Mount Silverheels 13,828’

The view of the north face of Mount Silverheels as seen on the approach from Hoosier Pass. Photo: Rob Writz

Mount Silverheels marks the southern end of the chain of massive thirteen thousand foot peaks that start at Georgia Pass and run south. The sheer size of the mountain rivals that of the combined area of four 14ers just across the valley of the Middle Fork of the South Platte River. Mount Silverheels is a Centennial 13er, meaning it is one of the hundred highest thirteen thousand foot peaks in Colorado. It is located just south of Summit County in Park County, and is named after an entertainer employed by local saloons who helped care for smallpox victims in 1861 and 1862.

Our ski mountaineering focus is on the mountain's north face. A series of steep chutes drop precipitously into the headwaters of Tarryall Creek. A high divide separates these chutes from several others that drop into Beaver Creek's drainage. The approach begins at Hoosier Pass, the high point between Park and Summit Counties. Climbing and skiing Mount Silverheels from the north involves multiple ascents and descents, and really is as much a "high tour" of this area as it is a mountaineering trip. Be ready for a big day when tacking the north face of Mount Silverheels.

Snow conditions on this high and dry peak are fickle throughout the winter. Being located on the north and west side of South Park means winter's winds shear the snow off the mountain. Conditions can change quickly in the spring, as the wetter storms of April and May that frequent the Front Range can fill in the chutes on the north face. The spring skiing window on Silverheels opens and closes quickly! You can assess conditions on Silverheels with views from Mounts Baldy and Guyot.

+ ROUTES

1 - North Chutes on the North Face

ATES: 3, Complex
Season: Spring
Exposure: North
Vertical: 1,000' - 2,000'
Approach Elevations: 11,542' - 13,829'
Approach Distance from Hoosier Pass TH: 4 miles
Top of the Route Waypoint: 39.33933, -106.00544

There are multiple chutes gracing the north face of Mount Silverheels. You will get a few of the upper portions of the chutes that we have noted here during the approach from Hoosier Pass. There are additional chutes further east of these as well. The chutes dropping into Tarryall Creek from the summit, and from just east of the summit, are about 40 degrees (II D8). These descents require a climb back into Beaver Creek. Use the power lines as a guide to help you return. This adds more vertical to your day. There are also several descent lines along the approach route that are fun skiing, and bring you directly back into Beaver Creek's drainage. These angle of these routes are in the mid-20 degree range, with several points above 32 degrees. On the return you can attempt a high traverse above Scott Gulch to Hoosier Pass. The most straightforward way to return is to follow your approach back to Hoosier Ridge. It may even be possible to get several turns on Hoosier Ridge's north side before turning west and back to the Pass.

The primary approach to Silverheels' north face is from Hoosier Pass. The approach will include two climbs and one descent. From Hoosier Pass trailhead, cross the highway and then ascend on forest road 848W. This road starts at the Bemrose Ski Circus sign, and it climbs towards communication towers and Hoosier Ridge. When the road curves north, depart here and head east up Hoosier Ridge. Your goal is the first high point on the ridge at approximately 12,800'. You will have views of the north face of Silverheels along the ridge. Descend into the Beaver Creek drainage, aiming for the powerlines at 12,000'. This puts you below the gully exiting the north-northwest side of Silverheels. Climb the gully and then up the shoulder to the west, and then onward to the summit. Reverse this approach to exit.

+ TRAILHEAD

Hoosier Pass (11,542')

Hoosier Pass is the high point between Summit County and Park County on Highway 9. This is 9.6 miles south of the intersection of Highway 9 and Boreas Pass Road in Breckenridge, and 11.8 miles from the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 285 in Fairplay. [39.361693, -106.063060]

+ MAPS & PICTURES

Below we have included a link to Front Range Skimo's master map. The routes on the map are approximations, and are not intended for use as a GPX track. To the right are a curated list of photos of the mountain.