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Telluride
Visit the San Juans
About Telluride
While a Telluride ski vacation might require a bit more effort than visiting most other resorts, driving up the breathtaking Box Canyon in the San Juan Mountains is a priceless experience. After settling into your accommodations, find easy access to the ski hill and mountain village via Telluride Ski Resort's free gondola.
Besides its remarkably remote positioning, Telluride is surrounded by fourteen thousand-foot peaks and is easily one of Colorado’s most gorgeous mountain towns. Rich in mining-era character and stocked with endless stashes, steeps, and deeps to explore thanks to nonexistent crowds, Telluride is a place you’ll never want to leave.
Between Telluride’s historic downtown and the modern Mountain Village, shoppers and dinners will be extremely satisfied. Telluride offers a variety of spa options for soaking ski- and snowboard-weary muscles. Those looking to experience even more of Telluride’s outdoor offerings have a full gamut of options. Snowshoe or cross-country ski Telluride’s 6 miles (10 km) of designated trails, located at the top of Sunshine Express chairlift. Hop on a fat bike to cruise between Telluride's boutiques and breweries, or venture on a high-alpine fat biking adventure.
Telluride Downtown and Mountain Village
5 best things about Telluride according to our Mountain Travel Experts
Epic and challenging terrain
Historic charm
Free scenic gondola rides
Novel winter festivals
Luxury spa and accommodation options
MOUNTAIN STATS
Snow reports
Where to stay in Telluride
The uniqueness of Telluride’s dueling centers of business−historic downtown Telluride and the new Mountain Village−provide a stunning array of lodging options in Telluride. The Telluride lodging scene can meet nearly every taste, style and preference. As one would ascertain, the downtown Telluride lodging scene is brimming with historic mining-era inns and rustic boutique hotels, which makes for a charming, unique experience. The Mountain Village yields modern hotels and ski-in ski-out condos, as well as all the modern amenities and services. Locals have found vehemently to preserve Telluride’s lodging history, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find chain hotels and motels.
Telluride Trail Maps
How to get to Telluride
Telluride is located about 65 miles from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which is a two hour drive away. The resort can also be reached via Denver International Airport (DIA) and Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT).
Getting around
Telluride offers a free gondola service that runs between the town and the Mountain Village, making it easy for visitors to get around without a car. The town is also pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within walking distance.
Skiing in Telluride
The Telluride skiing offers something for all ability levels, literally. With 23 percent beginner terrain, 36 percent intermediate terrain and 41 percent expert terrain, every type of skier can enjoy Telluride skiing. Are you looking for long cruising groomed beginner or intermediate runs with stunning panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains? You’ll find them in Telluride. Are you interested in skiing challenging, rock-littered terrain that feels more like the Alps than Colorado? Telluride’s advanced and extreme terrain is bar none! Are you a fan of moguls? There are thousands of vertical feet of bumps to bang around on in Telluride.
Telluride is a skier’s mountain. The people who call Telluride home and those who return year after year for their ski trip love Telluride Mountain because of the challenging runs easily accessed from the chairlifts, the world-class views that will undoubtedly knock your socks off, and, of course, the atmospheric town.
Beginner Skiing in Telluride
If you’re a beginner skier and minimal crowds and scenic views are high on your list, then a Telluride ski trip is the perfect vacation for you. Unlike other comparable resorts, Telluride offers numerous beginner terrain options, 23 percent of its 2,000 acres. Telluride beginner skiing can be found as high up as 11,815 feet. The runs off of the Prospect Bowl Express lift, are a prime Telluride beginner skiing zone, allowing novices to experience the whole mountain and ski on green circle runs that abut double black diamonds.
Family vacations in Telluride
While it may not be the most accessible family ski vacation, those willing to make the journey to the famed box-canyon are rewarded with a slew of experiences to interest every family member. Between its steeped-mining history and historic downtown, rugged, Alps-like terrain, eclectic range of restaurant options, versed terrain and contemporary amenities and services, a Telluride family ski vacation will yield incredible memories and a strong desire to return year after year.
With slopes for every skill level, an awesome ski school, and loads of activities for the whole family, it's a fun spot for everyone to enjoy. The resort typically opens in late November and runs through mid-April, with the best snow conditions occurring between January and March.
Families can explore the Kids' Ski & Snowboard School programs, enjoy sledding and tubing, or visit the local ice rink. The Adventure Center offers activities like climbing walls and mini golf, providing fun for all ages. The town also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the winter season.
FAQs
Originally a mining town, Telluride retains its historic character with Victorian buildings and a vibrant downtown. The town is accessible by a free gondola—the only one of its kind in North America—connecting Telluride with nearby Mountain Village. Additionally, Telluride hosts renowned festivals, like the Telluride Film Festival and Bluegrass Festival, adding to its lively cultural atmosphere year-round.
Telluride, Colorado, is expensive due to its exclusivity, high demand and remote location. Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride's isolated setting limits development, making accommodations and real estate scarce and thus more costly. Luxury services, world-class dining and premium amenities add to the upscale experience, appealing to wealthy travelers seeking a private, high-end getaway. Its small-town charm combined with top-tier skiing and outdoor activities attract affluent visitors, which drives up prices.