Welcome to NASTC's deep powder and steeps course at Silverton Mountain. This mountain was once a little known secret and is now the latest buzz in the ski world. Silverton may have some of the best big mountain skiing terrain south of Alaska. At this course you will be challenged by both terrain and conditions, there's only powder and more powder. Silverton has only advanced terrain and no groomed skiing is available. One chairlift services the entire ski area and a limited number of tickets are sold each day. The elevation at the top of the chairlift is 13,487 ft. The chairlift accesses a ridgeline from where you depart (usually on foot) to access the myriad of possible lines. You never have to race to get to a line before someone else does. After skiing at Silverton you will be amazed at how small and easy everything feels at your resort back home. The town of Silverton is endearing, it's a charming mining town whose heyday was in another century but has survived because of its picturesque setting. What remains is a small friendly town, wrapped up in the nostalgia of bygone era whose existence blends harmoniously with the mountains that surround it. The beauty and serenity of the San Juan Mountains is incredibly captivating and spellbinding. As a skier this is an experience that you don't want to miss!

Trip dates: March 4-8, 2010

Price: $2859 - double occupancy / $3075 - single occupancy

Includes: lodging, breakfast daily, guide, all day instruction with video reviews & tech talks and a group dinner

Levels: 8-9

Equipment suggestions: Powder Skis

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Nearest Airport: Durango, Colorado. Durango is about 50 miles south of Silverton and it is about a 1 hour drive from Durango to Silverton. Another option is to fly into Montrose, which is 59 miles from Silverton and about 1.5 hours drive to Silverton. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before you hit the road.

Transportation Suggestions:There is no shuttle service available to the town of Silverton. We suggest reserving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can rent a car at whichever airport you decide to fly into. It is recommended that you make your reservation early. You are welcome to contact the NASTC office for carpool availability.

Lodging: We will be staying at the Grand Imperial Hotel in downtown Silverton. This is a Victorian style hotel that fits in beautifully with the historic ambiance of this "Old West" mining town. The hotel is filled with turn of the century furnishings including a tin ceiling and grand piano in the lobby. Each room has its own private bath and telephone and T.V. the hospitality of the hotel staff is very warm, genuine and outgoing. Be sure to introduce yourself to Danny and if you need anything he's your man!

Trip Notes: Stop by the store in Durango or the local grocery store in Silverton and pick up lots of portable high energy snacks as we will be hiking a lot. You may want to also pick up some things for lunch. You can purchase a sack lunch from Silverton Mountain for $12.00 it includes a sandwich, cookie, fruit, and water. You may also want to bring a hydration system to have easier access to water as we will be skiing and hiking a lot and we are up at altitude. Staying hydrated will help you perform and feel better.