This Might Just Be the Most Picturesque Ski Town in North America

Skiing has always been a significant part of my life. My parents, avid ski enthusiasts, had to wear skis just to access their remote cabin, so it’s no wonder they introduced me to skiing as soon as I could walk. In a way, skiing was my destiny. But I consider myself fortunate, as my home mountain has always been Telluride.

I admit I have a bit of a bias towards my favorite mountain, yet anyone who's experienced skiing in Telluride will agree with me when I say that it's truly a remarkable place.

I hit the slopes early in the season with Jess Lyles, a ski patroller at Telluride Ski Resort, to discuss our shared passion for this charming town and its ski area. She immediately highlighted a few of Telluride's greatest features: its secluded location that keeps crowds away (about a six-hour drive from Denver) and the convenient ski-in, ski-out access right from town.

"Being able to stay for more than just a day or two really alters the atmosphere. Guests typically book a week or several days, which means we avoid the weekend rush," Lyles remarked, noting the almost nonexistent lift lines. "The ski-in, ski-out convenience from town is truly one-of-a-kind, and not having to drive or find parking is a big plus,"

While easy access is great, Patrick Latcham, vice president of sales and marketing at Telluride Ski & Golf, mentioned in an email that it's the breathtaking views that truly distinguish Telluride.

"Telluride is nestled in the San Juan Mountains, boasting the highest density of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in the contiguous United States," he remarked. "The San Juans are a relatively young mountain range, which contributes to their stunning and dramatic formations."

The San Juan Mountains not only take your breath away; they also enhance Telluride's reputation for exceptional skiing. Known for its extreme and rugged terrain, the resort still caters to beginners with blue and green runs accessible from every lift, allowing everyone to enjoy the mountain. Latcham highlights the Galloping Goose, "a double green run that begins at 11,815 feet and stretches 4.6 miles long."

Then there's the Colorado climate. With the resort averaging about 280 inches of snow each year, it's a haven for powder enthusiasts. "We experience that dry, low-water content snow along with beautiful sunny days typical of the Southwest," Lyles explained. "It's a fantastic place to learn since it's warm and sunny, so you’re not just stuck in the cold."

It's easy to rave about Telluride, but you really need to visit to feel it for yourself. Here’s what you should know.

Best Times to Visit

The winter season at Telluride Ski Resort stretches from late November to early April, with the best snow conditions typically found between mid-December and late February. March attracts many spring skiing fans who enjoy the sunnier, warmer days, although the snow may be a bit wetter during this time. A packed year-round events calendar ensures there’s always entertainment available alongside your skiing adventures. Notable annual festivals include the Telluride Comedy Festival in mid-February and Telluride Gay Ski Week in the last week of February.

Accommodations

Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge

For families or groups, few places can rival the Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge, an all-residence property situated at the base of Lift 4 (the resort's main hub in Mountain Village). Each unit at the "Klammer," as the locals affectionately refer to it, features a full kitchen and includes complimentary ski valet service along with transportation to and from both Telluride and Montrose airports.

New Sheridan Hotel

For those who want to be in the heart of the action, consider booking a stay at the New Sheridan Hotel, located on Main Street and home to one of the town's finest chophouses. Established in the 1890s, this is one of the oldest hotels in Telluride, with its rich history reflected in its 26 rooms adorned with Victorian-style furnishings and architectural elements.

Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection

Guests seeking luxurious accommodations and high-end amenities will be drawn to the Madeline Hotel and Residences. This 137-room property within the Auberge Resorts Collection offers ski-in, ski-out convenience, ski valet services, dedicated adventure guides, and even an ice rink. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, unwind in the outdoor hot tubs or enjoy live music at the Timber Room lounge.

Dining Options

Alpino Vino

On the mountain, Latcham suggests Alpino Vino for charcuterie boards, fine wines, and its renowned "grilled cheese and tomato soup." Nestled at an altitude of 11,966 feet, this Italian restaurant ranks among the highest in North America. You’ll need to ski in or arrive by snowcoach in the evening, but the culinary delights and panoramic views from the spacious deck make it worthwhile.

The National

For a delightful dinner accompanied by inventive cocktails, The National is hard to beat. This upscale restaurant in town collaborates with local farmers, resulting in seasonal menu changes. Expect to savor dishes like pistachio-crusted trout, miso-glazed beef filet, and vegan lasagna.

Allred's

For a dining experience with a view, visit Allred's, a mid-mountain gem accessible only via the town's complimentary gondola. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, this flagship restaurant allows guests to soak in stunning mountain scenery while savoring farm-to-table dishes complemented by exceptional wines. In winter, a prix fixe dinner menu is available, though lighter fare can be enjoyed from the bar’s à la carte options.

Après-ski Hotspots

Gorrono Ranch

Both Lyles and Latcham agree that the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes is Gorrono Ranch — a vibrant on-mountain eatery and bar featuring live music and a large "snow beach" adorned with lounge chairs. Indulge in a burger or a hearty bowl of chili while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Wilson Range.

Oak, The New Fat Alley

After the mountain closes, make your way to Oak, a vibrant bar and grill located at the base of the gondola. This Southern-inspired venue is renowned for its "beer, bourbon, and barbecue," but the diverse menu also features everything from gumbo to nachos.

There

Enjoy a cocktail at the super-cozy There, a quaint tavern celebrated for its warm ambiance, welcoming staff, and inventive drinks. The jam cocktails (featuring blueberry or red pepper preserves muddled with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or rye) are a must-try, but don't miss the small plates menu, especially the popular Brussels sprouts, served from the semi-open kitchen.

Off-mountain Adventures

Telluride offers much more than just breathtaking ski runs. Culture enthusiasts flock to this former mining town, now designated as a National Historic Landmark, to explore its stunning Victorian architecture, historical sites, vibrant art galleries, and unique boutiques. For those seeking alternative outdoor activities, fat biking along the valley floor or Nordic skiing on the six groomed trail systems is a must. Other winter activities include fly fishing in nearby streams, ice climbing at Bridal Veil Falls, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and horseback riding.

How to Ride

Lift tickets begin at $165 per day but can exceed $200 during peak times. If you own an Epic Pass, you can ski or ride at Telluride Ski Resort, but reservations are necessary. Note that the resort does not accept mobile passes via the My Epic app, so be sure to bring a physical copy of your Epic Pass card.

Rentals

Telluride Sports has five locations dedicated to winter gear rentals, custom boot fittings, ski or snowboard tuning, accessories, and more. For those seeking added convenience, Black Tie Skis provides a full-service mobile ski and snowboard shop, delivering high-quality equipment and a variety of rental packages straight to your accommodation.

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

Boasting over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 19 lifts, including two high-speed gondolas, it's no wonder that Telluride is considered one of the top ski resorts in Colorado. The mountain features a vertical drop of 4,425 feet, accessible via 149 trails, with 23 percent for beginners, 36 percent for intermediates, and 41 percent for advanced skiers.

Programming

The Telluride Ski & Snowboard School provides lessons for skiers and snowboarders of every skill level. Private sessions begin at $350 for a half day, while group classes are available in the morning or afternoon starting at $100. First-time adults aged 15 and older might consider the Adult Beginner Experience Package, which includes rental gear, lift access, and a full day of instruction in a small group setting. If you're traveling with children, the resort offers a ski school for kids aged three to 14 and a nursery for toddlers aged one to four.