Summary
Epic adventures await in one of the best ski towns in the country.
Colorado ski towns abound, but there’s something special about Telluride.
In this episode of Walk With iBestTravel, skier and Colorado native Kellyn Wilson takes viewers on an in-depth tour of Telluride, highlighting what this historic mining town has to offer.
In 1961, the entire community of Telluride was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Due to significant preservation efforts, it retains its Old West charm and features one of America’s most picturesque Main Streets. Furthermore, its snow-capped peaks and bluebird days attract millions of thrill-seekers each year, establishing it as a favored destination among seasoned skiers and snowboarders.
On a trip to Telluride, visitors experience two towns in one. Telluride and Mountain Village are connected by a ridge and a short 13-minute ride on the first and only free public transit gondola system in the United States. Operating daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight in both summer and winter, the gondola transports nearly 3 million skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, and hikers yearly. It also serves as a mainstay for commuters, treating them to stunning views on their way to work.
At the top of the ridge, gondola riders disembark at San Sophia Station, breathing in the fresh mountain air at an elevation of 10,500 feet. However, the experience doesn’t stop there. Visitors can explore over 2,000 skiable acres that receive more than 300 inches of annual snowfall each year. Looking for even more fun? Here’s where to eat, sleep, and explore during your trip to Telluride.
Where to Eat
Upon arriving at Mountain Village, visitors can wander the charming town or take another lift to Bon Vivant. This winter-only restaurant serves French country cuisine and is renowned for its hot chocolate and crepes. Located at the top of the Polar Queen Express lift, it is conveniently accessible from various trails, making it a perfect pit stop during a day of skiing.
Explore Off Piste
While the publicly accessible slopes in Telluride are incredible, nothing compares to jumping out of a helicopter into untouched powder. Helitrax, a full-service helicopter skiing operator in Colorado, has been offering this experience since 1982, holding the exclusive permit for operations in the San Juan Mountains.
Although you don’t have to be an expert skier to try helicopter skiing, a love for fresh powder and pristine runs is essential. The team suggests that guests should feel comfortable on Telluride’s black-diamond runs and consider themselves advanced intermediates. Those who are skilled (and brave) enough to give it a try will be rewarded with 200 square miles of untouched alpine territory, with no other skiers or tracks in sight.
Where to Stay
For luxury accommodations, book a stay at the ski-in, ski-out Peaks Resort and Spa. Here, guests can rejuvenate their tired limbs after cold days on the slopes. The resort also offers numerous experiences, including snowmobiling, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.
Where to Apres
The day’s adventures extend into the evening as well. The bar at the New Sheridan Hotel is one of the oldest bars in the American West, featuring slanted mirrors over the bartop that allowed gunslingers to keep an eye out behind them.
How to Ski and Ride
Ski lift tickets start at $162/day, but they may increase to $205/day during peak periods. Furthermore, if you purchase an Epic Pass or the Epic 4-7 Day Pass, you’ll receive access to Telluride Ski Resort as well.
