Silverthorne is a young, determined mountain town with a modern vision. In the years since the town incorporated, it has continuously evolved from a makeshift construction camp for workers building the Dillon Dam, to a convenient refueling stop along I-70, to a year-round, energetic community of an estimated 5,418 people. And this is just the beginning. Silverthorne is about possibility, and is creating a vibrant, walkable downtown core with a thriving arts and culture scene, recreation opportunities and economic viability. Each of these initiatives will individually enhance the community and together they can be truly transformational, cementing Silverthorne’s role as the year-round heart of Summit County.

Contact

Silverthorne Town Hall 
601 Center Circle
P.O. Box 1309
Silverthorne, CO 80498
970-262-7300
www.silverthorne.org

Social Media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SilverthorneCO

Twitter: @SilverthorneCO

Instagram: @silverthornecolorado

Silverthorne is located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, approximately 70 miles west of Denver at an elevation of 8,730 feet.

The Town is situated in the Lower Blue River Valley below peaks of 12,000 and 13,000 feet, and is surrounded on two sides by National Forest and Wilderness Areas, offering breathtaking views of the Gore Range.

Silverthorne is considered to be the gateway not only to Summit County, but also to much of Western Colorado, due largely to its ideal location as the first exit west of the Eisenhower Tunnel along I-70, at the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 6.

The Denver International Airport is roughly 100 miles from Silverthorne, approximately a two-hour drive.

There are five ski areas within a half-hour drive from the Town - Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland - and a few others, including Vail and Beaver Creek, are less than an hour away.

Silverthorne is located in a scenic, high mountain valley carved by the Blue River. It is nestled below Buffalo Mountain and Red Peak, both part of the Gore Range to the west, and Ptarmigan Mountain and the Williams Fork Range to the east. Both sides of the valley are characterized by steep hillsides, large stands of lodgepole pine and aspen, and blue spruce and fir trees above 10,000 feet. The geographical size of Silverthorne is approximately 5.2 square miles, compared to 599 square miles for Summit County as a whole.

Silverthorne averages 103 inches of snowfall annually with 14.4 inches of precipitation. Summer high temperatures average in the mid-80s, with lows in the high-30s. Winter high temperatures average in the 40s, with average lows in the -15-degree range.

Silverthorne is the second most populous town in Summit County with an estimated population of 5,192 people.

According to the 2020 Census, Silverthorne’s population is 64.4% White, 28.7% Hispanic, 1.7% Asian and 1.6% Black.

Sixty six percent of Silverthorne’s housing stock is permanently occupied; compared to 41% in Summit County.

The Town of Silverthorne is young by most standards but has experienced overwhelming change and growth in the short time since its incorporation in 1967. Today’s residents have access to abundant natural beauty and resources, outdoor adventures, a culture of art and creativity, and businesses that fuel the vibrant, year-round hub of Summit County.

Credit for establishing the existing Town site goes to one of the more colorful characters in the history of Summit County, Judge Marshall Silverthorn. Known by most as “Judge” for his appointment as judge of the Miner’s Court in Breckenridge, Silverthorn arrived in Breckenridge in 1859, stayed long enough to build and operate the Silverthorn Hotel, and provided many important services to the young Town.

Silverthorn also had a penchant for gold mining. In 1881, he and his colleagues purchased 160 acres from the U.S. Government, in the area between the Blue River and Highway 9 in present-day Silverthorne. Envisioning great profits from gold extraction, Judge Silverthorn purchased the 7/8 interest from his friends and was the sole owner of the property when he applied for a Mining Patent for what became known as the Silverthorn Placer in April, 1882. Unfortunately, not much gold was found, and upon Silverthorn’s death in 1887, Silverthorn Placer was given to his daughters.

In the 1930s, the “e” was added to the end of the name Silverthorne, when it was considered fashionable to have names ending in “e.” Various mining companies owned the land until 1953, when it and several other placer mines were purchased by Clayton Hill for $18,500. Hill subdivided what are now the Buffalo, Silverthorn, and Silverthorne Colorado Subdivisions in the mid 1950s. In 1957, Myrth and Robert Z. Roush subdivided Ptarmigan Trail Estates. These subdivisions were home to the construction workers building the Dillon Dam, which began in the late 1950s and was officially completed on December 17, 1963.

When Silverthorne became an incorporated Town on September 5, 1967, it consisted of approximately 400 acres, and by 1970, boasted a population of 400.

Silverthorne offers businesses year-round viability with access to resources – including tax incentives, small business and site enhancement grants, no property tax, public/private partnership opportunities and the Urban Renewal Authority – unlike any other town in the region. The town comprises engaged citizens, a supportive business community and a visionary government that helps businesses thrive.

Retail

Sales tax revenues are Silverthorne’s major revenue source and the Town is committed to attracting commercial businesses that service the community and bring in revenue. As a retail destination, the Town not only offers the region’s best shopping via the 70+ brand-name stores at the Outlets at Silverthorne, it is the only place in the county where residents and visitors alike can purchase day-to-day necessities though major retailers including Target, Lowes and Murdoch’s.

Dining & Breweries

Silverthorne offers a variety of dining experiences from grilling your own steaks at the historic Mint, to fast-casual restaurants, and several delicious ethnic eateries. Locally-owned Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea and House of Vibes Coffee & Curio both offer hand-crafted drinks and breakfast fare. The town is also emerging as a leading destination for craft breweries with The Bakers' Brewery and Angry James Brewery.

Hospitality

From affordable inns to high-end private vacation home rentals, Silverthorne offers accommodations to suit any budget. A 88-room Hampton Inn & Suites opened in Silverthorne in 2015 and The Pad Hotel & Hostel opened in 2021, while Hotel Indigo recently opened its doors at 4th Street Crossing.

Adventure, Sport and Wellness

Home to The Blue River, the Dillon Ranger District and surrounded by natural open spaces, Silverthorne offers a variety of services focused on adventure, sport and wellness. Colorado Angler and Cutthroat Angler provide gear and guided excursions on the Blue River. Numerous licensed outfitters provide rafting, hiking, mountaineering and biking experiences in the Dillon Ranger District in the White River National Forest. Silverthorne Recreation Center offers state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of fitness classes and programs.

Blue River Trail

The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s recreational backbone and link to the county-wide paved trail system. The trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail is unique to the Summit County Recreation Path system because it is a meandering, family-friendly paved path that brings you through the heart of downtown Silverthorne. Some of the most spectacular views of the Blue River can be seen from the trail. Numerous public fishing access points are available, along with many benches and picnic areas.

Blue River

Considered by many residents to be the heart and soul of the community, the Blue River runs through the center of Town and is home to some of the best catch-and-release fly fishing in the state. The Blue River, within the Town of Silverthorne, is “catch and release” only.

The Outlets at Silverthorne

The Outlets at Silverthorne welcomes travelers off of Interstate 70 into the Silverthorne community, offering a unique shopping experience nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Visitors meander between three shopping villages, which house more than 70 nationally noted stores and brands. The Outlets at Silverthorne is one of the Town’s largest employers and contributors to the Town’s sales tax revenues.

Open Space

The Town has assembled 215 acres of open space properties within the Town limits. Open space areas include the Willow Grove Open Space Park, and undisturbed portions of the Ponds, Angler Mountain Ranch, Blue River Run, Cottonwood, and the Ray Property.

Lake Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs

Lake Dillon is the centerpiece of Summit County and is the focus for many activities over the course of the year. At an elevation of 9,000 feet, it provided the first sailing opportunities in the region, and boasts the highest yacht club in the nation with marinas in Dillon and Frisco. Green Mountain Reservoir, located about 25 miles north of Silverthorne, allows recreational vehicles and activities that have more of a motorboat, water-skiing, and jet ski orientation, but is also very popular for windsurfing.

Raven at Eagles Nest Golf Course

This privately-owned course is an 18-hole, 7,000-yard, par-72 golf course with spectacular views. The course was built in the mid-1980s in the Eagles Nest Subdivision. During winter months, the course offers groomed Nordic trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Silverthorne’s hiking and biking opportunities are nearly endless. In 2020, Silverthorne was designated as a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. A connector trail from downtown provides access to mountain biking trails in the Salt Lick area.  Hiking and horseback riding trailheads for the 133,496-acre Eagles Nest Wilderness Area may be accessed at numerous points throughout the town. Ptarmigan Trail provides stunning views of the Gore Range.

Skiing

Silverthorne offers easy access to five world class ski resorts within Summit County including Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone and Loveland, and is within an hour of Vail and Beaver Creek.

First Fridays

Monthly

The Town of Silverthorne is making the first Friday of every month a reason for residents and visitors alike to get together and celebrate what’s special about this vibrant community. From arts and food to music and fun, First Fridays showcase the community’s talented makers, artisans and performers. They include hosted evenings with artists, chefs, brewers, musicians and more in various locales that welcome the whole community to participate.

Silverthorne Art Strolls

Monthly June through August

Join the Town of Silverthorne for a new event series, Silverthorne Art Strolls. Enjoy a stroll along the Blue River trail on Sunday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m., a perfect time to gather with neighbors and friends. Experience pop-up artists and musicians while taking in the sounds and sights of the Blue River. The Silverthorne Art Strolls are walking events located along the Blue River Trail between the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center and the underpass by Chipotle.

Brewer's Rock for Rescue

January

This annual beer festival was created by Summit County brewers to support and raise funds for the Summit County Search and Rescue Group. The event includes craft beer samples, delicious food and live music.

Valentine's Day Comedy Show

February

A Valentine’s Day tradition, national comedy acts come to Silverthorne for a one-night engagement at the Pavilion.

Pumpkin Fest

October

Silverthorne’s largest signature event, the free annual pumpkin patch provides more than 2,500 pumpkins to community children. The event also features a pumpkin carving station, free petting zoo, carnival games and more.

Ann-Marie Sandquist, Mayor of Silverthorne

There is no municipal government in the Colorado Rockies more committed to its citizens than Silverthorne’s. As mayor, Ann-Marie Sandquist, leads this charge with a focus on fostering smart economic growth and responsible development; enhancing local recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike; providing impeccable services and maintaining the town’s existing assets; and striving for absolute fiscal transparency, accountability and responsibility.

Sworn in as mayor in April 2018, Ann-Marie has served on Silverthorne’s Town Council since 2008 and as the mayor pro tem from 2014-2016. Prior to that, she served on the Town’s planning committee.

Ann-Marie is a decorated financial professional – with numerous national accolades – and 24 years of experience working with high-net-worth families. She firmly believes that investment management, financial, estate and tax planning must be employed together in order to maximize wealth for current and future generations.

When asked why she joined Town Council, Ann-Marie said "My dad has always said that if you don’t participate then you really need to shut the heck up! One of the reasons that I love Silverthorne is because in every sense of the word, we are a community, and our growth and vibe come from the ideas, the volunteerism, the participation and the hard work of our community members. I’m proud to live here and serving on Town Council is my way of participating in our community and hopefully making it a more enjoyable place."

Ann-Marie has lived in Silverthorne for 15 years and loves being outdoors. She enjoys skiing both resorts and backcountry terrain, along with hiking, biking, paddle boarding and golfing. While she says that she is a lousy fly fisherwoman, she sure loves being on the river. Ann-Marie's favorite thing about living in Silverthorne is seeing a friend or neighbor out on a trail and knowing that we all live in a pretty special place.

Ryan Hyland, Town Manager

In Silverthorne, we’re committed to building the big lives we desire in the mountain community we cherish. There is intention behind all we do, and Town Manager Ryan Hyland works tirelessly to bring the Town’s vision to life. As chief executive and administrative officer of the Town, Ryan is responsible for successfully implementing the policies of the elected Town Council, enforcing all laws and ordinances of the Town, preparing and executing the annual budget, directing town operations, advising Council with recommendations on policies and programs and much more.

Ryan was appointed Town Manager in February 2014 after being with the Town since September of 2006 in the roles of assistant to the town manager and assistant town manager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado and has previously worked for the Colorado municipalities of Lakewood and Longmont, as well as National City, California, bringing more than 16 years of municipal experience to the position. When not in the office, Ryan can be found fishing the Blue River with his son, skiing with his twin daughters, or biking area trails.

Mark Leidal, Assistant Town Manager

There’s a lot brewing in town thanks to leaders like Assistant Town Manager Mark Leidal making important decisions about development and growth alongside the passionate citizens of Silverthorne. With a sharp focus on economic and community development, along with a passion for urban renewal, Mark oversees the execution of Silverthorne’s Comprehensive and Urban Renewal Plans, as well as the Public Works Department, including the utility and engineering functions. He is also responsible for business development.

Mark began his role as assistant town manager in March 2014 having served as the community development director for the Town of Silverthorne since 2000. Prior to coming to Silverthorne, Mark was the planning director for the Town of Parker and the assistant community development director for the Town of Breckenridge. He has more than 30 years of experience in municipal planning and development and holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree with an emphasis in real estate development from the University of Colorado. Mark’s experience in planning and economic development has served Silverthorne well over the years; he introduced the concept of sales tax sharing in Silverthorne, now referred to as ESTIP, which has made possible the development of Target, Lowe’s and Murdoch’s. Mark loves playing in Silverthorne’s outdoors and can be found hitting the links at area golf courses or skiing at many nearby resorts.

Joanne Cook, Assistant Town Manager

As the recreation and culture director for the Town of Silverthorne, Joanne Cook is dedicated to collaborating with Town of Silverthorne residents, businesses and staff members to enhance community vibrancy and sense of place through the incorporation of recreation, arts and culture into the Town’s planning and economic development efforts.

Joanne has been a member of the Town of Silverthorne team since 1999 and served as the recreation and culture director from 2008 to 2024 before becoming the Assistant Town Manager. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

 Alice Cary, Chief of Police 

As Police Chief, Cary leads Silverthorne’s Police Department which includes 21 sworn members, three administrative positions and a 12-person community police advisory board.  Prior to joining the Town of Silverthorne in 2023, Cary served as the Chief of Police & Executive Director at the University of Illinois Department of Public Safety. She has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Northwestern Public Safety Staff and Command School. Cary has a broad range of experience having worked in municipal, county and state safety positions over a 36-year period.  Prior to working for the University of Illinois, Cary held the positions of Police Chief, Patrol Operations Captain, Patrol Operations Lieutenant, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigator, State Trooper, Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer.

Tom Daugherty, Director of Public Works

The Town of Silverthorne is known for well-maintained streets, beautifully landscaped medians, highly efficient water systems, and clean, safe parks, thanks to many services provided by the Public Works Department. Director of Public Works Tom Daugherty has led these efforts for the Town of Silverthorne since January 2017. A registered professional engineer in both Colorado and New Mexico, Tom graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado Denver in 2017. Tom began his career in New Mexico managing construction projects for the New Mexico Department of Transportation before moving to Summit County in 1996 where he spent 20 years working in various roles with the Town of Breckenridge, including five years as the Director of Public Works. Tom is married with two children and enjoys hiking and fishing in his spare time.

Laura Kennedy, Director of Finance & Administration

As Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Laura Kennedy works with the Town Council and staff to create and manage the Town’s budget. Other services provided by the Finance Department include Utility billing, business licensing, sales tax collection, financial reporting, payroll, and accounts payable/receivable. Overseeing Administrative Services means working with the Town Clerk to manage Town Council meetings, elections, open record requests, liquor licensing and Municipal Court.

The Silverthorne Finance and Administrative Services Department is guided by the Town’s Mission and Values and demonstrates them in the following ways:

• Integrity: manage public finances honestly and transparently; produce reliable and timely financial information.
• Pioneering Spirit: hone our expertise and develop strong policies and procedures.
• Balance: treat people fairly and support equity in service provision.
• Teamwork: provide people with opportunities to be part of decisions that impact them.
• Zeal: produce results for our community by doing high-quality work.
• Fun: be open to new ideas.

Laura has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and joined the Town of Silverthorne in May of 2016. She has resided in Summit County since 1999 and has over 20 years of experience in management level accounting positions including serving as the Accounting Manager for the Town of Breckenridge and the Revenue Accounting Manager for Vail Resorts. She enjoys trail running with her dogs, stand up paddle boarding, golf, reading and skiing.

Steven Herrman, Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Director

Steven Herrman has dedicated his professional career to Parks and Recreation. He joined the Town of Silverthorne in 2007 as an intern at the Recreation Center and went on to serve as a Front Desk Clerk, Front Desk Specialist, Facility Coordinator, and Recreation Center Manager. Throughout his career with Silverthorne, Steven has overseen significant projects that have enhanced the community's Recreation Center. In 2014, he managed the racquetball renovation project, which doubled the available fitness options and in 2024, he directed a major locker room renovation that upgraded the plumbing infrastructure and expanded the communal locker room.

Steven holds and maintains a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification through National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation from the University of Northern Colorado. He is passionate about the role that Parks and Recreation plays in promoting community health and well-being and enjoys being a part of these essential services, ensuring that the community has access to recreational opportunities that enhance their quality of life

Outside of his professional life, Steven enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and most importantly, spending time with his family.

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