photos by Todd Newcomer

Silverton Mountains base area sits at 10,400 feet. After only one double chairlift ride, expert skiers and snowboarders can reach a height of 12,300 feet and access some of the steepest and deepest terrain in the Lower 48. Silverton Mountain is the ultimate playground for any backcountry enthusiast who yearns for endless powder turns but gets nauseous at the thought of huffing it up a 12,000-foot peak. With 22 inches of snow falling in the San Juans over 72 hours, the conditions were prime last weekend for an epic day on the mountain. Guides and their powder-hungry customers mingled at the base just before 9 a.m., anxious to get moving and devour one of the best days of the season. As the lift sprang to life, so did the perma-grins on skiers and snowboarders, and they traveled high above the untracked fields of powder on their way to the top of the San Juans.

Fresh snow from the previous 72 hours blankets a Silverton Mountain shuttle bus on Sunday as riders prepare for a phenomenal day on the mountain. Tylor Scheid, of Durango, reaped the benefits of keeping a watchful eye on recent snow and weather reports as he carves up the fresh snow at Silverton Mountain. Jason Ebelheiser smiles beneath his helmet as he emerges from a field of snow. Silverton guide Michael Barton hunkers down in the driving snow and takes the last ride up the mountain. Troy Pedrett earns his turns as he hikes for a few extra face shots on Sunday. John Stapleton, of Durango, gets a ride back to the base before another lap up the hill. Keenan McKone, of Denver, glides through the snow Sunday on an epic first run of the day.