Last winter’s deep snow may have stalled Silverton’s summer, but as the last train from Durango rolled into the old mining town Saturday, it was easy for many to say 2019 has been first-rate.
“I think we had a banging year. It was busy, but not too busy,” said Natalie Horne, an employee at Avalanche Brewing. “This year compared to last was way more consistent.”
But for many, last-year’s benchmark wasn’t much of one to beat. The 416 Fire ravaged 54,000 acres of the San Juan National Forest in June 2018 – a disaster that drove tourists who part support Silverton’s businesses away for at least a month. At least one business owner estimated revenues were down 40%.
Myste French, a manager at the Grand Imperial Hotel, said many guests told her they had canceled plans in 2018 and rescheduled for this year. But a deep-snow year left much of the back country – including the Alpine Loop – inaccessible for months.
The closures have forced visitors into new areas around Silverton, Horne said.
“I think, generally, people might have been upset that it took so long for Alpine Loop to open,” she said. “People who were mad, but the next day they came back and tried a different pass. There’s still so much more to see. More just, like, a switch in perspective.”
But high moisture also led to a lush alpine environment from late summer until early fall, French said. The wildflower season this year was “really good,” she said, and the fall colors lasted much longer into October than they did in 2018.
Al Harper, owner of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, said 2019’s season is comparable with 2017, “which was a terrific year,” he said. And people are still eager to ride – people already bought about 40% of the tickets for the company’s Polar Express train this winter.
“The economy has been good, general public attitude good, we’re feeling good about things,” Harper said. “We’re in a positive time, now.”
But after Saturday, business in Silverton all but comes to a halt. Flocks of tourists no longer walk the streets – it’s mostly locals.
“Believe me when I tell you, we’re a town of 600 service-industry workers, and by the time the train stops, we all need a break,” Horne said. “We kind of get our community back.”
