Silverton's fall color season ran long this year, and the town stayed busy well into October. This guide covers what mid-October brings to Silverton, Colorado, from the Powerhouse Ski Swap and a community art weekend to practical tips for owners getting a mountain home ready for winter.
This fall in Silverton, Colorado will be remembered for its color. The aspens held their gold, orange and red deep into October, and visitors kept coming to see them, lining the pullouts on Highway 550, filling the train and walking Greene Street on warm, clear afternoons.
The weather cooperated, too. After a very wet September, early October brought a run of sunny days in the 60s and low 70s with almost no rain, and the rivers settled back down. Now the leaves are starting to drop, the first snow is dusting the San Juan Mountains, and the town is easing into its quiet season.
A Longer Fall Season in Silverton
As the Silverton Standard & the Miner reported this month, October has been getting busier in Silverton year after year, while May has been getting quieter. Early October weekends this year felt as busy as July, with lines at lunch and full hotels on many September weekends.
Many of Silverton's summer restaurants and shops still close for the season by mid-October, so the town's rhythm changes quickly from here. If you are visiting in the second half of the month, check hours before you go and plan meals ahead, especially on weekends.
Silverton Ski Swap: Get Ready for Winter
The Silverton Powerhouse Collective's 5th Annual Ski Swap and Costume Exchange takes place this weekend at the Powerhouse, 8 Mears Avenue.
Consignment drop-off: Friday, October 16, 1 to 7 pm
Ski Swap and Costume Exchange: Saturday, October 17, 10 am to 4 pm
Unsold item pick-up: Sunday, October 18, 10 am to 3 pm
Rif Raf Repair will be on hand to help with ski tuning, mounting and gear advice. The costume exchange also makes it an easy stop for anyone still planning a Halloween outfit.
Community Art Weekend in Silverton
Friends, family and the wider Silverton community are invited to a memorial weekend celebrating the life and artwork of local painter Judith Graham on October 23 and 24. It begins Friday, October 23, from 5 to 8 pm with an art exhibit, happy hour and print sale at The Wingate House, her historic Victorian home at 1045 Snowden Street. Her paintings of the San Juans capture the same high-country light so many people came to see this fall.
The Silverton Family Learning Center's brunch-time silent auction follows on Sunday, October 25, from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the Wyman Hotel.
Looking Ahead to Ski Season at Kendall Mountain
Winter is not far off. The Town of Silverton is already preparing for the season at Kendall Mountain, its community ski and recreation area, with the upcoming ski season tentatively set to run from December 5, 2026, through April 30, 2027.
Tips for Closing Up a Silverton Mountain Home for Winter
If you own a second home in Silverton, mid-October is a good time to get it ready for winter.
Plan your last dump run. The Town of Silverton Transfer Station is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm. Visitors and part-time residents can now prepay or pay on site, and recycling is free. Details and the prepayment code are on the Town's website at townofsilverton.colorado.gov.
Secure anything that attracts wildlife. Trash, bird feeders, pet food and grills should be cleaned up or brought inside before you leave.
Stay informed while you are away. The Town of Silverton offers an email list for local updates, and you can sign up from the Contact page on its website.
Check outdoor lighting rules before any winter projects. The Town updated its outdoor lighting code this fall, so confirm the current requirements before replacing exterior fixtures.
Questions About Buying or Selling in Silverton?
Whether you are getting a second home ready for winter or thinking about a move to the San Juans, our team knows this community and the Silverton real estate market through every season. Call Silverton Realty at (970) 387-0111 to talk through your plans.
