COLORADO Silverton Silverton Mountain Ski Area is Colorado’s boldest choice for advanced skiers, with a single lift, no groomers and mandatory avalanche gear for all visitors. This expert-only experience pairs massive vertical drops with untouched powder runs. Off the mountain, head into the backcountry on a snowmobile tour with Ice Pirate Backcountry Adventures , then wind down at El Bandito , a cozy cantina tucked into Silverton’s main drag, ideal for high-piled nachos and juicy margaritas. Adaptive Ski Programs After losing his leg, training for adaptive skiing helped Drees through the difficult transition. At the time, his teenage sons were getting excited about winter sports, so he made it a goal to get out on the mountain with them. “It’s liberating. It helps you gain a sense of independence. It helps you gain a sense of community and for me, it gave me a purpose. I wanted to ski with my sons.” While Drees teaches all forms of skiing, one-third of his year is dedicated to adaptive lessons through Challenge Aspen, where he instructs and skis alongside people with disabilities. And he notes that there are adaptive programs throughout Colorado that can accommodate people with various forms of adaptive equipment. TONY DREES; JEFF CRICCO “What I love about adaptive and what I love about skiing, in general, is that regardless of your ability level, there’s something for you.” Silverton Mountain Ski Area COLORADO . COM 57
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 57
