by THE INLANDER & r & & r & 1,600 Acres | 20% Beginner | 40% Intermediate | 30% Advanced | 10% Expert & r & & r & right off I-90 at kellogg, idaho | 800-204-6428 | www.silvermt.com
Longest Run:
2.5 miles
Base Elevation: 4,100 feet
Top Elevation: 6,300 feet
Vertical Drop: 2,200 feet
Average Snowfall: 300 inches
Snowshoe Trails: 3 miles
Downhill Trails: 73
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 triples, 2 doubles, 1 surface, 1 moving carpet lift, 1 high-speed gondola
Total Uphill Capacity:
6,400/hour
HOURS
Daily: 8:30am - 5pm
Nights (Fri. & amp; Sat.):
Dec. 28, 29 & amp; 31, January & amp; February - 3pm - 8pm
LIFT TICKETS
Adult (18-61): $46
Youth (7-17): $31
College (w/ID): $36
Senior (62+): $36
6 and under: Free
Night Skiing
Adult (18-61): $17
Youth/College/Senior: $17
6 and under: Free
Tubing
Adult (18-61): $19
Youth/College/Senior: $17
Season Pass holders: $5
With a lift ticket: $5
6 and under: Free
LESSONS FOR ALL AGES
& lt;span class= "dropcap " & T & lt;/span & his season, Silver Mountain Resort has added to their already extensive learning programs, with well-rounded opportunities for skiers and boarders around the region to increase their knowledge and improve their skills. One of the best lesson deals around is Tuesday's "The Big 40" for adults 40 years of age and older. Silver is focusing on Tuesday as a great day to learn on the mountain, because there are typically fewer people, which gives you more room to move while perfecting your turns. On Tuesdays, all private lessons are $40, adult group lessons for Boomers are $20 and the LT2 Package is 10 percent off, which is great for those who are just starting. Discounts are good Jan. 8-March 25.
Wednesday at Silver means "Ladies Day." Their professional instructors will take women to a new level in their skiing or snowboarding in this gender-specific workshop. Groups will be formed based on ability. And as an additional bonus, Silver will reward women for bringing a friend: Bring a friend, sign up for a private or group lesson and pay just for one person. The only stipulation is that you must bring another woman who matches your skill level. Private lessons start at $55 for one hour, and group lessons start at $30 for one and a half hours. Daycare is available at an additional charge, but the rate is discounted in conjunction with the women's Wednesday lessons. This program runs Jan. 9-March 12.
Silver offers a full range of programs for the kids, too. Whether they are training to be the next Bode Miller, or they just want to be able to tackle that new tree run, kids of any age can find an appropriate program at Silver Mountain. The Silver Mountain Alpine Race Team (SMART) bases its program on becoming a good all-mountain skier and uses this as the foundation of becoming a successful ski racer. This program is geared to help sharpen the competitive edge while having fun on the snow. Training consists of racecourse time and free skiing. Skiers ages 6 to 14 are invited to participate. The program starts on Dec. 15 and continues throughout the season. There are different pricing options starting at $385. There is also a Christmas Camp add-on for a minimal charge.
Featured Event: Jan. 4-6: This year Silver Mountain is celebrating its 40th anniversary so the anniversary celebration and Jackass Days are more anticipated than in any previous year. It's a celebration not to miss!
MOUNTAIN People: Dave Alley
& lt;span class= "dropcap " & T & lt;/span & hree seasons ago, Dave Alley joined the Silver Mountain team as their Patrol Director. Dave started his patrol career at Snowbird and then went to an area in the Sierra Nevada (Deer Lodge) for 25 years. He first heard of Silver Mountain while at a National Ski Area Association meeting when he met a gentleman from Silver. While looking into other areas, he sent an inquiry to Silver and was able to come for a visit to ski. He immediately liked the area -- he says it reminds him of growing up in the Central Sierra Nevada town of Sonora Jamestown, which is known for gold mining.
Dave is a true patroller at heart. He may have numerous awards and certifications, but helping an injured person is really what makes it all worthwhile, and it's why he has done patrol as long as he has. "So many times when you help someone, you know you have made a difference," he says. "This is what is most gratifying about doing what I do."
Outside of work, Dave is a cyclist. He does mainly road cycling, but with the summer activities at Silver, he is starting to get proficient in downhill mountain biking. Other summer activities include spending time with his family and sailing with his wife. They have their home in Hayden Lake, a choice that has put his family in the best environment to grow up in.
In life, he lives by the words "no one around me says the word can't." And not only does his family at home live by these words -- so does his patrol crew at Silver Mountain.