Silver Mountain has a little something to brag about. In addition to general brush cutting and clearing this summer, crews at the resort have also carved out a couple of new runs. A run for the little ones who like to adventure on a kid’s trail has been added through the woods, near the beginner area, and, according to General Manager Jeff Colburn: “We cut a new run off of Chair 4, which is currently unnamed.”
Wondering what the name will be? Well, attend the annual Pray for Snow party on Nov. 9 to contribute and possibly be the winner of the naming contest.
Also on tap for this season is another great lineup of events, with one almost every weekend. Party with Silver as they celebrate their original name and heritage on Jackass Day on Jan. 11, when lift tickets are only $12 and they ring in their 44th birthday this season.
Another favorite event is Ugly Sweater Day, on Jan. 26. We all have one of those sweaters that take us back to the good old days when skiing in a colorful wool creation was what we did because we didn’t have polypro. Dust them off and wear them proud as the most ugly sweater will win a prize.
Yet one more do-not-miss event is the Leadman Triathlon. Not your run-of-the-mill race, this three-discipline event starts at the top of Silver, where participants will ski down to where the snow meets the dirt, then bomb downhill on a mountain bike to the valley, lace up their running shoes and make their way back to Gondola Village through the streets of Kellogg.
The Leadman, a fun event for both racers and spectators alike, will take place on April 27 this season. “Every weekend has unique and fun events,” Colburn says.
Making the Most of It
A stay at Silver Mountain will definitely make the most of a trip to the Silver Valley. Staying in Gondola Village allows for families and friends to have a ski vacation, or, as Colburn describes it, “A vacation that isn’t weather dependent. Even if there is not enough snow to ski, we have the 42,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, scenic gondola rides, a lively village with a lounge that has a late night scene and hopefully enough snow for snow-tubing.” The tubing hill, Colburn says, is four lanes wide and “is the nicest tubing hill set up in the region.”
Also close to the village are several mining museums that give visitors a unique way to spend an afternoon, as well as some insight on the rich history and early beginnings of the Silver Valley and the mountain itself. “All great reasons to visit,” Colburn says.
Back in the village, there are several lodging options to choose from at the Morning Star Lodge. All packages come with access to the Silver Rapids Waterpark and condos are within steps of the gondola for skiing, boast outside hot tubs nearby and surround Noah’s Canteen, an eatery and drinkery, offering lunch and dinner daily. The lounge also has a lively schedule of karaoke and dancing on Saturday evenings. If you prefer to eat breakfast and grab a coffee before heading up the mountain, stop by the Mountain Café for one of the best breakfasts around.
Special Deals
Looking for a Thanksgiving holiday to remember? Book a stay at Silver Mountain and enjoy your Turkey Day feast, created especially for you by the resort’s executive chef, or prepare your own traditional recipes in one of the fully equipped kitchens in the Mountain Star Lodge. If Mother Nature cooperates, the ski season will open Fri, Nov. 23, but if not, there will still be a plethora of other activities including Silver Rapids Waterpark, scenic gondola rides and with enough snow, the snow-tubing park.
Christmas festivities kick off at Silver on Dec. 20. On Dec. 22-23, Santa will be skiing around on the slopes, taking any last-minute requests. The celebrations continue through December with a New Year’s Eve night ski session and a family party in Silver Rapids (ringing in the New Year with the Big Apple on East Coast time) and for those 21 and older, a karaoke and dance party at Noah’s Loft.
