Experience Telluride—the Soul of the Mountains

Sponsored by Visit Telluride 

Tucked into Colorado’s illustrious San Juan Mountains lies winter distilled to its purest form. Many know it for its legendary ski terrain. Yet it’s the snow-covered box canyon, authentic winter adventures, timeless mountain town, and unforgettable après that make Telluride Mountain Village the Soul of the Mountains. 

A Destination Like No Other 

In 1961 the U.S. recognized Telluride as a National Historic Landmark District, a designation given to places that represent an outstanding aspect of American history and culture—fitting for a former mining camp and historic town built into a box canyon. Just over a decade later Telluride Ski Resort opened with five lifts and a day lodge, quickly growing into one of the largest and most extraordinary ski destinations in the country. 

Unique to Telluride’s community is its spectacular free-to-ride gondola that links Telluride and Mountain Village. Perched high above the town, passengers can load onto the gondola to access the ski slopes, or travel between Telluride and Mountain Village, while taking in the breathtaking glimpses of the box canyon. It remains the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the U.S., giving it a distinct character that’s unlike any modern-day ski destination.  

Adventure for All Types of Travelers 

More than 2,000 acres of terrain. Over 4,425 feet of vertical. The skiing experience at Telluride remains unrivaled for skiers and riders of all abilities. Beginners can enjoy easy-going, scenic runs like Galloping Goose and Double Cabin. Intermediates tend to love long cruisers like See Forever and Woozley’s Way, which offer panoramic views of the towering peaks and valley below. And for experts, Telluride’s timeless terrain is unmatched in its steep descents like Bushwacker, Plunge, and the world-famous Revelation Bowl. Beloved hike-to areas, including Black Iron Bowl and Palmyra Peak, offer access to some of the most exciting in-bounds terrain in the Rockies.  

Advanced skiers and riders craving more powder and ungroomed terrain can find it with Telluride Helitrax. Skiers can reach up to 128,000 acres of untouched alpine basins, ski bowls, and narrow mountain chutes.  

Prefer a slower pace? Then explore the expansive cross-country trail system high above the town of Telluride and throughout the surrounding area. Not a skier? Not a problem. Telluride has winter adventures that suit every interest, including ice skating, ice climbing, fat tire biking, horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided snowshoe tours, snowmobiling tours, and more. 

Off the Slopes 

Incredible experiences happen both on and off the mountain. Saddle up to the bar of one of Telluride’s historic saloons, see live music, catch a show at the historic Sheridan Opera House, go shopping along Colorado Avenue and in Mountain Village, or indulge with a massage at a selection of amazing spas. After a full day, enjoy unforgettable après with drinks and dinner at award-winning restaurants, or warm up with friends and family by the fire. Winter brings great events, too, including the Telluride Comedy Fest, Telluride Skijoring, and the monthly Telluride Art Walk. One quick ride on the gondola makes it easy to access everything that Telluride and Mountain Village have to offer. Topping it all off is the warm, welcoming community that makes visitors feel like locals. 

Plan Your Trip  

Travelers can take advantage of 14 nonstop flights from 12 major hubs–including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and New York– on several airlines, with convenient service into both Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Telluride Regional Airport (TEX). From Montrose, it’s a quick and scenic 90-minute drive to town, while Telluride Regional Airport is located just 15 minutes from the slopes. The walkability combined with majestic mountain views makes getting around effortless. Both Telluride and Mountain Village feature stunning accommodations, like  ski-in, ski-out vacation homes, cozy lodges, luxury hotels, and more. With early-season snow forecasts pointing toward a strong winter ahead, there’s no better time to start planning your winter trip to Telluride. Book now at www.telluride.com to take advantage of special rates and savings.