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Winter arrives in Silverton

Ski patrollers enjoy a healthy September snowpack
Silverton Mountain’s ski and snowboard patrollers enjoyed up to 2 feet of powder Tuesday. The San Juan Mountains got hit with three consecutive days of snow from Saturday through Monday.

Too early to get excited about skiing?

It’s definitely not if you’re a ski or snowboard patroller at Silverton Mountain. The high-altitude area’s patrollers took the lift up the mountain Tuesday to assess an impressive early-season snowfall.

Oh, yes. They also got some turns in while they were up there.

Silverton Mountain spokeswoman Jen Brill said patrollers reported depths of up to 2 feet not far from the top of the lift at 12,300 feet. Nearby peaks, accessible by hiking, reach 13,487 feet.

“It’s pretty exciting to be doing a little skiing in September,” Brill said by cellphone Tuesday. “Smiles were huge, and the fun factor off the charts.”

The patrollers keep a close eye on snowpack as soon as powder flies to assess avalanche danger throughout the season, Brill said.

The area’s official season start is Dec. 20, but that date could potentially be pushed up if snow conditions allow, Brill said. The area will be open for unguided skiing until mid-January, when it switches to guided skiing. In spring, it again offers unguided.

Brill said the area has sold many of its season passes but will be at local events offering two-for-one packages. Visit www.silvertonmountain.com for more information on the area and passes.

Wolf Creek Ski Area has a preseason pass sale that runs through Sunday. Visit www.wolfcreekski.com for more information.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort plans a Nov. 28 opening. Visit www.durangomountainresort.com for more information.

johnp@durangoherald.com



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