Silver Mountain

Located in Silver Valley in northern Idaho, just above the old mining town of Kellogg, Silver Mountain Resort is a ski resort that has been clearly shaped by both its industrial history and its dramatic mountain terrain.

What distinguishes Silver Mountain above all is the gondola directly from the city center of Kellogg, an unusual solution in a North American context. In just over 15 minutes, it takes skiers from the valley up to the ski area on Wardner and Kellogg Peak, making logistics easy and providing a clear contrast between city and high mountain terrain.

The ski area spreads over two mountains and offers a vertical drop of 2201.4 feet, with mainly north-facing terrain that often preserves the snow well. There are a large number of marked slopes, but it is the combination of long slopes, steeper sections and extensive off-piste areas between and off the trails that attracts more experienced skiers. The terrain is varied rather than extremely alpine, but provides plenty of opportunities to find pristine snow after snowfall.

Silver Mountain has its roots in the former Jackass Ski Bowl ski area from the 1960s and developed as the mining industry in the region closed down. The ski investment became an important part of the transition for Silver Valley, something that still characterizes the town's identity.

Today, Silver Mountain combines alpine skiing with a distinct local character, generous areas and a slightly different approach than most ski resorts in the United States – a place that is often appreciated by skiers looking for a lot of skiing, relatively little crowding and a clear focus on terrain rather than resort feel.