A repeat winner of Conde Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Ski Resort in North America, Telluride is the real deal. But it isn’t just a great ski resort –Telluride is also unique. What makes this place stand out? Here are our top five reasons:

WORLD CLASS SKIING

Telluride has something for everyone from the most extreme skier in your group to the king or queens of the bunny slope. Groomers, bumps, chutes, parks, and an extensive hike-to network, Telluride Ski Resort has it all.  And the icing on the cake, in Telluride lift lines are the exception rather than rule.

SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG PERSONALITY

There are ski resorts and there are ski towns. Telluride is the latter. Here, you can spend days exploring the shops, eclectic cafes, gourmet restaurants, yoga studios, art galleries and day spas that line Main Street. Chairlifts ascend the mountain from town and you’ll see that they are a part of it, rather than an extension of it. You’ll see more bikes than cars, and realize that lift lines are the exception rather than the rule.

THE FREE GONDOLA CONNECTS OLD WITH NEW

The Free Gondola, or “G”, as it is endearingly called, doesn't only ferry skiers to the middle of the mountain, it serves as free transportation connecting the area's two complimentary towns: the funky, eclectic Town of Telluride and the contemporary, amenity-rich Mountain Village. The Gondola, acts as a ski lift, shuttle, romantic evening interlope and hours of entertainment for the youngest in your family (who often comment “this is better than a ride at Disneyland”).

ADVENTURE BEYOND THE MOUNTAIN

Adventure in Telluride may start on the ski resort, but definitely does not end there. The idea here is to get out in the mountains however you can; from snowshoes to snowmobiles, the options are endless. Free groomed Nordic trails crisscross the Valley Floor in town and climb up and down the snow-covered fairways throughout Mountain Village. Outdoor retailers offer guided snowshoeing and snowmobiling tours or options to pedal fat bikes to the local brewery.

EASY TO GET TO

There are 15 direct flights to the Telluride/Montrose Airport (MTJ) from 11 different hubs across the U.S. Connect through Denver on United and land at the Telluride Airport (TEX), just 10 minutes from town. With so many direct flights, flying to your favorite mountain resort is ridiculously easy.

Call 1-800-622-0986 to start planning your Telluride winter ski trip or book at visittelluride.com. 

Video by Brett Schreckengost