Backcountry
As skiers and snowboarders around North America patiently wait for their resort’s opening day, the guide team at Silverton Mountain, Colorado was able to get an early taste of skiing before the season officially kicks off. A pre-season snowstorm that swept across Colorado brought plenty of snow to Silverton, and the guide team took advantage and got some mid-October turns.
The result? A stunning set of images that captures something that skiing dreams are made of: powder turns before Halloween.
Over the past two weeks, several cold fronts have brushed across Colorado, dropping snow on ski areas across the state as they prepare for their opening dates. But Silverton Mountain—which boasts a peak elevation of 13,487 feet—is on another level when it comes to early season snowfall. When storms pass through the San Juan Mountains, its persistent cold weather allows snow to accumulate early, often weeks before the resorts of Summit County.
The images from the mountain tell more than any words could. Skis slicing through the untouched snow signaling some of the first turns of the season. The guides grinning at the sight of snow after months of waiting, celebrating finally being able to step into their skis. The sight of snow sprinkled across the mountain is enough to ignite the excitement of skiers anywhere in North America.
While many mountains are just firing up their snow guns, Silverton Mountain is already experiencing a magical start to the 2025-26 ski season. The guide’s October outing means more than just first tracks. It puts on display what makes skiing special: getting after it with other passionate skiers.
As more snow is looming over the Rocky Mountains, these photos from Silverton Mountain feel like a peek at what is to come this season. The snow is coming, and the countdown to opening days across the country is officially here.
PHOTOS
