October 12, 2022 | View Online | Sign Up
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Tucked away in the Southwest Colorado San Juan Mountain Range sits Telluride. Nestled among the soaring peaks of the Rockies, you’d be forgiven for believing you’d stumbled into Switzerland.
A bizarre history of bandits, miners, and hippies has fused over the last century and a half to produce one of the US’ coolest little towns, where ski slopes are complimented by indie art shows and some of the best music festivals in the country. Unlike so many of the glitzier resort towns, Telluride has clung to its Victorian charm, rejecting the mainstream to the point that no franchise restaurants or stores grace its streets. Independence runs through the town’s veins.
And sure, Oprah likes it enough to have a house there. But don't take her word for it.
Instead, we want to let you experience this hidden mountain gem for yourself by sending you on an epic 3-day Ski Getaway — along with $500 to spend for travel.
So grab that ski gear out of storage and enter to win here!
In the meantime, welcome to Telluride.
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| FUN FACTS
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Miners, hippies, and Butch Cassidy
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In 1875, Telluride began life, like many settlements in the region, as a mining town. Hopeful prospectors arrived from all over the country, hoping to strike gold. Many did, although silver drove much of the town’s success and produced many a millionaire in the town.
Despite countless faces coming and going, there’s one resident you’ll almost definitely have heard of. Infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy lived, worked, and robbed his first bank in Telluride.
Eventually, the mining industry collapsed, and the “trust-fund hippies” moved in, opposing any growth or major changes to the town, helping it keep the old-time appearance it still has today. Once the first ski lift was built, the last of the miners departed, and its time as a quiet resort town began.
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| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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It's a bit on the expensive side
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A visit to Telluride isn’t going to be cheap (but winning a free ski getaway helps a lot).
It’s a town of only 2000 permanent residents with an average home price of over a million dollars, which doesn’t translate kindly for tourists. Although there are still deals to be had, be prepared to spend quite a bit in the town's restaurants, bars and, of course, the slopes.
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It's off the beaten path
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One of the reasons Telluride has managed to avoid the hordes of daytrippers that crowd other resort towns is the geographical landscape surrounding it.
Unlike other ski destinations with readily accessible transportation, most arrivals will fly into Denver or Montrose. Montrose is a 65-mile drive, while Denver is even further. There is now an airport link in Telluride from Denver, but that'll cost ya.
There are several options for transport from Montrose, which is your best bet. You could rent a car, but there’s no need for one when you arrive, so organizing a bus or driver is the most convenient option. The plus side? You’ll have one of the quietest ski days of your life.
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The altitude is no joke
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Telluride sits more than 8000 feet above sea level, and the top levels of the ski slopes clock in at just over 13,000. If you’ve never been at that kind of altitude before, you might be in for a shock.
Altitude sickness is a very real thing. Everyone is affected differently, regardless of fitness level. Some might just feel a little woozy or have a minor headache, while others may experience day-ruining nausea.
Either way, it's wise to keep hydrated and probably even to avoid alcohol on your first day. The sun is also going to be rough up there. With thinner air, you have less protection from the rays, so be sure to slather on that sunscreen.
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| TOGETHER WITH
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| THINGS TO DO
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Take in a festival
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Telluride has become one of the country's best towns for festivals. The festivities are year-round, drawing hobbyists, music fans, film nuts, and a menagerie of other interests on different weekends to indulge in their passions.
One of the most famous is the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The celebration of music has been running for fifty years and draws some of the biggest names in the genre. If country isn’t your thing, hang on till July, and you can enjoy Ride Festival, a rock-heavy lineup that has featured Pearl Jam and Widespread Panic in the past.
Food and drink festivals make up a good chunk of the calendar, of course, with the Telluride Wine Festival being a particular highlight. The mushroom festival is technically a food festival, too…although it swings more towards the psychedelically inclined than anything else.
On top of all these, the Telluride comedy and film festivals are permanent fixtures. The jazz festival, the Autumn Classic car show, the Telluride Horror Festival, the Fire Festival, and the Plein Air Festival help make up the numbers. So as far as non-skiing activities go, you're truly spoilt for choice.
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Get adventurous
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Telluride is in the heart of some of the most stunning scenery in the world. To visit and not get out to explore the area's breathtaking nature would be a travesty. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to do so.
If you’re less into the adventure part of adventuring, how about simply sitting down with a splendid view? The Telluride Gondola is arguably the best way to take in the spectacular scenery, all without moving a muscle. We're also willing to bet that it'll inspire you to go a little further.
For avid hikers, there are a number of amazing trails to get stuck into. Bear Creek and Bridal Veil Falls trails are two of the most popular, allowing hikers access to some astonishing natural landmarks like cascading waterfalls, awe-inspiring geo-formations, and unparalleled vistas.
For those hoping to get even more hands-on, canyoning trails, rafting experiences, and rock climbing opportunities are abundant in the area. Activities like these are the reason many locals hung around in the seventies and sixties, so go on and ask a local for the best spots to do each one.
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Hit the slopes (duh!)
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Whatever your reason for visiting Telluride, it’d be a shame not to hit the slopes at least once on your trip. Some of the best skiing in the country is found within a stone's throw of the town, and thanks to its location, you’ll rarely be jostling with the crowds as you do in other resort towns like Aspen.
The region has over two thousand acres of skiable terrain, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or slapping the skis on for the first time, you’re covered.
Beginners can enjoy the Sunshine, Ute Park, and the Prospect Bowl, which are all phenomenal wide open slopes to learn the basics. There’s even an unintimidating four-mile trail that leads from a stunning peak all the way down to the village to ensure that even though you’re only getting started, you’re still getting to take in the best of the scenery.
At the other end of the spectrum, The Plunge is the ultimate adrenaline rush. It’s a black diamond run that plunges almost 3000 feet into the town of Telluride, offering some of the best views of the entire valley. Just under half of the available slopes are designated for advanced or expert skiers.
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| WHERE TO STAY
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Ski in, Ski out
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The biggest draw of Telluride is the skiing, so it’s no surprise that one of the coolest resort towns in the country is home to some pretty astonishing hotels. From high-end ski-in-ski-out chalets to modern options nestled in the heart of the old mining town, your bases are covered.
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Our Top Pick: Madeline Hotel & Residences Auberge Resorts Collection
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Telluride, Colorado
$$$$$ | See inside
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An astounding base for your adventures in Colorado, the Madeline combines the best of luxurious comfort with slope accessibility. It’s designed to have all the trappings of a modern, chic, and high-end hotel, allowing travelers to properly unwind after a day of excursions on the slopes or any number of the endeavors available in Telluride.
The hotel’s adventure guides are happy to help you build an itinerary for your time there, meaning all you need to do is show up. Horseback riding through the valley? Done. Ski instructor? Easy. Rafting? What time? And if you’re exhausted at the end of it all, jump into one of their restorative experiences.
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| Book Your Stay |
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Other Top Picks
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| WHERE TO EAT
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Small but mighty
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Think ski resort town food, and you might think burgers, chicken fingers, and nachos. While we’re sure you can stumble upon some of that, Telluride has developed a wonderful little restaurant scene, from savory Thai specialties all the way to high-end Vegetarian fare.
Whatever your heart (or stomach) desires, you’ll surely find a sweet spot somewhere between the two.
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Our Top Pick: Alpino Vino
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Telluride, Colorado
$$$$ | Menu
One of the country's most unique places to eat, Alpino Vino is touted as the highest-elevation restaurant in North America. Ski in during the day, and you’ll enjoy hearty basics like grilled cheese and tomato soup. But return at night and you’ll be treated to a five-course Italian Dolomites-inspired meal, paired with some seriously excellent wines.
Alpino Vino is only open during the winter though, so be sure to arrange your trip accordingly if you fancy some high-end high-altitude dining.
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The Best of the Rest
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN TELLURIDE
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