Huge, hand-hewn furniture, giant fireplaces and ancient grandfather clock make this place feel like home. Cross-country skis and snowshoes can be rented at the Inn and lessons and tours can be arranged most anytime. Brenda tells me that the cross-country skiing is reminiscent of bushwhacking. Still, she says it's worthwhile because the place is so gorgeous and quiet. Winter packages are very reasonable, but don't try booking one of the Inn's 25 rooms until after the New Year.
Silver Mountain is home to the world's longest gondola and free wax jobs during lunch breaks.
Normally, Silver is open Wednesday through Sundays, but over the holidays the mountain is open Dec. 20 through Jan. 2. In addition, starting Jan. 7th and running through Feb. 25, the skihill will be open Fridays from 3-8 p.m. for night skiing. This year management is so cocky it is offering a Guaranteed Ski and Snowboard Program. This guarantee means first time skiers will learn how to ski and have fun or a second day is on Silver. For the first time the North American Snowboard Organization Youth Snowboard Festival travels west of the Rockies to Silver Mountain February 5-6, 2000.