Silver Lining Tours

silver lining storm chasing tours logo
Experience, Integrity, Quality, Education and Longevity, that’s what sets Silver Lining Tours apart from all other tour operators. We are the second oldest tour company in the industry and will celebrate our 20th season in 2018! Roger Hill holds the Guinness Book of World Records for number of tornadoes witnessed, photographed and videod since records began! The staff at Silver Lining Tours consists of several degreed meteorologists, experienced storm chasers and veterans. Roger’s Weather 101 classes before and during each tour lay a foundation for each and every guest who wants to gain a greater understanding of storm formation, types and spotting. Roger has been chasing since 1985 and his wife Caryn Hill since 2004 (Caryn leads the photography tours). Our goal is to get you the best experience in the industry, while maintaining an unblemished safety record each year!

Why choose Silver Lining Tours?

We have the most skilled guides in the industry.
Roger Hill's Guinness Book of World Records attests to the success of Silver Lining Tours.
Our guide group working together for our daily forecast helps us to get it right the first time!
Email
info@silverliningtours.com
Phone
720-273-3948
Website
Reviewed by StormChasingUSA.com?
No
Established
1997.
Live streaming
Chase blog
Full Company name
Not specified yet.()

Social media

Scheduled group tours

Tours in 2024

Tour NameStart DateEnd DatePrice
T1 Close Encounters Tour2024-04-202024-04-26 $2950
T2 Caprock Magic2024-04-282024-05-04 $2850
T3 Great Plains Cyclone2024-05-062024-05-12 $3050
May Minitour2024-05-122024-05-15 $1650
T4 Prime Time2024-05-142024-05-23 $3950
SLT Photo Tour #12024-05-182024-05-23 $2950
Prime Time Minitour2024-05-262024-05-29 $1850
T5 High Plains Magic2024-05-262024-05-31 $2700
T6 High CAPE2024-06-022024-06-07 $2700
T7 Sculpted Supercell2024-06-092024-06-14 $2700
T8 Rolling Prairies Lecture2024-06-162024-06-21 $2800
SLT Photo Tour #32024-06-232024-06-28 $2950
T9 Great North Tornado Hunt2024-07-072024-07-14 $3250

Please note that...

  • All information given about the tour operator and their tours are second hand information and could be outdated and erronous. The latest, and most correct, information can always found and validated on the Silver Lining Tours website
  • The start date does not necessarily mean it is a chase day, although this is typically the case. The end date could be a chase day but typically, it is not.
  • Do not schedule your flight according to the dates given here. Always double check this with the tour operator before you book your flight!
  • Prices could be subjected to discounts.
  • The tours could be full and you may not be able to book it.

Tour guides & staff

NameRole
Jesse RisleyTour guide
James BreitenbachTour guide
Bill RhodeTour guide
Greg McLaughlinTour guide
Caryn HillTour guide, Owner
Justin NoonanTour guide
Marcus HusteddeTour guide, Meteorologist
Brad NelsonTour guide, Meteorologist
Colt ForneyTour guide
Roger HillTour guide, Director
Rich HamelTour guide
Ryan ShepardTour guide
Tom HowleyTour guide
Bill KesslerTour guide

Current deals

There are currently no deals or discounts available.

Tour company vehicle(s)

silver lining tours van
Lead Van

Highly customized 15-passenger van. It has a communication system for van-to-van communications which allows everyone in each vehicle to hear the tour leader. Each bench seat has a two outlet power inventor for guests use.

Van#2
Van#2

Highly customized 15-passenger van. It has a communication system for van-to-van communications which allows everyone in each vehicle to hear the tour leader. Each bench seat has a two outlet power inventor for guests use.

Van#3
Van#3

Highly customized 15-passenger van. It has a communication system for van-to-van communications which allows everyone in each vehicle to hear the tour leader. Each bench seat has a two outlet power inventor for guests use.

Write a review of Silver Lining Tours

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Reviews of Silver Lining Tours

The reviews here have been validated, meaning that the reviewer has proven that he or she participated in the actual tour.


Name: Christoffer Björkwall
Tour: T5 High Plains Magic
Year: 2018
Blogged about the tour: Read more

General review

I took a 6 day tour with SLT during a rather active period in the, otherwise, slow season of 2018. We got to see the Cope, CO, tornado outbreak which was a real treat. I had a great time with Silver Lining Tours, much thanks to the great crew with Roger Hill as a tour guide. I felt like the tour was very professional and with good attention to detail. Our tour was combined with the Photography Tour and we also had an extra vehicle so all in all we were 5 tour vans so it felt quite crowded with some 35 tour guests. Roger was great in handling it though but it also meant you only spent 1/3 of the days in the same van as Roger, the tour guide, and the rest with only a driver. All in all, it was a great tour and I felt very confident that Roger would find any tornadoes around. I can recommend you to chase with SLT, especially if it is your first tour as they are a very safe option. You will have optimal chances of seeing tornadoes and you will be surrounded by very competent staff. Please read my full review in the linked blog post!

Tour guide review

Roger Hill is a really great tour guide and a superb storm chaser. Super professional, very likeable, and very experienced. He was always eager to help, enthusiastic and handled the tour guests in a very good way. I have nothing but good things to say about him!

Vehicle review

SLT use the same type of vans as most other tour companies and they are not too comfortable unfortunately. I miss neck support, curved seats and leg room. On the positive side, they are great to watch storms from with large windows. We had electrical sockets to charge laptops/iPads etc and the vans were nice and clean.
Comment on this review

Name: Storm fan
Tour: Canadian Prairies
Year: 2022

General review

I had a great time and felt that they took our safety seriously. I learned a tremendous amount and found the accommodations were comfortable. We saw some fantastic storms! They were quite upfront that they were following the current published COVID protocols, which was no masking. They were also upfront that they did not check vaccination status etc. Many of our van came home with COVID. It would have been reassuring to know if they began testing the incoming group as some were staying on. I felt our tour group as a whole should have been informed that several had ended up sick and COVID+, letting them know they had likely been exposed.

Tour guide review

Great! Knowledgeable and pleasant.

Vehicle review

The vans were quite basic but functional. We had enough room, they were clean, and felt safe. There are no head rests for the rows of bench seats in the back. The charging plugs are on the left side of each seat section. They worked but were pretty slow. I’d recommend bringing a portable battery bank to have back up power.
Comment on this review

Name: Christine
Tour: Canadian Prairies
Year: 2018

General review

I chased on the Lecture Tour (T8) in 2018. I felt that we all got to know each other well, were always in the loop with what was going on with every guest always in the same van as Roger, and we all bonded well which is important when we have to watch out for each other in the middle of storms. I went on another small tour the prior with another company, and had a similar intimately positive experience, for the most part. It’s unfortunate that the tours are the size that they are during the prime season, but understandable since so many people do want to chase during that time. The lecture tour was in June, so during a time when there were fewer chasers on the road. So except for the day of the Prospect Valley tornado when everyone seemed to be out, it was only a few times when we encountered other chasers on the road which was a plus. This year I will chase (twice) in two larger groups, so I’ll be able to compare more accurately. But based on my current knowledge and the feedback I received from one guest who exclusively goes on the SLT lecture tour now, if you try a smaller tour with SLT, there will probably be zero negatives to the experience (although I do agree about the vans possibly being more comfortable – but nothing that I found too bothersome). Smaller groups also could lead to problems if any guests have issues with each other – nowhere to hide like on a big tour! But I have yet to encounter that. For the most part, those I’ve met on commercial storm chases have tried their best to get along with each other.
Comment on this review

Name: Kyle and Rod Boone
Tour: SLT Photo Tour #2
Year: 2018

General review

We are a part of the lucky group that got to see 8 tornadoes in one day (June 28, 2018) in South Dakota and Montana. We began our tour in Denver with a helpful orientation for the 6 of us by leaders Roger and Caryn Hill of Silver Lining Stormchasing Tours. The next day we set out on our adventure - in one week we traveled 3500 miles and into 9 states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming). Roger and Caryn used multiple sources of data (including monitors in the front seat) to track tornado and super cell conditions in real time. On Monday (June 24) Roger and Caryn announced that we had to be in North Dakota by Thursday because the conditions would be perfect for tornadoes - and they were right! On Thursday, June 28 we had the experience of a lifetime, and shot hundreds of photos that day. But in addition to tornados, throughout the trip we were able to photograph amazing super cell formations, as well as the small towns and prairies in the states we passed through. Roger and Caryn were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and knew how to drive to position us so that we would intersect the path of tornados and the super cells to obtain the best views. They were attentive to safety, and passengers need to be in good physical condition to be able to quickly hop in and out of the van when conditions dicate it. Also, because we were truly chasing storms, most of the time there were not formal dinners, but rather eating "on the fly" (convenience store stops). In the afternoons they would book comfortable hotel rooms for us depending on where we were headed. They went to great lengths to provide us with the most memorable experience - this is not just a job for them, they are incredibly passionate about storms! And their enthusiasm is infectious - we are ready to go again!

Tour guide review

Roger and Caryn used multiple sources of data (including monitors in the front seat) to track tornado and super cell conditions in real time. They were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and knew how to drive to position us so that we would intersect the path of tornados and the super cells to obtain the best views. They were attentive to safety, and passengers need to be in good physical condition to be able to quickly hop in and out of the van when conditions dicate it. In the afternoons they would book comfortable hotel rooms for us depending on where we were headed. They went to great lengths to provide us with the most memorable experience - this is not just a job for them, they are incredibly passionate about storms!

Vehicle review

The van was OK - 3 rows of seats, and the leaders had us rotate each day so that we had equal time in each of the seats. On one of the days we were behind slow cars and were not able to get ahead of a hail storm, and we experienced a broken windshield and a broken window, as well as dings all over the roof and hood - but we were well protected and the van was indestructible and we were able to keep going!
Comment on this review

Name: AlanS
Tour: T1: Close encounters tour
Year: 2016

General review

This was my second Tour with SLT and like the first one was thoroughly enjoyable. SLT are prepared to go the extra mile (or 2 or 3 hundred !)to get you were the action is or where there is even a low probability of an event. Leads to a few long days but youre there to get the most out of the weather. Tour guide open and honest about chances on any given day. Thoroughly recommended. Would/will use again.

Tour guide review

Roger is a great team leader and well respected. Still enthusiastic after all these years which I find quite infectious. Difficult to fault.

Vehicle review

Vans are up to the task and fairly comfortable for a long day. No complaints.
Comment on this review

Name: Al Schwartz
Tour: T5: High plains magic
Year: 2014

General review

We've gone on 8 tours now with SLT, which is testimony itself to how good they are. Roger Hill is a storm chasing veteran who has seen and documented nearly 700 tornadoes! (Twice as many as some others who claim to have seen the most). We've seen T's on 7 of our 8 tours going back to 2008. Roger has that knack for being on the right storm. The rest of the crew and the drivers are excellent. The vans hold 6 customers each, so everyone has a window view. And we stay at decent hotels such as Holiday Inn Express, Hampton, and Wyndham whenever available.
Comment on this review

Name: Mark Rosengarten
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2009

General review

There is no better experience than chasing storms with Roger Hill. He has a knack for getting on the right storms at the right time. His enthusiasm is incredible, and he is an amazing teacher. On last year's tour, we had two days of storms with southwest flow...one nearly produced a tornado in the foothills near Glendo, WY. The next day was the amazing storm that started in Sturgis, SD and went all the way to Valentine, NE, where we stood in awe of its power as we had perfect position to just sit and watch it come at us for 40 wonderful minutes. Then we had northwest flow, which provided us with day after day of beautifully sculpted supercells in CO, TX, KS, OK and NM...in JULY. It was an amazing tour, with severe storms every single day. I can't wait to get back there this year!
Comment on this review

Name: Jacquie Kukuk
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year:

General review

Storm chasing with Silver Lining Tours is an absolute must for any weather junkie. All tours I went on were led by Roger Hill, and I believe he has a true gift in predicting where tornados are going to form. Not only have I seen 37 tornados over the years with SLT, I have also seen some of the most gorgeous storms, huge hail, horrendous haboobs and fantastic lighting shows. In addition, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about storm formation, made some great new friends from all around the world and have seen parts of the United States I never would have seen otherwise. The trips are as comfortable as can be expected, with window seats for everyone in nice vans with state of the art weather monitoring equipment, clean and comfortable rooms every night and all the truck stop food you can eat. Will I be going again? You bet!
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Unvalidated reviews of Silver Lining Tours

The reviews in this section has not been validated. This means that no evidence has been shown that the person actually was on the tour. Read them with a healthy dose of skepticism.

- This review has not been validated -

Name: Alex G
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2009

General review

Simply the best. Roger Hill is the best there is at bringing you to the storms and making sure you know exactly what is going on. I first went on tour at age 16 knowing absolutely nothing, and have been on tour every year since. The amount of knowledge I have gained from picking Roger's brain has been incredible. I am now a meteorology student and can honestly say that some of the best information I have gained has been on tour. CHOOSE SLT!
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: David & Sam Reid
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2009

General review

Our second year with SLT after spending our honeymoon with them in 2008 and can not fault them. The guides & Roger Hill could not be more keen to share there knowledge with you and the excitement & passion you get from Roger when talking about anything storm related is amazing. Can not wait to return in 2011.
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: Mark Scenna
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2009

General review

I chased with Roger Hill in 2009 and 2011. Roger and his crew are professional and passionate about chasing. Roger always answered all of my questions patiently and honestly. Ill never chase with anyone else. I look forward to chasing with him again in the near future!!!!
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: John Citron
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2008

General review

In addition I have also chased privately with Roger Hill as well. The experience is something that I can say is worth it for everyone to experience. The tours are well organized and very professional. The drivers are as always very professional, and I have never heard any one of them question Roger's reason for going to a certain place. The tours themselves are amazing. As a non-weather professional, I had the opportunity to learn about supercell storms, how they develop, and about tornado genesis. Each day we are shown what goes into the forcast and as time goes on we're given the opportunity to give our own forcasts based on the data, and to determine where we're going. Even when we're not having a "weather 101" class, we are shown the reasoning behind where we are going. We are never kept in the dark on any chasing decision. Roger as the host is absolutely wonderful. He's professional in every way, and keeps the passengers at a safe distance, yet close enough to feel the wind, hear the roar, and get into the hail. In addition to the Silverlining offerings, I've had the opportunity to chase with Roger privately, and his private chases are equal to what he gives with Silverlining Tours.
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: Melanie Kern
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2006
Blogged about the tour: Read more

General review

Convergence. Helicity. CAPE. Shear. Dewpoint. Soundings. These terms are an integral part of storm chasing, yet they were foreign words to a fledgling storm chaser. But by the end of Silver Lining Tours' Northland Lecture Tour '06, my first year chasing with SLT, these terms became a familiar part of my vocabulary. Thanks to Roger Hill and Silver Lining Tours, I walked away from the Northland Tour '06 with a vast amount of usable knowledge. Every morning before departing for an exciting day of chasing, we would have a lecture session which was choc full of information. The lecture was taught by Roger Hill in such a way that it was absorbed into my mind like water to a sponge. He teaches with such passion and excitement, and it translates into lessons that any layperson can grasp with ease. But the learning didn't end with the lecture. During the course of the day, we were constantly getting weather updates and, subsequently, more knowledge on the development of supercells. Silver Lining Tours, with Roger Hill in the pilot's seat, put forth great efforts in trying to find strong storms in a season that was full of anything but. Roger lead each chase with the same vigor, persistence and safety as if it were the last chase of the season. Since 2006, I've been chasing with SLT every year since. Last year on Tour 4, we saw a stunning tornado, the same tornado that the Vortex team showed on The Weather Channel. The tours NEVER disappoint. And safety is always the first priority. That means a lot. If you have questions about my SLT experience, feel free to contact me via my website.
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: Marie Smith
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2003

General review

As I write this, I am regrouping from the thrill I experienced of Tour 6, 2010. I began storm chasing in 2003, when there was, as David Gold said, a "death ridge" in 2003. Although the weather did not cooperate for us that year, I so loved the experience with Silver Lining that I returned...again and again and again. Being with Silver Lining feels like being with family. I have learned so much from both David and Roger. Their forecasting and chasing talents have resulted in me getting close to some of the most unbelievable storms, and to many tornadoes. Tour 6 this year was beyond my imagination and will be a tough act to follow. I will continue to go with Silver Lining whenever I am on the Plains, and I recommend them to anyone. I see no reason to even try another company. They are the BEST, in any weather pattern!!!
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: Shaun Scott
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year:

General review

I never thought we would spend so much time driving AWAY from storms. It seemed that these guys did not want to get their vans wet and sticking around to see even tiny hail was a no-no. Their fixation on getting to a restaurant for a steak dinner early each night became boring, a fact that i had to comment to the tour leader about. Thank goodness the weather played ball and we only had one dud day, or this tour would have been a complete waste of money. Whilst writing this I have no comparison to make to other tour operators, I don't think it would be hard to find a better alternative. Little interaction with the guides and ALMOST EVERY TIME something good started to happen it was 'time to move'. I saw most of the action on my tour out of the back window of our vehicle, which was old and cramped. Sorry to say it but i would not book with these guys again.
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- This review has not been validated -

Name: Danny G
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year:

General review

Heading out for our 5th tour with SLT in about three weeks and I have no doubt that it's going to be an 11 (yes folks, SLT DOES go to 11) just like the previous 4 adventures were. Frankly speaking, everything you've read about SLT on their website and above is completely true. It's become the MUST DO thing for me every year. Chasing with Roger is really a life changing experience. If you want to get a sense of what it's like, go search out his book on Amazon and read it. You'll get a dead on sense of what its like to be with him on tour. Amazing stuff. And while the tours are incredible, SLT is sort of a social network in that everyone in the "SLT family" stays in touch throughout the year in their exclusive online forums. It's a very supportive community geared towards prepping for the tours and then following their progress during the chase season. Folks, there are .240 hitters and then there are Hall of Famers. Go with the Hall of Famers at SLT.
Comment on this review
- This review has not been validated -

Name: Trish Monahan
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year:

General review

The owners and the guides are totally dedicated to making the chase experience safe, educational and such a blast. They treat guests with complete respect, truly love discussing weather and feel every question is worth answering. The level of knowledge combined with great instincts make SLT the company for me to be with on the plains every summer. I'm booked for my 10th trip out with them and am counting days until my trip begins. They have my ever lasting admiration and loyalty due to the treatment I've received, the lessons I've learned and for the amazing friends I've made over the years.
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