Telluride Travel Guide

At the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, tucked into a canyon ringed by the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains, lies the tiny historic mining town and holiday destination of Telluride, which, twinned with its modern purpose-built 'alter-ego', Mountain Village, perched 9,500 feet (2,895m) up the mountain-side, forms one of America's most spectacular ski resorts.

Telluride sports a dozen or so blocks of quaint Victorian homes and clapboard storefronts, around a pedestrianised core. A unique feature of the twinned towns is the three-stage gondola system, which provides the only access to high altitude Mountain Village. Visitors take the swift, scenic and free ride to the elegant, contemporary resort town, marvelling at the panoramic views of some of Colorado's most magnificent mountain peaks. While Telluride provides the picturesque historic atmosphere, Mountain Village, founded in 1987, provides modern recreational and accommodation options for discerning guests, with luxury hotels and condominiums, sophisticated boutiques, eclectic restaurants, a championship golf course, conference centre and world-class spas. The attractive, upmarket modern facilities and stunning setting have ensured that Telluride/Mountain Village is not just a winter sports destination with eminently attractive ski slopes, but popular all year round as a mountain holiday destination. It is easy to see why the Ute Indians in days of yore cherished this valley and its guardian peaks as sacred territory.

Skiing

The Telluride ski area offers 1,700 acres of lift-served terrain, 24 percent of which is perfect for beginners, the rest equally divided to suit intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners soon gain confidence on the Prospect Bowl's long, gentle runs, which is why the resort is renowned as being perfect for novices. Intermediates can stroke their ego too, rock 'n rolling down runs such as Sandia, Magnolia and Stella that will make them feel like experts. Telluride's signature run is named See Forever, which is what happens as skiers glide down the two miles (3km) of mountainside. Awesome views are the order of the day too for the experts, who can take on daring snow highways such as The Plunge, or opt for a choice of double-diamond backcountry experiences.

Shopping

For those who regard shopping as an essential part of a fun holiday, Telluride and Mountain Village have great pleasure in store. The element of surprise is what makes shopping in the pedestrianised town centres so enjoyable, because browsing among the numerous speciality shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques will turn up some interesting and unique buys. The resort is largely devoid of the regular chain retailers, outlet stores and strip malls. Instead it is packed with galleries of original art and sculpture, gift and jewellery stores sporting hidden treasures, antique stores, trendy clothing boutiques, and of course a host of sports shops with the latest gear and equipment.

Restaurants

You name it, you can eat it while on holiday in Telluride, from intimate supreme cuisine establishments to buzzing family diners or cosy corner coffee shops. Recommendations are difficult with such a spread of excellence to choose from but, in Telluride town, first for formal dining is 221 South Oak, mere steps from the gondola station, with a menu that changes daily and a deserved reputation for fine food and wine. There are plenty of family-friendly options serving up pizza, burgers and other favourites too. Up in Mountain Village the fare is enhanced by the views from most restaurants.

Nightlife

Aprs-ski in Telluride tends away from wild partying, but this does not mean the nightlife is dull. The West End Bistro at The Hotel Telluride is one of the more popular options; it's where skiers sip their drinks to the tune of background music, ensconced in leather chairs before a roaring fire.

Holiday activities

On or off the slopes, there need never be a dull moment during a stay in Telluride. Outdoors there is snow-shoeing, ice-skating, ice-climbing, sleigh rides, hot air ballooning, dog-sledding, snowmobiling and horseback riding. Indoors visitors can be pampered at the Golden Door Spa, or swim a few lengths of the indoor pool at the Peaks Resort & Spa. There is also a climbing wall here. More sedentary pursuits include art classes, or catching a movie at the cinema. The Telluride Historical Museum provides an interesting look at the town's mining heyday.

Any negatives?

The terrain can be quite challenging and timid skiers and beginners will struggle with some of the slopes.