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Headed to Silverton next month, and have never been. How much hiking can one really expect? I am trying to guage and plan my last month workout regimen.
hiking is not the issue, skiing many feet of vert is. expect moderately strenuous hikes at the most and less than 20 minute durations. most hikes simply traversed with slight inclines, while one or two offered steep boot pack for minimal vert. our group was the fastest on the mountain last time and we got in 6 (or was it 7) runs by skipping lunch and skiing 'til the bitter end. the coverage was quite good with 24 - 30" of fresh. what the hell, it was epic. our group is again scheduled for 2/11/06 and we're hoping for a change in the storm track!
it helps to have 8 skiers or riders with equal talent, as that's the magic number for getting your own group and minimizing waiting times due to differing abilities.
Thanks for the info, we are eight large, so should be a great weekend. We will be there the 11th as well, lets hope for some epic storms. Thanks again, very appreciated
as far as i gathered the amount of hiking depends on the recent snows. if it hasnt snowed in a while you may have to hike farther because they want to give you good skiing. It is deffinately sick terrain, but i don't think ill go back. it is very expensive for what you get. I got 5 runs. They were all great, but I can get two runs in a day of equal caliber hiking for free, or 20 runs of lesser quality at an area for much cheaper. cool idea but not for me.
aside from boot packing, the hiking was manageable. Not sure of the status this year, but you have to skirt some mining claims and work some ridge lines. It appears to me that the further out you hike the sicker the terrain, but I've never had the opportunity to get that far out. If you did end up hiking alot, I'd expect it to be well worth it.
i'd have to agree with briank in that its marginally worth it as far as runs per dollar goes. the first time is cool because you can say you've done it and can share the experience with others. had we not had fantastic snow, my opinion would likely not be so positive as to the skiing. but the guides are cool (mostly) and you can tell your kids that you skied silverton before the developers got to it. its only a matter of time.
bottom line is if you're backcountry savy, the value decreases. but really, any excuse to get down to the san juans is good enough for me...
its true also that the long hikes accessing the "way the f*&k back there" terrain don't open until conditions stabilize in the spring.
Silverton Blows! Biggest rip off in the ski industry. We paid $125 for skiing from 11am to 2:30pm and a shit load of attitude. Our group was stout with life time pass holders, patrolers, and a rowdy Durango crew. I left feeling like I had my car stereo stolen. The guides I know that work there say they hear more complaints than anything. The terrain is sic the operation is a joke!
F silverton!! I dont care how gnarly they say they are, what good is it if they dont let you touch it. And 5 runs!!! I'll never pay for anything that only allows 5 runs- cat's, heli's, chairlifts, whatever! I've got friends who have worked there and they have to constantly remind of the blow factor down there. Homeboy said they farm everything, I just aint down with that. $125!?!! I'll just earn those 5 runs. nigga please!
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