San Juan Backcountry: A Full Day from Cement Creek Trees to King Solomon Faces

SILVERTON SKI FIELD GUIDE

San Juan Backcountry: A Full Day from Cement Creek Trees to King Solomon Faces

A full-day guided backcountry ski and splitboard tour around Silverton that matches terrain to skill level and avalanche conditions.

San Juan Backcountry: A Full Day from Cement Creek Trees to King Solomon Faces.

Duration
8-10 hours
Location
Silverton
Operator
Colorado Climbing Company
Category
Ski
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The San Juan mountains around Silverton offer a wide variety of backcountry ski terrain — from tight, playful tree runs in the Cement Creek zone to big-mountain lines off King Solomon and Kendall Mountain — with a guide selecting terrain best suited to your ability and current avalanche conditions.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Varied San Juan Terrain

Expect a spectrum of snowfields: sheltered tree skiing in Cement Creek and exposed faces and bowls on King Solomon and Kendall Mountain, offering options that change with the season and conditions.

THE GUIDE SERVICE

Tailored Runs to Match Skill and Conditions

Your guide will select terrain that fits your skill level and the day's avalanche profile, from lower-angle early-season slopes to steeper spring couloirs when conditions allow.

THE EXPERIENCE

Full-Day Backcountry Flow

A single, full-day outing provides time to move through varied zones and sample different kinds of skiing or splitboarding across the San Juans near Silverton.

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

Over the course of an 8–10 hour day, the outing moves through distinct terrain types in the San Juans, allowing guided laps in trees or open bowls and, when conditions permit, access to bigger lines off King Solomon and Kendall Mountain — all with route choices tailored to party ability and avalanche conditions.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is best for — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Backcountry-capable Skiers & SplitboardersWell suited to skiers and splitboarders who have or are prepared to use a backcountry touring setup and want to explore a range of San Juan terrain within a guided full-day format.
2
Progressing Intermediate RidersA good match for intermediate participants who want guided exposure to both tree runs and, season permitting, steeper lines chosen to match ability.
3
Families with Older KidsAccepts participants ages 8 and up, making it feasible for families with children at or above that age who are capable backcountry skiers or riders.
4
Not Ideal for Non-SkiersThis outing requires backcountry touring equipment and full-day participation, so it is not suited to people who do not ski or cannot commit to an 8–10 hour field day.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a backcountry touring setup (skis with touring bindings, skins, backcountry boots), personal clothing and footwear, snacks and water, and trip insurance. Guide gratuities and any other costs not provided by the operator are your responsibility.

Logistics & Transport

Participants should provide transportation to climbing sites or any lodging; details vary by day and meeting location.

Additional Costs

Expect to cover guide gratuities, trip insurance, and other costs not associated with the services provided by the operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the outing?

The full-day backcountry touring experience runs approximately 8–10 hours.

Where do we meet?

Meeting locations vary; participants should confirm the specific meeting point with the operator prior to the trip.

What terrain will we ski?

Terrain ranges from tree skiing in the Cement Creek zone to big-mountain lines on King Solomon and Kendall Mountain, with guides choosing objectives based on skill level and avalanche conditions.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You must bring a backcountry touring setup (skis with touring bindings, skins, backcountry boots), plus personal clothing, footwear, snacks, water, and trip insurance; transportation and gratuities are separate.

Are there age or group size limits?

Participants must be at least 8 years old, and groups are limited to a maximum of eight people.