Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

With approximately 200 inches of snowfall per year, Silverton and the San Juan Mountains make the perfect setting for any winter activity. Silverton offers and array of recreational opportunities just waiting for you and your family.

Kendall Mountain Ski Area

"The Cheapest Ski area in the West" - life ticket prices range from $15/day for adults ages 19-64, seniors and children are only $10/day. Family and season passes are available.

The ski lift, which is a 950-foot rope tow, operates 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and on holidays when the snow "flies".

Ice Skating & Sledding:

The town rink at the Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is free of charge and is always open-conditions permitting. (Rental skates are available at the Visitor's Center). The Recreation Area is also a sledder's paradise. You'll find a gentle slope for the youngsters and a tubing hill for the more adventurous. Remember this is old-fashioned fun so be ready to hike up and bring your own sled.

Ice Climbing

Try a myriad of gully climbs & excellent alpine routes. Ouray Ice Park is located 22 miles over Red Mountain Pass.

Cross-Country Skiing

The "Town Loop "is available for a short trip around the outskirts of town.Also try Molas Pass near Molas Lake, Andrews Lake & Little Molas Lake.

Snowshoeing

Enjoy the peace & serenity of the San Juans. Rentals are available at the Grand Imperial Hotel and Outdoor World.

Snowmobiling

Over 150 miles of maintained trails. Easy access from town or Molas Pass.

Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry skiing is plentiful, with 80% of public land surrounding Silverton. Be aware of avalanche danger. Guided and snow-cat skiing is also available.

General Skiing Information

• Ski Lift: A 950-foot tow rope
• Base elevation: 9,300'
• Skiable Terrain: 35 acres
• Annual snowfall: 200"
• Open: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Dec. 5 - Yule Log Celebration & Sugar Plum Festival. All children are invited to the Kendall Mountain Recreation Area to search for the Yule Log and gather all the treasures that lead to it.The child who finds the Yule Log receives a ride back down on the log to light the ceremonial fire. A caroling parade will then continue into the Community Center and receive treats from the Sugar Plum Fairy. Bring a holiday dessert, cookies, fudge, etc. to share. Hot apple cider and hot chocolate will be served. 12:30 p.m. (800) 387-5522.

Dec. 18 - Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration. Enjoy this Community Potluck Dinner in the Kendall Mountain Community Center under the glow of Christmas lights and mistletoe. Bring a "red" or "green" dish to share with a Mexican flair. This celebration features holiday theme tables...pick a theme, reserve your table and decorate! Dinner 6:30 to 8, and dance 8 to 11:30 p.m.(970) 387-5522.

Feb. 12 - 15 - Snowscape Winter Carnival - Parade of Lights & Ceremonial Bonfire, including a Broomball Tournament, 6th Annual High Altitude Snowshoe Race 5K & 10K Backcountry Loops. The Yukigassen Snow Battle, a modern approach to the age-old snowball fight. Also enjoy the fireworks display, Party at the Grand Imperial Hotel, and Silverton's Alley Challenge Cross-country Ski Race. The race starts at the Kendall Mountain Recreation Area and travels through the streets and alleys of Silverton. For information call (970) 387-5522.

Kendall Mountain Run - This race represents one the premier mountain running events in the Rocky Mountain region, ascending the 13,066-foot Kendall Mountain from the town of Silverton, which is situated at an elevation of 9,318 feet. The race begins in front of the Grand Imperial Hotel on Greene Street. The course ascent follows a rough four-wheel drive road, which is extremely steep to with 250 feet of the summit. From that point, runners scramble a scree slope to the summit. The descent follows the same course and ends at the historic Silverton Town Hall on 14th Street. Pre-registration is encouraged.  Early Registration, before June 1st, $25.00; Registration, June 1 - July 15, $30.00;  Late Registration, July 16-Race Day,  $35.00.

Facilities

• Map Location: F-13 southwest

More Activities & Information

Silverton