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Welcome to Silverton!

Winter Destination Guide 2026

Step into a world of snow-dusted capped peaks and alpine serenity as you explore the pages of the 2026 Winter Destination Silverton Guide. High in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton, Colorado, transforms into a pristine winter wonderland each year—where untouched powder blankets historic streets and adventure whispers from every snowy ridge. This former mining town, rich with wild spirit and rugged charm, invites you to experience winter in its purest form. Whether you’re here for backcountry thrills, cozy fireside moments, or a taste of mountain magic, Silverton’s wintry embrace awaits.

Silverton’s snow-covered landscapes offer winter adventures for every level of explorer.

Spend a family-friendly day carving the gentle slopes at Kendall Mountain Ski Area, or push your limits on the legendary terrain of Silverton Mountain. Glide along miles of groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and winter walks through serene alpine forests. For those craving more adrenaline, snowmobiling, and backcountry excursions await in the breathtaking wilderness that surrounds our mountain town.

Welcome to Silverton, where the peaks inspire, the past echoes, and the wild invites you.

- The Silverton Standard Team

Photos by: (top) Silverton on a winter night by Adam Andrade (lower) Wesley Berg, Snowscape cardboard derby crash

Publisher | DeAnne Gallegos • Chocolate Dog Press

Editor | Katey Fetch

Creative | Katey Fetch & Gina M. Rosato

Cover Photo | Wesley Berg

The Silverton Standard & the Miner

P.O. Box 8 • Silverton CO 81433 www.thesilvertonstandard.com www.destinationsilverton.com

Silverton Standard would like to dedicate the 2025/2026 Destination Silverton to Jason Ebelheiser

Art Through the Seasons:

Keeping Silverton Vibrant All Year Long

As the last train of the season departs and seasonal closures take hold in downtown Silverton, the town embraces a different kind of energy. Through the Art Through the Seasons program, quiet streets are reimagined with color and creativity, as vacant storefront windows become dynamic galleries showcasing the work of local artists.

Launched in 2023 by San Juan Development Association, Art Through the Seasons was designed to maintain visual interest and vibrancy in the heart of Silverton during the quieter months. Local art is displayed in the windows of temporarily closed or vacant businesses, creating a colorful, ever-changing gallery that brightens the streets and keeps Silverton’s artistic spirit alive, even in the depths of winter.

Now in its second year, the program has featured 13 local artists and partnered with 12 businesses, with funding provided by San Juan County and CO Main Street. The program builds a bridge between SJDA’s Main Street Program and business communities while offering artists high-visibility exposure. For visitors, it offers a fresh way to experience the town—inviting them to explore and discover the stories told through each piece. All participating artists are local to San Juan County and submit works across a range

Photos by: San Juan Development Association Words by: Sarah Moore, SJDA

of categories, including fauna, flora, landscape, history, culture, and outdoor recreation.

The success of Art Through the Seasons has sparked interest beyond Silverton. Neighboring communities have begun replicating the model as a way to enhance economic vitality and community engagement during their own off-seasons. It’s become an example of how a small, remote town can lead with innovation and creativity.

Whether you’re wandering Main Street on a snowy afternoon or just discovering Silverton for the first time, Art Through the Seasons ensures that the town’s beauty doesn’t hibernate—it just finds a new way to shine.

Winter Groomed Trail System

In the tranquil embrace of winter, the San Juan Mountains of Colorado reveal a snowy canvas of pristine beauty, inviting all who seek the thrill of outdoor recreation. As one gazes upon the snow-groomed trails, the allure of glistening powder beckons, promising adventure and rejuvenation. Each step into the crisp, cold air invigorates the senses, allowing the weight of daily life to dissolve into the serenity of the landscape.

In the heart of winter, the snow-groomed trails are less crowded compared to the busy summer hiking and biking trails. Winter recreation tends to attract fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience and the chance to enjoy the surroundings without the hustle and bustle typically found in warmer months.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Silverton Snowmobile Club, the all-user snow-groomed trail system is beautifully maintained, offering over 104 miles of pristine trails. Whether you’re exploring by snowmobile, snow bike, cross-country skis, snowshoes, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk beneath snow-covered pines, there’s an unforgettable winter experience for everyone.

The Silverton Snowmobile Club is a local non-profit organization that was established in the early 1990s and serves as the champion and administrator of the Silverton and San Juan County winter snow-groomed trail system.

“The Silverton Snowmobile Club was created in order to provide the Silverton area with a winter recreational economy by creating the groomed trail system,” said Jim Lokey, the Vice President and head groomer for the

Photos: (top) DeAnne Gallegos, (lower) provided by The Silverton Snowmobile Club Words by: DeAnne Gallegos

club, “And that is when we started creating the trail system by grooming with snowmobiles.” He continued with, “Since then, we have evolved into creating a bigger trail system throughout Silverton and San Juan County by using snowcats to do the grooming. Now, our grooming can encompass 104 miles of snow-groomed trails in partnership with CPW and the Colorado Snowmobile Association.”

The Silverton Snowmobile Club plays a vital role in creating and maintaining the area’s snow-groomed trail system. The Silverton Snowmobile Club applies for, receives, and manages the grant monies that come from the State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife funds, and then implements the grooming of trails that create the connected trail system based out of Molas Lake Recreation Area.

In addition, the club fully funds and manages Silverton’s in-town groomed trail system, which allows access from the heart of town out into the county and up Kendall Mountain into

For maps and to get more information about the snow-groomed trails, visit silvertonsnowmobileclub.org, check out the CoTrex (Colorado Trail Explorer) app, or go to trails.colorado.gov. Whether you’re a snowmobiler, skier, snowshoer, or simply enjoy the winter landscape, you can help sustain these trails for everyone by becoming a Silverton Snowmobile Club member today.

Photo: provided by The Silverton Snowmobile Club

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Winter Offerings

Things to do in Silverton

Compared to other seasons, winter recreation in the San Juan Mountains surrounding Silverton and San Juan County, Colorado, offers a variety of unique experiences that are differentiated from other seasons, and here are some of the highlights:

• Snow Sports Opportunities: Within the town of Silverton, there is a beginner- and intermediate-level ski area named

Kendall Mountain Ski Area, which offers skiing, snowboarding terrain, sledding, ice skating, and a dog-friendly Nordic trail loop. The venue offers a range of family-friendly activities to enjoy on snow during the winter months. Go to skikendall.com for more information.

Silverton Mountain offers intermediate to expert ski terrain with the option of helicopter ski drops

Photos: (Skier) Cameron Crowell, (Top Left) Katey Fetch, (Lynx) Wesley Berg, (Santa) Katey Fetch Words by: DeAnne Gallegos

during both guided and unguided seasons. Go to silvertonmountain.com for more information.

The Purgatory Ski Area is just twenty-two miles south of the town of Silverton on Highway 550. Silverton offers cost-effective lodging opportunities for families from vacation rentals, luxury hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, to hostel rooms.

Backcountry skiing in the San Juans is an experience for the intermediate to expert skier who is avalanche aware. Silverton Avalanche School also offers avalanche education right in the heart of downtown Silverton. Go to avyschool. org for information.

There are many opportunities for snowcat skiing and guided snowmobile tours. For more information, visit silvertoncolorado.com.

• Winter Wonderland Scenery: The winter mountain landscape transforms into a stunning snowy wonderland offering picturesque views of snow-covered peaks. Frost laden trees and the serene beauty of winter with the tranquility of the snow, is a stark contrast to the bustling activities in other warmer seasons.

• Wildlife Viewing: Winter offers unique opportunities to observe wildlife that may be more visible against the snow. However, always remember to give them room and watch from a distance. Visitors may spot animals such as moose, elk, and even tracks of coyotes or foxes, offering a unique perspective on the local landscape. Ravens and crows stay throughout the winter months, and their voices carry through the tranquil, quiet town during the winter months.

• Groomed Trail System: The snow-groomed trails are ideal for activities like snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, or hiking. The groomed trails provide a groomed surface that enhances the experience for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Many groomed winter trails are designed for ease of access, catering to a range of skill levels and providing opportunities for family outings, friend gatherings, or peaceful walks with your dog.

• Special Events and Festivals: Winter in Silverton and San Juan County brings a range of seasonal events, including winter festivals, Santa at the town Chirstmas Tree, Silverton Skijoring, Slalom Banked Snowboard Races, art festivals, a winter farmers’ market, dog sled races, community gatherings, and the MountainFilm Fest on tour. These events create a sense of community and offer visitors the chance to engage in local culture and winter traditions. Go to silvertoncolorado.com for all winter events.

Unique Soundscape: the muffling effect of snow can create a unique soundscape, making the environment feel quieter and more serene. The crunch of snow underfoot and the sound of icy branches can add to the tranquility of the outdoor experience.

Nighttime Experiences: The Town of Silverton is working towards becoming a Dark Sky community, and some area trails offer opportunities for night skiing or snowshoeing, creating a magical experience under the stars. The landscape illuminated by moonlight adds an enchanting quality that is not present in

Photos: (top left skijoring) Wesley Bergy (top right ice skater) Sterling Blankenship, (bottom left) Sterling Blankenship, (bottom right Snowscape Cardbaord Derby) Wesley Berg

another season. With little to no nighttime light pollution, the starry night reaches and connects with the immediate skyline.

Winter Photography: The stark contrasts of white snow against dark evergreens, brilliant blue skies, or the golden hues of sunsets creating an alpine glow over the San Juan Mountain peaks offer exceptional photography opportunities that highlight the beauty of the region in winter.

Overall, winter recreation in Silverton and San Juan County lets visitors embrace the beauty and solitude of nature in a way that is distinctly different from their vibrant blooms and lush greenery of spring and summer or the transformation of fall foliage. It is a unique time to explore the outdoors and create lasting memories for you and your family.

Photos by: (top) Cameron Crowell, (lower) Jason Ebelheiser

Imagine a place where the average total snowfall of over 400 inches exceeds the amount of daily visitors. Advanced and expert only riding, no groomers, no clearcut runs and a real mountain experience with plenty of adventure on tap. All thrills, no frills.

Winter 2026