Five Reasons to Book your Telluride Ski Vacation Now

Conde Nast Traveler readers have voted Telluride their favorite ski destination for the past 3 years in a row saying “Telluride rises above the rest with its no-nonsense attitude, a healthy mix of ski bums and artists, gorgeous location (300 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine every year), and sublime winter sports.” JetCharters.com has voted Telluride the best ski destination for 2015 saying, “What was once a remote mining camp for silver and gold prospectors has become the top ski destination in the country,” said Robert Hart, president at JetCharters.com.

If you need more reasons to pack up for Telluride check these out:

1. No Lift lines

The town only has a population of about 2,500 people. Pair that with the fact that they have numerous ski lifts to get you to the top of the mountains, and you can bet on not having to waste your time waiting around.

2. Gondola

When visiting Telluride you can also stay in the neighboring town of Mountain Village, 9,500 feet above the valley. These two towns are connected by a free Gondola. The first free, green transportation of its kind, nothing in the U.S. compares to the Telluride Gondola. The ride is just 13 minutes, but you will wish that it was much longer while you are taking in all the beautiful scenery that the ride has to offer. Additionally, the gondola can also take you to nearby Uncompahgre National Forest and Telluride Ski Resort.

3. Resorts

Telluride is home to several amazing resorts including Telluride Ski Resort which offers 127 trails and over 2,000 acres. Besides skiing, make sure to enjoy a beer by the fire. SweetWater Brewing Company and Telluride Brewing Company have just announced they will be official sponsors of the resort for ski season, an added bonus for us. Dine at Allred’s their flagship restaurant, with a wine program that boasts a 1,000 bottle wine list. Chef Mike Regrut’s concept of ‘comfort American food with classical French influences’ make us want to eat there every night.

The Peaks Resort and Spa (owned by Telluride Ski Resort), a ski-in/ski-out full service hotel, features 177 guest rooms, a 42,000 square foot spa with 32 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and 9,100 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. You can relax in their luxury hotel and take in all the beautiful scenery, dine at their top notch restaurants, pamper yourself with their full spa menu, or hit the slopes.

4. Secret Foodie Destination

Telluride may be predominately known for it’s skiing, but it is quickly becoming a foodie hot spot from the best craft burgers to four-course dining. Forbes recently gave 10 reasons why.

Telluride is also home to America’s highest altitude restaurant, Alpino Vino, where you can chow down at 12,000 feet. You have to take a gondola to get to the restaurant where you will  then take an enclose snow coach where you will enjoy views of the Wilson Range. When you arrive, you will experience jazz music, a fire in the middle of the restaurant as well as be able to enjoy your Italian cuisine.  Be warned that there are only 26 seats in the whole restaurant, so I would call ahead before you arrive.

5. Scenery

Coors. Ever heard of it? We have. The mountain on the can, Mount Wilson, is what you see in the Telluride area. Nothing in Telluride can quite compare to their biggest attraction, the San Juan Mountains. They surround the town with breathtaking 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks that provide the most beautiful backdrop that you could possibly want being the largest mountain range in Colorado. 

Additionally, Telluride has two beautiful waterfalls that are a must see for vacationers, 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls and 280-foot Ingram Falls. Visitors should also plan on exploring the Telluride Historic District. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of Colorado’s 20 National Historic Landmarks.