Colorado is getting its 25th full-scale ski area, and the remote town of Silverton high in the San Juan Mountains is getting a winter economic engine.

Silverton Mountain has received a permit from the Bureau of Land Management to operate on 1,300 acres of all expert-level terrain with up to 475 skiers a day.

The area has previously offered only guided skiing for up to 80 skiers a day.

On some days, it's possible the number of powder hounds will outnumber Silverton's year-round population of around 400.

The B.L.M. granted Silverton Mountain owner Aaron Brill the 40-year permit this week after three years of review. The public has 30 days to appeal the decision.