike-to terrain in Colorado … except for Silverton.”
Brill also noted that the December issue of Men’s Journal included the ski area in its list of Top 10 Powder Mountains, with Silverton listed as sixth.Meanwhile, a flashy new Web site for independent and adventure travelers called MatadorTrips.com has ranked Silverton the number one ski resort in North America for 2008/2009.
Silverton Ski Area opens Nov. 29 for its ninth year of operation (eighth year with the chairlift).
I think the biggest thing that’s ‘new’ is that we haven’t raised our prices,” Brill said, “With the economy the way it is we have 2005 pricing still in effect.
“We thought about it hard,” Brill said, adding that the price freeze could be considered “an economic stimulus package for skiers.”
Unguided skiing at Silverton Mountain costs $49, with guided skiing ranging from $99 to $129, depending on the time of year.
“Our prices have been pretty fair as years have gone by,” Brill said.
Brill said one reason the ski area has gotten such good reviews is the lack of congestion on the spectacular runs.
The ski area offers 1,819 skiable acres.
“I think people are starting to realize the amount of skiers per acre we have is incomparable to any other ski area,” Brill said. “And then of course the terrain and snowfall are always among the best out there.”
The small ski area has 30 employees and four to five interns.
Meanwhile, the ski area is looking for some bootpackers.
Skiers and boarders can earn free skiing by helping to stomp down snow in the avalanche paths on Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6 and 7.
Avalanche safety classes are also being offered at the ski area. A Level II class will be held Dec. 5-7 and a Level 1 class Dec 12-14. Those participating must be good enough to ski the terrain to take the class.