By Jesse James McTigue

Telluride Ski Resort satisfies every skier from the extreme adrenaline junkie to the mellow après aficionado. Skiers and boarders can cruise groomers, crush chutes, jam rails, hike ridges or sit outside a European-inspired chalet and sip wine. It’s a place that makes its own rules, where those looking for the real deal when it comes to the authentic ski town experience always come back for more. Here are five reasons why.

Hike-To Terrain

Telluride Ski Resort is known for its bold, hike-to terrain. The shots off Black Iron Bowl and then farther to Palmyra Peak, at 13,320 feet, take in-bounds extreme terrain to a new level. The adjacent ridge, accessible from Revelation Lift, provides access to the Gold Hill Chutes, 10 couloirs that empty into a rolling bowl. The hike-to terrain offers fresh tracks and rowdy lines for the intrepid skier long after the last storm.

And the Rest of the Mountain

Despite Telluride’s renowned expert terrain, 59 percent of the ski resort is rated beginner or intermediate. Beginners can crush corduroy on Lift 10, while intermediates can access the top of the mountain and enjoy See Forever, a top-to-bottom, 2.3-mile groomer. Lift 5 offers playful intermediate bump runs from which skiers can graduate to Lift 9, known for popular black diamond runs like Mammoth and The Plunge. Park rats can choose from three terrain parks full of rails and jumps for all levels where Olympic silver medalist Gus Kenworthy got his start.

Small-Town Lines, Small-Town Vibe

On most days, Telluride can feel like your own private ski area. It is not uncommon to ski right past the rope maze and onto the chairlift, especially early in the morning. It’s just not an aggro type of place, unless it’s a powder day, when it’s game on. Even then, the culture of the resort mirrors the town’s friendly vibe. Most people are just stoked to be a part of the secret.

Elevated On-Mountain Dining

Is there anything more gratifying than a hearty lunch after a morning of skiing, or a snack and spirit at the end of the day? Telluride Ski Resort’s mountain dining scene thinks not. Nothing says refuel like a barbecue brisket sandwich or loaded baked potato at Gorrono Ranch mid-mountain. And nothing says sophisticated like the charcuterie platter and fine wines at Alpino Vino, an intimate fine dining chalet at the top of the mountain, or a crepe and anise under the over-sized canopy on the deck of Bon Vivant.

Unparalleled Beauty

The rugged San Juan Mountains are the crown jewel of Telluride Ski Resort. Seen from the ski resort they seem a little closer, higher, and more attainable. From Gold Hill Lift, the view of Bear Creek in the foreground of Little Wasatch and La Junta Peaks stuns; from Prospect Lift, the view of Alta Lakes Basin nestled below Silver Peak inspires; and the view of town from the steep drop of the famous Spiral Stairs ski run awes. Because the Gondola is free for pedestrian travel, even the non-skier can experience the beauty. Suffice it to say, there’s not a highway in sight and no turn without a view.