Silverton Mountain, in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains near Silverton, opened in 2002 as a deliberately low-impact ski area focused on steep, ungroomed terrain for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. At 13,487 feet, it is identified as North America’s highest ski area and operates with a single chairlift, no groomed runs, and terrain reached by both lift and hiking. Avalanche safety is central, with required rescue gear and periods of guided-only skiing. Beyond its lift-served area, it also provides access to extensive hike-to and helicopter-accessed terrain. Its stark, ski-centered model made it distinctive in American skiing, though its history has also included a fatal accident in 2012.