The best time to visit Silverthorne in Colorado will vary depending on your specific goals for your trip. From world-class skiing and snowboarding to pristine alpine lakes and abundant wildlife, Silverthorne offers year-round outdoor recreation framed by the majestic Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges.
In This Article
While its natural beauty shines in every season, certain times of year bring Silverthorne’s most spectacular scenery and experiences. This guide covers the best times to visit to take full advantage of Silverthorne’s idyllic weather, peak tourist seasons, local culture, and adventure activities.
TL;DR
- Spring and fall feature mild weather, perfect for hiking, biking, festivals, and lower lodging costs.
- The winter ski season from November to April draws crowds for top-tier downhill and cross-country skiing.
- Summers offer endless sunshine for boating, fishing, mountain biking, and outdoor concerts.
Silverthorne Weather by Month
Silverthorne experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. Spring and fall offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor recreation.
Winter (November-April)
Winter brings heavy snowfall, with averages of over 200 inches annually. January is the coldest month, with highs of 30°F and lows dipping to 12°F. Ski resorts shine with fresh powder.
Spring (May-June)
Spring hosts melting snowpacks, swelling creeks and waterfalls, wildflower blooms, and temperatures rising to a June average high of 72°F. Hiking and biking come alive.
Summer (July-September)
Summer is hot and sunny, with July/August highs around 80°F. Scenic drives, boating, fishing, golf, and concerts thrive during extended daylight.
Fall (October-November)
Fall offers golden aspens and mild 60°F days, perfect for hiking, biking, and festivals before winter snow.
Silverthorne Peak Tourist Season
As a world-class outdoor recreation destination, Silverthorne welcomes visitors year-round. However, certain seasons see dramatic tourist influxes.
Winter Ski Season
The Winter Ski Season is Silverthorne’s busiest tourist time from November through April. Ski resorts like Keystone and Arapahoe Basin drive traffic, with downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and more drawing crowds. Lodging rates also peak during this premium season.
Summer
Summer is Silverthorne’s second busiest season, spanning July and August. Families flock to its hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, and other warm-weather activities. Summer also hosts festivals and outdoor concerts almost weekly, like the Blue River Beer Festival.
Shoulder seasons
Fall and spring see fewer tourists. But travelers enjoy mild weather, autumn foliage, spring wildflowers, and discounted hotel rates before winter and summer price surges.
Silverthorne Off-Season Travel
While summer and winter offer peak tourist activities, Silverthorne’s off-seasons hold their own charms at lower lodging rates.
Fall
During Fall, visitors bask in golden aspens blanketing mountainsides from late September through October. Mild days in the 60s make for perfect hiking among fiery foliage. October also brings harvest festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations.
Spring
Spring welcomes wildflower blooms and gushing creeks from snowmelt. Hiking and biking trails come alive in May and June, with wildflowers like columbines and paintbrush peaking in mid-June. Bird migrations pass through, while crowds are lower as well.
Silverthorne Lodging Options
Silverthorne offers varied lodging options to suit different budgets and styles:
Luxury Resorts
Luxury resorts like the Hyatt Place sit slopeside at Keystone Resort. High-end amenities like spas, pools, and fine dining cater to discerning travelers seeking premium accommodations near world-class skiing.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals offer spacious multi-room suites with full kitchens and fireplaces at resorts like Silverthorne’s Eagles Nest property. Ideal for families and groups, these roomy rentals feel like home.
Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels provide uniquely local flair, like The Bivvi Hostel and Lucky Dog Lodge. Expect custom decor, speciality cocktails, and prime walkability.
Budget-Friendly Motels
Budget-friendly motels offer affordable rates for value-focused travelers. Options like the Silverthorne Inn provide clean, comfortable rooms without breaking the bank.
Camping/RV parks
Camping and RV parks like Dillon Reservoir Campground and Heaton Bay Campground provide tent sites and RV hookups amid mountain scenery without luxury frills.
Silverthorne Outdoor Activities
From adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene alpine settings, Silverthorne serves up endless outdoor recreation across all four seasons:
Winter
Winter spotlights world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding at six nearby resorts, including Keystone and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Families will love tubing hills like Frisco Adventure Park as well. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer quieter snow sports.
Summer
Summer shines with hiking and biking the hundreds of surrounding trails, while anglers will find top fly fishing along the Blue River. Boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking thrive on Dillon Reservoir, Colorado’s largest lake. Adrenaline seekers take to the treetops on ziplining canopy tours.
Year-round
Recreation year-round includes golfing across seven acclaimed courses, like the River Course at Keystone. Several highly-rated spas offer massage and rejuvenation after long days playing in the mountains.
Silverthorne Family Vacation Spots
With mild summers and snowy winters tailored to family fun, Silverthorne makes an ideal basecamp for unforgettable family vacations:
Outdoor Adventure Parks
Keystone Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort offer family-friendly activities across seasons. Summer options span hiking, biking, mini-golf, and alpine slides. Winter delivers tubing hills, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
Dillon Reservoir
This Dillon reservoir and Lake Dillon provide beaches, playgrounds, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding perfect for families. Nearby marinas rent boats and other water gear.
Hiking trails
Hiking trails like the North Tenmile Creek Trail allow kids to explore forests and spot wildlife. Easy routes stay relaxing for little legs.
Frisco Adventure Park
This is a must-visit, with tubing hills for winter fun and summer activities like mini-golf, go-karts, climbing walls, and more. Families could spend days enjoying the variety.
Historical Sites
The Silverthorne Train Depot and Mary Murphy Mine provide interactive education into Summit County’s pioneering past.
Silverthorne Cultural Events
Beyond natural splendor, Silverthorne also offers a rich roster of cultural events and artistic experiences.
The town hosts summer festivals and concerts nearly every week, spanning local cuisine at the Taste of Silverthorne to genres like folk, funk, rock, and blues at events like the Friday Night Concert Series.
Silverthorne Performing Arts Center
This center stages theater and musical productions in a modern 450-seat theater. Recent shows included classic musicals like Fiddler on the Roof.
Museums
The Silverthorne Museum showcase local history through photographs, artifacts, and exhibits on founding pioneers, railroad development, mining, and ski industry origins.
Silverthorne Local Cuisine
Silverthorne’s dining scene impresses with down-home diners, elevated bistros, and restaurants spotlighting flavors from around the world:
- Red Buffalo Coffee and Tea: Pours premium cups of organic fair-trade coffee and over 75 loose-leaf teas. It's a beloved local hangout.
- Sunny Side Up: Offers hearty breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and bottomless mimosas, perfect for fueling up before hitting the slopes or trails.
- Mint Indian Cuisine: Earns raves for authentic curry dishes, sizzling tandooris, fluffy naan, and other northern Indian fare in a refined yet casual setting.
- The Mint Julep: Serves up Southern hospitality alongside regional BBQs like tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and flaky buttermilk biscuits. Live music keeps the good times rolling.
Silverthorne Nightlife
While best known for mountain adventures, Silverthorne also hosts an eclectic nightlife scene spanning local pubs, slope-side bars, comedy clubs, and even escape rooms:
- The Bakers' Brewery: This is a must-visit, infusing craft beers with unique ingredients like chocolate, fruit, chilies, honey, coffee, and more. Sip flights to sample a spectrum of creative brews.
- Sunset Grille: Is legendary for epic sunset views over Keystone Resort. In winter, the mountain-top patio's outdoor fire pits make it Summit County's premier apres ski destination.
- Warren Station Center for the Arts: Hosts rotating comedy, improv and music acts alongside a bar stocked with Colorado whiskeys and craft cocktails. Catch open mic nights or national touring bands gracing the intimate stage.
- The Escape Game: Provides next-level entertainment for groups. Puzzle through elaborately-designed themed rooms to unlock your escape in 60 minutes. It makes an unforgettable date night or friends' night outing.
Nature and Scenic Beauty
Blanketed in pine forests and surrounded by the dramatic Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges, Silverthorne overflows with alpine beauty and boundless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Dillon Reservoir
This reservoir offers beaches, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding with backdrops of rolling peaks reflecting over crystal waters that resemble ocean coastlines. Sunsets over the marina paint the sky with brilliant hues of orange and pink.
Hiking trails
North Tenmile Creek Trail and Meadow Creek Trail wind through wooded forests filled with chattering creeks and wildlife like elk, deer, black bears, and over 100 bird species. Wildflowers carpet alpine meadows come summer.
Scenic drives
Swan Mountain Road and Loveland Pass offer non-stop vistas of craggy 14,000-foot peaks towering above quilted evergreen valleys. Pullouts provide front-row views, with trails to even grander panoramas.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Silverthorne?
The best times are June-August for summer weather and November-April for ski season. Shoulder seasons in fall and spring also have mild weather at lower lodging costs.
What is there to do in Silverthorne with kids?
Top family activities include hiking easy forest trails, playing on Dillon Reservoir’s beaches, exploring historical sites like the Silverthorne Train Depot, and seeking adventure at outdoor parks with summer tubing hills and winter sledding.
Where can I find information on Silverthorne events and festivals?
VisitSilverthorne.com provides a calendar of upcoming events. Peak festival seasons run June-August with events spanning local cuisine, arts, and concerts across genres.
What is the average nightly rate for Silverthorne hotel rooms?
Rates range widely across seasons, with winter peaks from $250-400 and value seasons closer to $125-200 per night, depending on the property. Shop early for deals.
What restaurants are must-try dining experiences in Silverthorne?
Top local eateries include breakfast favorite Sunny Side Up, Mint Indian Cuisine and The Mint Julep for internationally-inspired dinners, and The Bakers’ Brewery for craft beer and elevated pub grub.
