SILVERTON POWDER CHALLENGE
Silverton POWDER CHALLENGE
Silverton was incredible! The weekend embodied the SOS Program experience with expert guides, new experiences, and a commitment to building community with each other. Having SOS graduates and participants involved really elevated the event and facilitated connection. We highlighted the organization by focusing on the people we serve and to me, that is what makes this event so special.
-Travis Tafoya, SOS Alumni,
Vail Resorts Inclusive Access & Community Impact Manager
Itinerary
We will be based in Silverton, Colorado, a former mining town nestled at an elevation of 9,318’ in the gorgeous San Juan Mountains. The historic Grand Imperial Hotel will be our home base for this three day adventure. Originally constructed in 1883, ‘The Grand’ recently completed a nearly $4M renovation, modernizing their facilities while maintaining the hotel’s original authenticity and ambiance.
Please plan to arrive by Saturday afternoon to check in and prepare for the weekend’s festivities! We will start with a Welcome Reception with dinner and drinks while meeting members of the SOS community, including SOS participants, alumni, staff, and key supporters like you!
If you need backcountry ski or split board rentals, please note this in your registration.
If you would like to arrive early, we have curated a list of additional activities in the area for you to explore. We can also make hotel arrangements for you on Friday, January 12. Please note this in your registration.
The first full day of our trip is sure to inspire and create lifelong memories. The experts of San Juan Expeditions will show off their backyard with options for introductory to advanced level backcountry skiing and riding. Powered by your own strength, you will journey through the San Juans to be galvanized by your surroundings, build relationships, and of course, find the best powder skiing available! All levels – beginner to expert – will be accommodated.
Backcountry ski or split board equipment required, including avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe). Gear will be available for rent. For those that prefer not to backcountry ski, snowshoeing is also available. Please mark your preference and rental needs during registration.
In the evening, we will host a celebratory banquet featuring SOS participants and alumni who have benefitted from your generosity. It will be an opportunity to share stories of the day’s excursion and celebrate our love and appreciation for the outdoors – just as our SOS youth share at the end of program days. Silverton’s Mountain Guides will also join us for a snow safety briefing for the next day.
On the morning of MLK Day, we will transport you by bus to Silverton Mountain’s base area for a day of private adventure skiing and snowboarding. The entire 2,000 acres of untracked, ungroomed powder will be exclusively ours. From the base, your group and private guide will ride the chairlift to 12,300 feet and either descend from there or hike the ridgeline to access even longer runs. Weather permitting there will also be opportunities for helicopter drops into the remote terrain.
Powder skis or snowboards are recommended and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) is required. Gear is available for rent from Silverton Mountain. For those that prefer not to backcountry ski, snowshoeing is also available. Please mark your preference and rental needs during registration.
After a full day of powder skiing and riding, Silverton Mountain’s staff will welcome us into Grady’s Bar at the Base for a unique après experience. You will be able to revel in the day’s adventure with other trip attendees and our guides over complimentary beer, wine, or soft drinks while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres. After the après session, the group will take the bus back to the Grand Imperial Hotel.
Contribution
$3,000 per person, $5,500 per double occupancy. Includes 3 nights lodging (Sat, Sun, Mon), guided backcountry ski with San Juan Expeditions, private guided skiing and heli drops on Silverton Mountain, private après-ski parties, banquet dinners, thought-provoking speakers, networking opportunities, and much more!
Registrations are closed for 2024, we hope to see you next year!
A portion of your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed under law. Please consult your tax advisor for details on deductibility.
Arriving Early?
If you do arrive early or stay late, we recommend the following activities:
- Snowmobiling with Ice Pirates (advanced reservations required)
- Nordic skiing or outdoor ice skating at the local Kendall Mountain
- Explore the Silverton Snowmobile Club’s 150 miles of groomed trails
*Please let us know if you would like to arrive early on Friday, January 12. We are happy to help make arrangements. Please note, these additions will be at your own expense.
Need Equipment Rentals?
Rental prices are $60 for touring equipment package. $40 for snowshoe package. $30 for avalanche equipment package. Silverton Mountain rental information can be found here.
*Please let us know if you need rental equipment through SJE or Silverton Mountain. We are happy to help make arrangements. Please note, these additions will be at your own expense.