1) Yo ho ho and a bottle of Rum Bar
Since the the Rum Bar opened its doors, things get spicy after the lift closes. The Crested Butte-based rum makers inhabit an original brick building under a rooftop patio where they serve up award winning rums like their Platino that’s aged for a full year in an American white oak barrel that previously held Colorado whiskey. It’s then filtered through a coconut husk charcoal filter.
2) Mountain blend
Café Mobius is a sure stop on frigid mornings where you’ll find a variety of regulars and travelers planning their day over coffee, espresso, tea and grab and go foods that you can stuff in your pack. The Wi-Fi makes it a great place to catch up on loose ends or telecommute when you’re playing hooky. Formerly owned and operated by ultra-runner Megan Kimmel, this is a local’s and visitor’s favorite. Open weekdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to noon. Warming up? Get some ice cream.
3) Get Avy savvy
Silverton may have been founded on mining, but in winter the gold in those hills is powder. Just beware: dragons are real. In the San Juans avalanches sleep quietly and can awaken with disaster, especially when humans trigger them. Hit up Silverton Avalanche School, lead by softspoken Jim Donovan, one of the most respected avalanche education programs in the world, and get training that can save your life in the backcountry.
4) Eureka!
The Eureka Station bills itself a Cornish tavern on Silverton’s infamous Blair Street (during its heyday, Silverton was the quintessential Wild West.) Their claim to fame is their Cornish Pasty, a nod to immigrants who worked in mining camps like Silverton all over the intermountain west. Perfect and hearty after white out days in the alpine.
5) Taste the Avalanche
Sure, Silverton’s Avalanche Brewery serves more than beer – a great breakfast, tasty burritos, filling sandwiches and awesome pizza, but let’s face it- beer tastes better at 9,318 feet above sea level. Their Whiteout Wit, Treasure Mountain Pale Ale, Sultan IPA, Pride of the West Porter, Bonnie Belle Vienna Lager and Snowmelt Dortmunder Lager will all sooth ski legs and cure ice climbers’ screaming barfies.
