TELLURIDE
Not only is Telluride our pick for the best Colorado ski resort, it’s also one of our top ski destinations across the entire United States! It’s a truly majestic place, steeped in Wild West history, surrounded by towering fourteeners that make for spectacular views.
With over 2,000 ac of outstanding ski terrain, 148 trails, and more than 300 in of velvety powder blanketing the mountain each year, Telluride serves up everything from kid’s nursery slopes to intense off-piste (which one of our experienced insiders admits is just ‘plain scary’).
Terrain: Telluride doesn’t save the best for only advanced skiers and snowboarders – with the Prospect Express lift reaching over 11,800 ft, beginners can experience high alpine territory and mountain vistas usually reserved only for experienced riders. From here there’s a non-stop run all the way down to the base area, the Galloping Goose trail, a 5 mi green for all to enjoy! Adventurous experts aren’t left out – they can hike all the way up to an elevation of 13,320 ft, where Palmyra Peak offers a variety of extreme chutes to fly down!
Where Revelation Bowl is another awesome section of the mountain for powder junkies looking for freshies, starting from the highest spot on the mountain served by a lift at 12,515 ft. The snow stays deep up here thanks to its shelter from the wind, and some sections of the bowl are even groomed so intermediates can give it a try if they feel up to the challenge!
Town: Accommodation here is split between the main town of Telluride and the Mountain Village built on a natural bench above. Free gondolas connect the base areas and nearby parking lot. There’s more happening down at the main town, so stay there if you want to get into the nightlife scene! If you’re on a family holiday with young children Mountain Village is definitely the place to stay; you’ll be right next to great beginner runs, with superb facilities for kids, and it’s generally cheaper.
While many Colorado ski resorts straddle Interstate 70 leading out of Denver, Telluride is on the other side of the state, in the south-west corner. Besides the limited flights that connect to Telluride Regional Airport, the nearest airport is at Montrose, which is a difficult 60 mi drive away. That said, if you’re really craving the pow and don’t mind a road trip, it’s a 6 hour trip from downtown Denver. Perhaps the difficulty in accessing Telluride is one of its biggest disadvantages, but it helps to keep the crowds away. As a package, Telluride feels like a tucked away piece of ski paradise – and is our top pick of Colorado ski resorts!