A Rad 5-Day Winter Itinerary
It’s finally the best time of year – ski season! We’re so glad you’re joining us for one of the most exciting times of the year in our little box canyon. Ranked the #1 ski resort in North America by Condé Nast for five of the past six years, the Telluride Ski Resort's 2,000 acres of terrain and 148 trails are not to be missed.
But there’s so much more to do in Telluride than just ski and snowboard. A thriving downtown with shops and restaurants and a mountain range full of adventures await this winter. While picking from all the activities may seem a bit intimidating, we’re here to make sure you pick the best activities around town to partake in.
Day 1 – Arrive in Telluride on Tuesday
You made it! Welcome to Telluride. We’re sure you were mesmerized by the views on your way in, and now you get to enjoy the view for the next five days.
You may want to get right down to business on the slopes, but at 8,750 feet, Telluride’s elevation can take quite the toll on people rolling into town. We recommend taking it easy the first day and drinking plenty of water (there are plenty of bathrooms around; don’t worry) and enjoying everything Main Street in Telluride has to offer.
Tired from your trip? Grab a coffee at High Alpine Coffee in the back of the Between the Covers Bookshop, or a cup of joe (or hot chocolate) at the Coffee Cowboy.
For dinner, hit up the famed Sheridan Chop House. Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor for fine dining in Telluride, their mountain western game, beef and bison will definitely hit the spot. After dinner, swing by next door to top off your first day in town with a drink at the town’s oldest bar, the New Sheridan Bar.
Day 2 – Hit the Slopes on Wednesday
It’s that moment you’ve been waiting for – hitting the slopes at the Telluride Ski Resort. Whether you’re a pro or would rather take it easy on some blue-rated runs, there is plenty for everyone. There are even several slopes ideal for kids! Twenty-three percent of the runs are beginner, 36 percent are intermediate and 41 percent are advanced/expert. Be sure to get a photo with your crew at the top of See Forever – did you really even ski Telluride if you didn’t get that pic?
Didn’t bring your own gear? No worries. Ski Butlers, Black Tie and Door 2 Door are just a few of the companies that offer ski delivery right to your doorstep – no need to wait in line! Several other companies, including Christy Sports and Neve Sports offer rentals from their shops.
Grab a drink at our of our favorite après ski spots and close out your day with sweeping views of Mt. Wilson with a drink in one of the relaxing chairs on the deck of Gorrono Ranch. Located off Chair 4, Gorrono also has chili, burgers, BBQ, a massive fireplace and even live music! Not a bad way to end the day.
Day 3 – See Telluride on a Snowmobile on Thursday
See a different side of Telluride on Thursday with a snowmobile tour. Depending on how exhausted you are from your first day of skiing and snowboarding, you can opt for a full-day tour or half-day tour with Telluride Outside. Tours can range from beginner and family-friendly to advanced terrain or even a Dunton Hot Springs trip.
Follow up your trip with a dinner at a local watering hole (we dig Smuggler’s Brewpub and Oak) and a lap around one of our beloved ice skating rinks. The Madeline runs a large family-friendly rink with rentals in the Mountain Village core, while the Telluride Town Park has both an indoor and outdoor rink with rentals from the Telluride Nordic Center.
Day 4 – Ski & Sleigh on Friday
That’s right - more skiing. It’s why you came here, right? Spend your first part of the day taking on more of what the Telluride Ski Resort has to offer. Looking for the best slopes? We have some thoughts on that. We've broken down some of our favorite runs and we fully expect you to check them out!
Cut your day skiing a little short because you’ve got epic dinner plans – in a tent after a horse-drawn wagon ride to the Aldasoro Ranch. Telluride Sleighs and Wagons will pick you up in town on a horse-drawn sleigh, drive you up to the tent for cocktails and dinner and bring you back to town after a beautiful sunset. Cheers to Friday!
Day 5 – Close Out Your Stay on a High Note on Saturday
Take advantage of Telluride’s #1 rated ski resort with one last day on the slopes. Challenge yourself a bit more on Saturday – try that run you’ve been too scared to try. You only live once, right?
Follow up your epic day on the slopes with an even more epic dinner at Telluride’s beloved Allred’s, located at the San Sophia stop on the gondola. With sweeping views of Ajax and the canyon, there’s no better place to sip on a glass of wine and chow down on some fine elk loin.
Day 6 – Say Goodbye to Telluride
It all went by so quickly… but you can book another trip and come to see us again soon! While winters are amazing, summers in Telluride are pretty great, too. Don’t wait to book your trip – condos and vacation rentals often book up a year out. We’ll see you soon!