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Navigate diverse backcountry ski terrain near Silverton with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. From tree-lined Cement Creek runs to steep faces on King Solomon, experience a full day of tailored adventure in the San Juan Mountains.
Navigate diverse backcountry ski terrain near Silverton with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. From tree-lined Cement Creek runs to steep faces on King Solomon, experience a full day of tailored adventure in the San Juan Mountains.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Silverton, Colorado
The San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, offer some of the most striking and diverse backcountry ski terrain in the American West. Here, Colorado Climbing Company leads full-day, guided backcountry ski and splitboard tours designed to match a range of abilities and respond dynamically to shifting avalanche conditions. These mountains are renowned for rugged peaks, dense stands of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir, and variable terrain—from tight tree runs to expansive steep faces that demand respect and skill.
Starting from the dynamic Cement Creek area, skiers can enjoy technical tree skiing in sheltered glades where powder often lingers longer into the season. This contrasts with thrilling big mountain descents on King Solomon and Kendall Mountain, where ample vertical and open bowls await those comfortable with steeper lines. The varied terrain makes this a rare playground that suits both intermediate riders and expert thrill-seekers.
Colorado Climbing Company’s guides, AMGA-certified and avalanche-trained, tailor each day’s route for safety and challenge, ensuring runs fit both the skier’s skill and the mountain’s current conditions. The company equips guests with essential avalanche gear and backcountry ski equipment, fostering confidence in reading the mountain and avalanche terrain while maximizing the thrill of descent.
Beyond the quality of terrain, these mountains carry a rich mining history dating back to the late 19th century, still visible in historic Silverton town. The natural geology, with steep volcanic formations and sedimentary layers, shapes both the character and challenges of skiing here.
Whether you’re carving powder in shaded creek forests or dropping steep couloirs, this full-day experience delivers varied terrain, expert guidance, and the raw beauty of Colorado’s high alpine backcountry. Colorado Climbing Company stands out as a premier gateway to deeply authentic and well-managed backcountry ski adventures near Silverton.
challenging.
8–10 hours.
Participants should have strong cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength suitable for long ascents and demanding descents in backcountry terrain
A moderate to advanced level of backcountry skiing or splitboarding is recommended, as terrain varies from tight tree runs to steep open faces.
Yes, all guests receive avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels, along with a certified guide trained in avalanche safety.
Tours typically last between 8 and 10 hours, depending on conditions and group ability.
Groups are limited to a maximum of eight people to ensure personalized attention and safety.
Guests must bring their own touring skis or splitboards with skins; guides provide avalanche safety equipment.
The guide will adjust routes or reschedule trips to prioritize safety based on the latest avalanche and weather reports.
Silverton’s mining heritage from the late 1800s lingers in historic buildings and old mining trails that intersect the backcountry wilderness.
The San Juan Mountains are actively monitored for avalanche and ecosystem health, with guides promoting Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine environments.
Colorado Climbing Company runs guided climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing trips and instructional courses across Colorado and in select national parks. The company’s offerings include introductory classes like Introduction to Rock Climbing and Gym to Crag, technical courses such as Learn to Lead Sport Climb Outdoors and Learn to Lead Traditional Climbs, and advanced seminars including Steep Ice and Mixed Technique and Climbing 301 — Climbing Big Things. Trips span diverse Colorado areas and beyond, with options in Rocky Mountain National Park, Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, Denver/Golden, Boulder/Estes Park, Telluride, Gunnison, Grand Junction, and San Juan ranges. Seasonal programming covers ice climbing at venues like Lake City Ice Park and guided backcountry ski and splitboard touring in Silverton and the Alpine Loop near Lake City. Offerings range from half-day guided ice climbs to multi-day alpine ascents and expedition preparation courses. Participants can choose guided experiences or technical instruction tailored to levels from beginner to advanced. Course titles and guided day trips reflect explicit instruction and guided formats, including avalanche and glacier-focused topics such as Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel and Private Custom Avalanche Instructions. Colorado Climbing Company presents a wide catalog of site-specific classic climbs, ski descents, and intensive seminars to support skill development and safe mountain travel.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company