Telluride is among the best skiing destinations in North America.
Stick around to discover its best features, and what approach you should have for planning the ski trip of your wildest dreams.
Location, Weather, and Climate at Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort is situated in the San Juan Mountains, which is southwest of Colorado located between Durango and Montrose. Check out weather details in this area here
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| Month | Temperature (High) | Temperature (Low) | Snowfall (inches) |
| November | 43 ºF | 13 ºF | 25 |
| December | 35 ºF | 4 ºF | 26 |
| January | 35 ºF | 2 ºF | 25 |
| February | 37 ºF | 6 ºF | 27 |
| March | 42 ºF | 14 ºF | 35 |
| April | 50 ºF | 22 ºF | 20 |
It gets incredibly cold, so visitors will need to ensure that appropriate winter gear and clothing is worn, topped with protective measures such as hats and sunglasses while traveling. Proper gear such as skiing helmets and goggles will provide protection while skiing, and sunscreen should be worn as well.
Getting to and around Telluride
The fastest way to reach Telluride Ski Resort would be to fly to Telluride Airport, which allows speedy transport to the Telluride Ski Resort situated 15min from the airport. Visitors can also fly into Montrose-Telluride, which necessitates a beautifully scenic drive to Telluride Ski Resort which takes around 75min.
Visitors can also fly into the Grand Junction Regional Airport or Durango-La Plata Regional Airport, both of which require a 2.5-hour drive to reach the resort. View more details on traveling by air here.
Driving to the ski resort offers spectacular views, regardless of which route is being taken, and there are various means of ground transportation that are available at different airports.
There are various routes that one could take to reach the resort, and opting for the quickest trip would be better suited for those wanting to hit the slopes as soon as possible, while other routes are rewarded with breathtaking and invaluable panoramas.
All of the available routes which lead to the town of Telluride as well as directly to the Mountain Village can be viewed here.
Various shuttles and car rental services operate from Telluride Regional Airport, Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport, as well as Durango-La Plata County Airport. These are provided by Telluride Express, Mountain Limo, Black Bear Luxury Transportation, TelluRides, and Western Slope Rides. Check out details here.
Once arriving at Telluride Ski Resort, there are plenty of parking options, with 9 extensive parking facilities available across the area. All of these parking areas have varying terms of service, rules and regulations, operating hours, and fees. Some of these areas are free under certain conditions or during certain hours. Check out more details here.
Accommodation at Telluride
Telluride boasts a wide selection of accommodation sites for a variety of guests with differing budgets and preferences. But, there are a few resorts that are officially featured at Telluride, offering ski-in/ski-out experience, exceptional services, and comfort levels.
- Inn at Lost Creek
One of the most esteemed lodging sites in Telluride is this stunning hotel situated in the Mountain Village for quick access to slopes and transport services such as the Village Express and the Chondola. The Inn at Lost Creek flaunts an award-winning selection of 32 distinct suites, all of which offer luxurious features and marvelous scenery.
They also provide a valet service for storing ski equipment, making the overall skiing experience far more convenient and enjoyable for patrons. This accommodation spot also provides access to non-ski activities in the area, such as the Telluride Golf Club, as well as plenty of opportunities for fantastic dining and shopping experiences.
Check out more details on this location here.
- The Peaks Resort & Spa
This is yet another ski-in/ski-out accommodation hotspot in Telluride, situated only a brisk walk away from the Mountain Village Gondola. The Peaks Resort offers breathtaking views topped with exceptional service and hospitality, with an array of enticing penthouses, suites, and guestrooms, as well as the See Forever Village.
They feature a range of additional amenities, including a ski valet, a fully equipped fitness center adorned with state of the art facilities, an indoor and outdoor pool area, a lap pool, a salon, as well as a full-service spa.
Dining and shopping experiences are convenient and memorable with plenty of access to stores and restaurants, as well as non-ski activities like golfing. This resort truly offers incredible ski-in/ski-out accommodation plus a plethora of enticing additional attractions and is topped with picturesque panoramas. Check out more details here.
- Telluride featured Lodging
There are plenty more lodging options situated at varying points in Telluride, offering varying accommodation benefits, amenities, and features. This may be suitable for those who are seeking an elegant, comfortable, and fully equipped accommodation spot in alternative areas nearby.
All of these venues are beautifully decorated with unique and warm furnishings and are located in prime areas boasting stupendous views of the surrounding areas.
Popular lodging spots include the Plaza 401 with 4 beds and 4 baths, Russel Retreat with 5 beds and 5 baths, Castlewood Manor with 10 beds and 10 baths, Slopeside at Sundance with 3 beds and 3 baths, as well as the See Forever Cabin 109 with 3 beds and 3 baths. Check out more details on all of these resorts here.
Ski areas in Telluride
The combined ski terrain is suitable for a wide variety of capability levels, topped with an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the surrounding snowy peaks which embellish the San Juan Mountains, and gorgeous horizons.
The combined area offers a surplus of 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, topped with an advanced and expert only European inspired area positioned above the tree line which poses unbelievable scenic surroundings. Apart from the main ski area in Telluride, there are additional areas that serve more specific purposes.
- Beginners and Novice Skiers (23%)
Telluride offers a variety of vast snowy spaces and a selection of low-level trails for beginners and novice skiers to enjoy. The diversity of green runs and less challenging blue runs that span across just under 2 miles allows individuals to learn tricks, stunts, maneuvers, and techniques in a comfortable and low-pressure atmosphere.
Ideal areas for persons at such levels include Sunshine from Lift 10, Ute Park from Lift 11, Prospect Bowl from Lift 12, as well as Galloping Goose which navigates down 4.6 miles of captivating terrain from Prospect all the way down to Mountain Village.
- Intermediate Skiers (36%)
The resort offers more challenging blue runs for intermediate skiers, enabling individuals to challenge their expertise and push boundaries within safe and comfortable confines.
There are a variety of runs and areas which provide plenty of short chutes, moderate bumps, open glades, and corduroy cruisers, topped off with the most popular trail which runs down 3 miles of spectacular snow terrain offering breathtaking panoramic views of Utah’s La Sal Mountains.
More suitable runs for persons at this level include Village from Lift 4, Palmyra from Lift 5, and Prospect from Lift 12.
- Advanced and Expert Skiers (41%)
Telluride is infamous for the challenging steeps and slopes, with a wide range of runs and trails providing adrenaline-pumping runs. Advanced skiers and adrenaline junkies may enjoy Mammoth, Spiral Stairs, and Kant-Mak-M accessible around Plunge from Lift 9.
The Plunge is a magnificently panoramic black diamond run that has a vertical descent of 3,140ft from the top of the mountain. Experts also love navigating steep and deep trails including Little Rose, Electra, and Dynamo, accessible at Gold Hill from Lift 14.
Telluride Main Ski Area
The main ski area runs from Telluride at 8,750ft and Coonskin at 8,715ft in altitude, all the way up to Palmyra Peak at 13,50ft elevation.
The area is adorned with tons of skiing opportunities, enthralling descents, and treasurable memories to be made, with an array of enticing attractions, fantastic services, and wonderfully groomed slopes. For a detailed view of the total area, check out a map here
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- Gondolas and Lifts
The combined area is serviced by 15 lifts, including the Chondola, Comp Hill, Village Express, Polar Queen Express, Apex, Coonskin, Oak Street, Plunge, Sunshine Express, Ute Park Express, Prospect Express, Lynx, Gold Hill Express, and Revelation.
All of these lifts provide travel to various points around the combined area, allowing access to higher altitudes from 385ft – 1,845ft increased elevation. These lifts can take anywhere from 2min – 12.5min to reach the desired destination, depending on the lift as well as the altitude being traveled to.
This is topped with one carpet which provides a short altitude increase of 10 – 30ft taking around 2min for travel. Three gondolas provide travel to main areas at various points around the mountain, including from Telluride Station to San Sophia Station, after which MTN.
Village Station can be reached by the second gondola, and Market Plaza can be reached by the third gondola. All transport between the town of Telluride, Mountain Village, and Market Plaza is free of charge, but lift tickets will be needed to use the gondolas for skiing.
All lifts have varying operating hours, which generally operate from around 9:00 am till 3:00- 4:00 pm. But, schedules are subject to change, including potential 1-hour shifts during Daylight Saving Times. So, this will need to be checked and referenced when traversing this incredible ski resort.
The Gondola and Chondola provide public transport, and run from 6:30 am till midnight Sunday – Thursday, and 6:30 am till 2:00 am from Friday – Saturday.
- Additional Features
The total area features a range of additional features that make the overall experience far more exciting and enjoyable. There is a wide range of glades and picnic areas that allow for scenic relaxation between descents, as well as freestyle terrain including Hoot Brown Terrain Park and Beginner Park.
Restrooms, Ski Patrol stations, and medical services are accessible at many points all over the mountain, topped with Colorado’s premier heli-ski operation servicing 250 square miles of terrain, which is fantastic for peace of mind and safety while skiers enjoy the slopes.
Childcare facilities are available at Mountain Village, as well as various warming cabins situated at higher areas on the mountain, enabling skiers to recline and indulge in snacks and refreshments before heading back out onto the snowy ski terrain.
Telluride also features many on foot trails and offers complimentary Mountain Tours till 10 am, which is incredible for families and guests who wish to explore the environment in addition to skiing. Parking is available at a selection of main areas near the base, and Market Plaza offers free parking.
- Restaurants and Bars
The combined area is serviced by many esteemed restaurants and après savvy refreshment stops. Allred’s is situated at San Sophia Station at 10,540ft in attitude, while Big Billie’s at 9,540ft elevation and Altezza can be found along the lower boundary line.
Gorrono Ranch boasts a central location, followed by Bon Vivant set at a higher altitude. Giuseppe’s, located at 11,885ft in altitude, and Alpino Vino, situated at 11,966ft elevation, adorn the peaks of the area, offering exceptional views while dining.
All of these restaurants offer stunning après dining and drinks, with tantalizing meals and appetizers. However, due to the conditions of reopening the resort, some of these establishments are not currently open for service. So, this will need to be confirmed prior to booking.
Palmyra Peak & Black Iron Bowl
This area is comprised of Palmyra Peak at 13,150ft in altitude and Black Iron Bowl at 12,250ft in altitude, as well as Gold Hill. Accessing the terrain requires traversing a hiking area, which can be reached from the Gold Hill Stairs.
Plenty of extreme terrains, expert runs, and advanced trails are scattered throughout the area, with the more popular steeps running from the esteemed peaks and boundary lines. There are no additional facilities in this area, as it’s not suitable for roaming or reclining. But, there are avalanche control gates for safety. View a detailed map of the area here
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Revelation Bowl
This vast ski area boasts a selection of advanced runs with stunning views of Bear Creek and can be reached using Lift 14, the Gold Hill Express, and Revelation Lift provides travel in the area.
See Forever is a popular advanced blue run, running from Elevation at an altitude of 12,515ft and overlooking Bald Mountain at 11,880ft elevation, and five evenly positioned black runs adorn the area below this line, with the Silver Cloud running from Elevation to the Bear Creek Overlook. View a detailed map here
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Top-A-Ten Nordic Trails
This area is accessible via Lift 10 and can be traversed with a single-use return ticket at the cost of $25. The area features a combination of moderate blues and difficult black runs, with five enthralling descents for advanced skiers.
Lynx Loop runs 2.4 miles boasting Palmyra Peak panoramas, while Magic Meadows loop runs 2.5 miles boasting Wilson Range outlooks. Boomerang Loop is shorter at 1.1 miles, and To Alta Lakes runs 1.4 miles with public access outside of the ski area.
Galloping Goose is the most popular advanced blue run, spanning 3.6 miles with a vertical of 1,735ft. View a detailed map here
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Ski Schools
Telluride offers a wide selection of ski lessons, providing both private and group classes suited for a variety of experience levels and age groups.
Reservations are required due to limited space, daily health screenings are required for guests and staff participating in ski lessons, and all individuals must adhere to the 5 Commitments of Containment for safety. View details on these policies here.
- Cubs Camp Nursery
In addition to providing nursery and daycare facilities for patrons visiting the resort, Cubs Camp Nursery also offers private lessons for young children. This focuses on teaching the fundamentals of skiing and snow in a fun and interactive way which will entice children to continue the learning journey.
This can be included optionally with a daycare package if the weather is suitable, and caregivers must provide children with sunscreen, labeled diapers, wipes, and other essentials, as well as a personal item from home for comfort. Lunch, snacks, and water are provided.
| Toddlers | |||||
| Age: | 1 – 4 years | Time: | 8:30am – 4pm | Price: | $250 |
| Suited for those too young for skiing, and children spend time playing in a fun and safe environment otherwise, cared for by attentive and friendly staff. | |||||
| Cubs | |||||
| Age: | 2.5 – 4 years | ||||
| This focuses on the fundamentals, like getting young ones comfortable in ski gear, and exciting yet simple techniques on the snow when the weather allows. | |||||
| Daycare | Full daycare may include some activity on the snow | Time: | 8:30am – 4pm | Price: | $325 |
| Half Day | Morning Ski Lesson | Time: | 8:30am – 12:30pm | Price: | $250 |
| One Hour | One Hour Ski Lesson | Time: | Scheduled between 9 am and 12:30 pm | Price: | $195 |
- Children’s Group Lessons
To cope with the capacity restrictions in order to provide safe and constructive lessons, the resort now dictates a maximum of 2 attendees per lesson, as well as half-day lessons during mornings or afternoons as opposed to full-day lessons. All groups meet outside to avoid overcrowding indoor areas, and lunch is not served.
| Otters Ski Lessons | Bears Ski Lessons | Eagles Ski Lessons | |||
| Age range: | 3-4 years | Age range: | 5-6 years | Age range: | 7-14 years |
| Morning | Afternoon | Morning | Afternoon | Morning | Afternoon |
| 8:45/9am-11:45am | 12:45/1pm-3:45/4pm | 8:45/9am-11:45am | 12:45/1pm-3:45/4pm | 8:45/9am-11:45am | 12:45/1pm-3:45/4pm |
| Lesson Inclusions | |||||
| Package | Price | Package | Price | Package | Price |
| Lesson & Lift | $240 | Lesson & Lift | $240 | Lesson & Lift | $240 |
| Rental Equipment | $36 | Lesson Only | $220 | Lesson Only | $220 |
| Rental Equipment | $36 | Rental Equipment | $36 | ||
- Adult Group Lessons
For capacity restrictions, a maximum of 4 participants per instructor is dictated, as well as half-day lessons held outdoors during mornings or afternoons.
| Morning Lessons | Afternoon Lessons | ||
| Time of lesson: | 9am/9:15am – 12pm | Time of lesson: | 1pm/1:15pm – 4pm |
| Lesson Inclusions and Pricing | |||
| Package | Price | ||
| The lesson, Lift, Rental | $225 | ||
| Lesson & Lift | $180 | ||
| Lesson Only | $160 | ||
- Private Ski Lessons
This provides participants with custom lessons, with the freedom to choose from a range of multilingual instructors, and the advantage of an individual learning experience through specific attention, guidance, and constructive feedback.
Express Lift lanes are used, up to 4 students are allowed per instructor, and it’s recommended that all attendees are on the same base experience level.
| Lesson Selected | Price (Lesson Only) | |
| Full day (6 hours) | 9 am – 4 pm (lunch break) | $910 |
| Morning Half Day | 9 am – noon | $620 |
| Afternoon Half Day | 1 pm – 4 pm | $500 |
| All lift tickets and ski equipment rentals must be purchased separately for private lessons. | ||
Check out details on all ski lessons available here.
Ski Rentals
Telluride is officially serviced by Telluride Sports, boasting 7 slope-side ski equipment locations offering demos, rentals, and additional services. Ski rental shops are situated at varying points across the lower area of the ski resort, which provides impeccable convenience for patrons.
Additional rental facilities can be found in Telluride, and they also offer complimentary delivery for rentals to be transported to visitors’ lodging. Check out details here. Prices will vary depending on the item being rented, but fees are usually charged daily. Check out what equipment is available and compare rental prices here.
Ski Passes
In order to cope with capacity limitations and safety precautions, there is now a restriction in terms of the availability of lift tickets and ski passes. Thus, a reservation is recommended in order to ensure your spot at this stunning resort. The Unlimited Season Pass is certainly the most beneficial, as it allows free access without restrictions. Check out details here.
| Unlimited Season Pass | |||
| Pass Title | Age Range | Price | Insurance |
| Toddler | 5 years and under | $25 | FREE |
| Child | 6 – 12 years old | $625 | $44 |
| Junior | 13 – 18 years old | $750 | $53 |
| Young Adult | 19 – 24 years old | $1,500 | $104 |
| Adult | 25 – 64 years old | $2,300 | $161 |
| Senior | 65 – 79 years old | $1,750 | $123 |
| Palmyra | 80 + years | FREE | FREE |
The Telluride Military card is available at $99 plus $7 for insurance. It features no restrictions, direct access to lifts, and includes the first day after which cost is 30% off for additional days.
However, this is only available for military personnel and immediate family members, and a military ID or documentation for family members must be provided. Check out details here.
- Epic Passes at Telluride
Telluride is also a part of the Epic Pass system, and Epic Passes which provide access to the resort include the Epic Pass and the Epic Day Pass, both of which include Epic Coverage which provides refunds for pandemic related cancelations. View more details as well as common FAQs on the Epic Pass system at Telluride here.
| Epic Pass | Epic Day Pass | ||
| ● Priority Access
● 7 Days total, consecutive use not required for redeeming days ● Lift tickets available at a 50% discount after 7 days have been redeemed ● Epic Mountain Rewards (20% discounts) View more here ● Epic Coverage |
● Early Access for priority days
● Option for 1 – 7 days ● 50% discount on lift tickets ● Epic Mountain Rewards (20% discounts) View more here ● Epic Coverage |
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| Child (Ages 5 – 12) | Adult (Ages 13+) | Child (Ages 5 – 12) | Adult (Ages 13+) |
| $ 509 | $999 | $63 per day | $124 per day |
| Check out more details here. |
Check out more details here. |
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Après-ski and non-ski activities
Telluride is well known for ski terrain and related activities, but the mountain areas, the town, as well as the surrounding areas, offer plenty of non-ski activities in addition to ample of shopping and dining experiences.
- Nordic and Snowshoe Trails
Telluride boasts a stunning selection of Mountain Village Nordic and Snowshoe Trails, which is ideal for groups and patrons who wish to navigate and enjoy the wintery environment without skiing. Check out the trail map here
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- Spas and Relaxation
For those who do not mind paying for the opportunity to indulge in luxurious treatment after a long day of adventure, the Peak Resort and Spa situated near the Telluride Mountain Village area offers exceptional spa services and related treatments.
- Shopping Opportunity
While plenty of stores and shops can be found in the Telluride village area, the resort itself boasts some special stores as well, such as Heritage Apparel, Telluride Naturals, and the Telluride Resort Store.
- Telluride Golfing
Telluride is also well-known for the golfing opportunities which are available in the area. It’s relatively close to the ski resort, and many accommodation spots feature easy access to golfing areas as well.
Conclusion
Pros of Skiing in Telluride
- Plenty of amazing ski terrain for varying experience levels
- A stunning 360-degree panorama from the resort and ski terrain
- The incredible diversity in ski lessons, suitable for varying experience levels
- Fantastically beautiful accommodation near the resort with high-quality service
- Services catered to toddlers and young children
- Tantalizing dining and a shopping opportunity, and access to off-snow activities
Cons of Skiing in Telluride
- Lack of dining areas, refreshment stops, or additional amenities on special ski areas
- Not many additional snow-related activities
This resort boasts phenomenal features suitable for skiers of all levels, as well as various additional facilities and activities. Telluride offers exceptional ski lessons, wonderfully inclusive passes, as well as a wide selection of enticing slopes for beginners, intermediate, advanced, or expert skiers.
There is an endless amount of skiing opportunities, alternative attractions, and après experiences that await those visiting Telluride.