Telluride. A snow destination with big mountains and small town ski charm, where the little things count.
From the deep, light snow to the huge variety of runs, the great places to eat dinner after a long day on the slopes and the insane views over the mountains – all served up in a tiny historic town, nestled in a box canyon, that’s bound to become your favourite place.
Big runs
And we mean BIG – 2000 acres of terrain, with the longest run being 7.4km long, and 19 lifts servicing 148 runs. Whether you’re on local’s favourite chairlift, Chair 9, hunting for powder, or cutting hot laps on the gondola, you’ll love the variety of runs on offer, with 60% of terrain geared towards beginner/intermediates and 40% catering directly to advanced and expert skiers.
Looking for a slower, cruisier day? Head to any one of the long, meandering runs that wind their way across the mid to upper mountain.
As for the advanced Telluride bucket list? Head up the Revelation Lift to get to the chutes of the Revelation Bowl, while lapping up the views of the surrounding San Juans peaks; hike to some of the sidecountry terrain for an in-bounds backcountry experience; and finish up your day with conquering expert favourite, The Plunge, for the best views of the town of Telluride.
You can also expect some big snow to cover your big runs – with over 300 inches (over 700cm) of snow falling annually, Telluride gets enough of the white stuff to keep everybody happy.
Big vertical
4425 feet, to be precise. 3790 of the vertical is lift-serviced, allowing you to conquer some serious mountain on your laps.
Big names
Wagner Custom Skis is ‘the’ name when it comes to custom skis. Featured in every magazine from Forbes to the New York Times, their Telluride factory is no bigger than your average residential home but has been making epic custom skis for over 10 years – taking your weight, strength, agility, aggressiveness, body type, boot size, preferred terrain, and skiing behavior all into account to make you the ultimate ski.
If you have the cash to splash during your stay, or if you’ve always dreamed of a set of custom-made skis, be sure to pay them a visit.
Big luxury
Ready to enjoy complete relaxation and total luxury on your ski holiday? Don’t look past the Lumiere Hotel. Six words for you: free freshly baked treats, every afternoon. Imagine gorgeous apartments with every luxe offering you could imagine, including enormous steam showers, ski valet and a selection of outdoor pools with varying temperatures.
Little lines
When you ask the locals, they’ll all say the same thing: the lift lines at Telluride are non-existent. With a lift capacity of over 22,000 skiers per hour, they can move people up the hill quickly and easily, meaning that even on a powder day, you’ll spend a lot of time skiing and a lot less time waiting.
Little ones
Little people are well looked-after at Telluride. Beyond the usual suspects – free sledding at Firecracker Hill, outdoor ice skating on an NHL-sized rink (including free skating for kids under 5) and sleigh rides, Telluride has a happy hour program just for kids.
Aimed for those between 5 and 12, kids can participate in fun after-skiing activities while parents get extra time to enjoy another lap or two, or sample some après ski at one of the local bars. Think candle-making and other craft activities for the little ones, all created with recycled materials and run by Eco Adventures, for just $35.
Little delicacies
No good ski resort is complete without a list of little bites around the mountain that you just have to try. Telluride is no different.
Start your day at Friends With Bennys, the local’s street pick for loaded breakfast sandwiches and eggs Benedict sandwiches. Then head over to Taco Del Gnar for lunch – possibly Colorado’s best-known taco place, it has offerings such as Korean short rib, tuna carpaccio and tempura shrimp tacos, and yet it’s still just $10 for the lunch deal.
Après is sorted at the Butcher and Baker on a Wednesday night between 5pm and 9pm. US$35 covers their Birds and Bubbles special, a flight of champagne along with homemade organic fried chicken and a chef’s choice of sides.
LUXE vs. LESS
Whether you’re looking to splash out on your next ski holiday, or save some cash along the way, there’s a Ski Max Holidays Telluride package to suit you.
LUXE – 7 nights at the Lumiere Hotel for $3529
This package includes 7 nights twin share in a Deluxe King Room at the lush 5-star Lumiere Hotel, Telluride – including 2 free nights! – plus a 5 day Telluride Lift Pass. Situated in the Mountain Village base area of Telluride, this 5-star Colorado hotel boasts ski in/ski out access to Telluride Ski Resort and stunning hotel amenities. Click here to book.
LESS – 7 nights at the Mountainside Inn for $1699
Best on a budget, but perfect for those still looking for a beautiful time at this resort. Mountainside Inn is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from downtown Telluride and just 5 minutes from the Mountainside Gondola. This package includes 7 nights twin share in a Hotel Room and a 5 day Telluride Lift Pass. Click here to book.
Have you been to Telluride? Got any local’s tips for us?
