By Rob Vandervoort
Standing 13,487 feet above sea level in the glorious Colorado sunshine, Silverton Mountain beckoned. A few hundred odd powder hungry skiiers and boarders lined up on Saturday, December 20, to answer the call. Among these pilgrims of the powder stood myself.
After a somewhat eventful trip from Crested Butte, which included a warning for speeding and waking up at 6:00 AM to a dead battery, I was ready for my fix. Although the initial line was long it moved quickly and was alive and buzzing with energy. Like-minded soles out for a beautiful Saturday in the San Juans.
The snow at Silverton was good, although variable. One could find powder fields, sun crusts, pillows, stumps and rocks all in the same run. Pretty classic early season powder skiing. Perfect for getting the snow legs back.
With over 3,000 vertical feet of big mountain terrain accessed by a single two seater chairlift, hike-to terrain in every direction, and hundreds of snow-crazed sharks who can smell fresh blood in the water, It’s difficult to get more than a half a dozen laps at Silverton. That being said, a half-dozen laps at Silverton can satisfy even the biggest of appetites.
The small base area/parking lot was party the entire day, with music, free brats and plenty of libations and medications. By mid-afternoon the tailgates and bumpers filled with dog-tired powder hounds, discussing their adventures over frosty brews. A successful Saturday. Silverton, you kick ass!
