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Telluride is without question one of North America’s preeminent ski destinations, as evidenced by it repeatedly being ranked as one of the top ski resorts. The town of Telluride, a national historic landmark district set in a box canyon, is just as distinctive and renowned. Often touted as “Colorado’s best kept secret” in the 1980s, Telluride isn’t such a secret anymore. Yet it maintains a sense of mystery and intrigue, in part because of its remoteness, hours away from a major city, in Southwestern Colorado.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s not easy to get to, especially thanks to nearby Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). Continue reading as we share how easy it is to get there and give you recommendations for planning a great Telluride ski getaway.
About Telluride
In 1961 Telluride was given the designation of a National Historic Landmark District, which is given to places that represent an outstanding aspect of American history and culture. It was the decade following, in 1972, when Telluride Ski Resort opened with five lifts and a day lodge. In just a few decades it’s grown to become one of the largest and most unique ski destinations in America. Among its most unique features is the free gondola, the only transportation system of its kind in North America, which connects the town of Telluride with Mountain Village. It’s here in Mountain Village, perched above the valley floor at 9,500 feet, where guests access Telluride Ski Resort and the European-style village with restaurants, bars, shops, accommodations, and more.
Flying To Telluride
Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) make it easy to get to Telluride, saving hours of driving from major cities like Denver. Visitors can take advantage of direct flights from 12 major hubs, consisting of Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City. Breeze Airways is the newest airline to start flying to Telluride, operating five times per week from John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). From Montrose it’s a 90-minute drive to Telluride, while Telluride Regional Airport is less than 15 minutes away.
Experience Telluride On And Off The Slopes
More than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 4,425 feet of vertical combine for an experience at Telluride Ski Resort that is unrivaled. Its terrain is naturally divided between challenging chutes, couloirs, open glades, steeps, bumps, and wide-open groomers. It’s also home to some of North America’s most famous bowls, including Revelation Bowl and Black Iron Bowl. Those who like a slower pace, and prefer Nordic skiing, will find numerous cross-country skiing areas in Telluride, including the Top-A-Ten trails accessed from Mountain Village.
Tons of adventures continue off the slopes, including ice skating, ice climbing, fat tire biking, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and dog sledding. After a day of adventures, guests can enjoy après-ski, live music, shopping, and dining throughout both Telluride and Mountain Village. Among Mountain Village’s most unique experiences is Alpino Vino, the second-highest elevation restaurant in North America, at 11,966 feet, and featuring a four-course, prix-fixe Italian menu. Down in Telluride, visitors will find some of North America’s most historic ski town bars, like New Sheridan Historic Bar, one of the oldest bars in the West.
Plan Your Trip
- Getting around. It’s easier than ever to get to Telluride and get around. In fact, you don’t even need a car. Telluride Express offers shuttle service between the town of Telluride and Montrose Regional Airport, Telluride Regional Airport, and other destinations. The town of Telluride itself is just 12 blocks long, making it very walkable. Visitors can catch the free gondola up to Mountain Village directly in town.
- Ski passes. Telluride Ski Resort offers a variety of passes with exclusive perks, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a world-class ski experience—be it a single-day adventure or multiple days of shredding—without the need for a season-long commitment. Single-day or multi-day passes can conveniently be purchased directly on Telluride Ski Resort’s website. Telluride is also part of the Epic Pass, so that Epic Pass holders can enjoy ski and riding access, though reservations are required.
- Where to stay. Visitors will find it all at Telluride, from five-star hotels to lodges to ski cabins and much more. Explore Telluride accommodations here.
Start planning your trip at telluride.com.
December 25, 2024
