Silver Mt. Changes Include Beginner Run

Forty percent of Silver Mountain’s terrain is rated “advanced” or “expert.” But don’t get the idea first-timers aren’t welcome.

“We’re hoping to attract more families, get new people into the sport,” says 43-year-old general manager Terry Turnbow. That’s why this year’s changes at Silver include a new beginner run.

Attracting and keeping new converts has been made easier in recent years by the advent of shaped skis and snowboards, fat skis and short skis.“Product innovation has changed the industry,” says Turnbow, who has managed Silver since 1992. “It’s much easier to learn to ski and have more fun.”

To further stimulate that trend, Silver added winch towers last summer so machinery can groom steeper terrain. “We’ll make it a little friendlier,” promises Turnbow. “Fewer moguls.”

Turnbow remains enthusiastic about skiing’s future, despite the fact that all five area resorts - including Silver - have changed hands since 1995.

“This decade we’ve seen a lot of financial trouble and new ownership. But that’s helped the sport,” Turnbow says, “because new owners bring new ideas and plans, make improvements in product. They get excited about their hills again, which is very positive for the local market.”

Silver’s “product” includes the area’s only supervised jump hill, and new, bigger features in its terrain park.

The resort’s best deal this season, Turnbow says, is a $3 discount off lift tickets offered by Rosauers.

Location: 90 minutes east of Spokane on Interstate 90. Tickets: Adult, $31 weekend/holiday, $24 midweek; college (18-23) and seniors (62+), $25 weekend/ holiday, $23 midweek; junior (7-17), $22 anytime. Hours: 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, holidays. Child care: $5/hour, $35/day. Lessons: $19/hour private; call for group rates. Snow line/general information: (208) 783-1111. E-mail: info@silvermt.com. Web site: www.silvermt.com.