The San Juan Experience | Advanced Colorado Snowboard Adventure 2027

Experienced riders. Adventurous spirits. Good people.

The San Juan Experience is designed for advanced to expert snowboarders who are comfortable exploring challenging terrain, enjoy earning their turns, and appreciate the company of other passionate riders.

Silverton Mountain is the real deal. Steep, technical terrain, variable snow conditions, exposed ridgelines, and plenty of hiking are all part of the experience. You should be comfortable riding double-black-diamond off-piste terrain, confident making turns in a variety of snow conditions, and physically prepared for long days at high elevation.

You’ll also need to bring a beacon, shovel, probe, and appropriate pack, along with a basic understanding of how to use your avalanche safety equipment. We’ll review equipment use and mountain safety together, but this isn’t an introductory backcountry course.

Just as important as your riding ability is your attitude. With only three guests, everyone contributes to the experience. We’re looking for riders who are flexible, make thoughtful decisions, look out for one another, and understand that the best adventures don’t always go exactly as planned.

You don’t need to be the strongest rider on the mountain. You do need to be capable, prepared, and excited to share the adventure.

Small Group. Big Adventure. We’ve Got the Details.

With just three guests, we’re keeping things simple, personal, and focused on the experience. From airport pickup in Durango to our heli day at Silverton, we’ve taken care of the major logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the adventure.

Seven Days, Six Nights in Southern Colorado

• Six nights of single-occupancy lodging, including our Durango hotel stays and a vintage four-bedroom mountain house in Silverton, just steps from Main Street.

• All scheduled ground transportation, including pickup and drop-off at Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO).

• Daily breakfast and dinner, including welcome and farewell celebrations.

• Select adult beverages during hosted meals and gatherings.

Three Days of Freeride Exploration

• One full day riding Purgatory Resort.

• One full day exploring Silverton Mountain during its limited unguided season.

• One final day at Silverton or Purgatory, depending on conditions and what the crew wants to ride.

• Lift access included for all three days.

The Silverton Heli Experience

• One 6-run helicopter skiing and snowboarding package at Silverton Mountain.

• Access to extraordinary high-alpine terrain with Silverton’s professional heli guides, subject to weather, conditions, and operational requirements.

A Day to Explore Ouray

• A scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway.

• Time to explore historic Ouray, including a visit to the Ice Park.

• Admission to Ouray’s hot springs for some well-earned recovery time.

A Few Progression Sessions Extras

• A personally hosted adventure with Joshua Thompson-Bourrie (JTB), limited to just three snowboarders.

• A 1:3 host-to-rider ratio, giving us the freedom to adapt our plans to the group and conditions.

• A session-exclusive Progression Sessions gift.

• Shared evening discussions, mountain planning, and plenty of opportunities to learn from one another along the way.

Day 1 | Monday, March 22

Welcome to Durango!

Our adventure begins in Durango, Colorado! Plan to arrive at Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) no later than 4:30 PM, where we’ll pick you up and get you settled into our hotel.

Once everyone’s arrived, we’ll head out for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local pizza spots. After dinner, we’ll have a little fun with a team-building beacon hunt. It’s a chance to get to know the crew, refresh some basic avalanche rescue skills, and make sure everyone’s equipment is working properly before we head into the bigger mountains.

Nothing too serious tonight. Just good food, good company, and a little preparation for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 | Tuesday, March 23

Purgatory — Getting Our Mountain Legs Back

We’ll kick off our riding at Purgatory Resort, a mountain that doesn’t always make the destination bucket lists but has plenty to offer.

Today is about getting our legs warmed up, adjusting to Colorado’s elevation, and enjoying a full day exploring somewhere new. No pressure to go big right out of the gate. We’ve got plenty of that coming!

After riding, we’ll make our way north into the San Juan Mountains and settle into our home for the next four nights: a vintage four-bedroom house in historic Silverton, just steps from Main Street.

We’ll head into town for dinner, then spend a little time looking over the Silverton Mountain trail map and discussing our approach to tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 3 | Wednesday, March 24

Silverton Mountain — Big Mountain

Today we’re heading into the deep end!

Silverton Mountain is unlike anywhere else we’ve ridden. One chairlift, enormous alpine terrain, and plenty of bootpacking to access some of the mountain’s best lines. With the mountain closed Monday and Tuesday, we’re hoping Wednesday rewards us with a few fresh laps.

We’ll take our time getting to know the terrain, gathering information, and making thoughtful decisions before committing to our descents. The goal isn’t to ride everything or chase the biggest lines. It’s to make good choices, explore, and have an incredible day in some seriously impressive mountains.

Expect a big athletic day, plenty of hiking, and hopefully a few unforgettable descents.

After riding, we’ll head back to the house for a hosted dinner, share our discoveries about the mountain, and make some plans for the days ahead. If you’ve still got energy, Silverton’s Main Street is just a short walk away for a little après fun.

Day 4 | Thursday, March 25

Ouray — Rest, Recover, Explore

Even the most enthusiastic freeriders need a day off, especially in the San Juans!

Today we’re giving our legs a break and heading north along the spectacular Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, often called the Switzerland of America.

We’ll explore this beautiful little mountain town, check out the famous Ouray Ice Park, grab a beer at Mr. Grumpy Pants, and spend some well-earned time soaking in the hot springs.

This is a day to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and let our bodies recover before tomorrow’s big adventure.

We’ll have an early dinner in Ouray before heading back to Silverton for a good night’s sleep.

Day 5 | Friday, March 26

Silverton Heli Day — Six Runs of Pure Adventure!

This is the day we’ve all been waiting for!

Today we’re trading chairlifts and bootpacks for a helicopter and heading into the incredible high-alpine terrain surrounding Silverton.

With six helicopter runs planned, we’ll spend the day exploring some of the San Juans’ most spectacular terrain alongside Silverton’s professional heli guides. Every run offers a new opportunity to experience these mountains from a completely different perspective.

Of course, heli operations are always dependent on weather, snow conditions, and safety considerations, but if the mountains cooperate, this promises to be one heck of a day!

Afterward, we’ll head back to our Silverton house for a celebratory dinner and a proper mountain-town party.

Day 6 | Saturday, March 27

Rider’s Choice — One More Day!

For our final day on snow, we’re leaving the decision up to the crew.

Want another shot at Silverton’s incredible terrain? Let’s do it. Prefer to head back to Purgatory for some relaxed laps and a different kind of mountain experience? That works too!

We’ll make the call together based on conditions, energy levels, and what sounds like the most fun.

After riding, we’ll head back to Durango, check into our hotel, and enjoy one final celebratory night on the town.

Day 7 | Sunday, March 28

Until Next Time!

After breakfast, we’ll get everyone packed up and ready for the journey home.

Airport transfers to Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) are included, with our final scheduled shuttle departing by noon.

Until the next adventure!

How advanced do I need to be?

This adventure is designed for advanced to expert snowboarders who are comfortable riding double-black-diamond off-piste terrain in a variety of snow conditions. Silverton is a serious mountain, with steep descents, exposed terrain, and plenty of hiking required to access the goods.

You don’t need to be a professional snowboarder, but you should be confident in challenging terrain, physically prepared for demanding days, and comfortable making thoughtful decisions in the mountains.

Do I need avalanche safety equipment?

Yes! Every participant must bring an avalanche transceiver (beacon), shovel, probe, and an appropriate backpack to carry their equipment.

You should already have a basic understanding of how to use your equipment. We’ll spend some time reviewing beacon use and rescue fundamentals together, but this isn’t a substitute for formal avalanche safety education.

We’ll share Silverton Mountain’s specific equipment requirements with everyone before the adventure, so you’ll have plenty of time to make sure you’re properly prepared.

Is this a guided trip or a snowboard camp?

A little of neither, and that’s what makes it special!

The San Juan Experience is a personally hosted freeride adventure with JTB, not a traditional Progression Sessions coaching camp. We’ll explore together, share ideas, make decisions as a group, and enjoy the mountains without a structured lesson plan.

Our unguided days at Silverton will follow the mountain’s operating rules, and our helicopter experience will be led by Silverton’s professional heli guides.

How physically demanding is this trip?

Expect some big days!

Silverton Mountain sits at high elevation, and accessing many of its best descents involves hiking or bootpacking in snowboarding equipment. You’ll need the fitness to spend a full day moving through demanding terrain, sometimes at elevations above 12,000 feet.

We’ve deliberately included a recovery day in Ouray before our heli experience, but you should arrive ready for a physically challenging adventure.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate with our heli day?

Mountain weather doesn’t always follow the itinerary, especially in the San Juans!

Our six-run heli day is planned for Friday, March 26, but we’ve intentionally built some flexibility into the week. With three days that offer some room to adjust our plans, we’ll have opportunities to work with Silverton to reschedule if conditions don’t cooperate.

If Silverton cancels our heli day, we’ll first explore the possibility of flying on another day during our visit. If that’s not an option, we may choose to ride the lifts or even pivot to cat skiing, depending on availability and what the group wants to do.

If Silverton cancels and issues a refund, any portion of that refund not used toward an alternative activity will be returned to participants. If we can’t arrange a suitable alternative, the heli refund will be passed along in full.

The goal is to make the most of our time in the mountains while keeping things fair and flexible for everyone.

Can we choose where we ride on the final day?

Absolutely! That’s one of the advantages of traveling with such a small crew.

Our final riding day is intentionally flexible. Depending on conditions, energy levels, and what everyone wants to experience, we’ll choose between another day at Silverton or a return to Purgatory.

The goal is simple: finish the adventure having as much fun as possible.

What are the accommodations like?

We’ll spend our first and final nights in a Durango hotel, with four nights in a vintage mountain house in the historic town of Silverton.

Everyone gets their own bedroom throughout the trip. Our Silverton house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, so some bathrooms will be shared.

This isn’t a luxury resort experience. It’s a comfortable, personal home base where we can relax, share meals, and enjoy the character of a real Colorado mountain town.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast and dinner are included throughout the adventure. We’ll enjoy a mix of local restaurants, hosted meals at our Silverton house, and a couple of celebrations along the way.

Some adult beverages will be provided during hosted gatherings, but additional drinks and lunches are at your own expense.

How do I get there, and do I need a rental car?

Fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) on Monday, March 22, arriving no later than 4:30 PM.

We’ll take care of airport pickup and all transportation included in our scheduled itinerary, so there’s no need to rent a car.

On Sunday, March 28, our final scheduled airport shuttle will depart by noon. Please plan your return flight accordingly, allowing sufficient time for airport check-in.

Can skiers join this adventure?

Not this time! The San Juan Experience is a snowboard-only adventure, limited to three participants.

Do I need to know JTB or have attended a Progression Sessions event before?

Not necessarily!

While this adventure will likely bring together riders who already know one another, previous participation isn’t required.

Because the group is so small and the terrain is demanding, we’ll have a conversation with each interested rider before confirming registration. It’s important that everyone is prepared for the mountains and a good fit for the crew.

What should I bring?

Along with your regular snowboard equipment and clothing for variable mountain weather, you’ll need:

• Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and appropriate backpack.

• A helmet and any additional protective equipment you normally use.

• Snowboard boots suitable for extended hiking and bootpacking.

• Layers for cold, windy, high-elevation conditions.

• Comfortable clothing and footwear for exploring Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.

• Swimwear for our hot springs visit.

• A sense of adventure and a willingness to roll with whatever the mountains throw our way!

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance isn’t required for this domestic adventure, but we strongly recommend considering it.

The San Juan Mountains are remote, the terrain is demanding, and mountain weather can be unpredictable. A policy that covers trip interruptions, emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and activities like heli-snowboarding can provide valuable peace of mind.

If you decide to purchase coverage, make sure the policy specifically includes the activities planned for this adventure, as not all standard travel insurance policies do.

While we’ve taken care of most of the details, there are a few things you’ll need to arrange or cover on your own.

• Airfare: Flights to and from Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO).

• Lunches: Lunch and personal snacks throughout the adventure.

• Additional Adult Beverages: Select drinks are included during hosted meals and gatherings, but additional alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

• Snowboard Equipment: Snowboard, boots, bindings, helmet, and other personal riding equipment.

• Avalanche Safety Equipment: Beacon, shovel, probe, and an appropriate backpack. All equipment must meet Silverton Mountain’s requirements.

• Guide Gratuities: Tips for Silverton Mountain’s professional heli guides and other service providers.

• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, shopping, and activities outside our scheduled itinerary.

• Additional Transportation: Transportation requested outside our planned group activities and airport transfers.

• Travel Insurance: Not required, but strongly recommended, particularly for trip interruptions, emergency evacuation, and heli-snowboarding coverage.