Originally home to the Ute Indians, a mining boom in the late 1800s brought a wave of settlers to Telluride. This was followed by an economic slump that saw the city become a ghost town until the Telluride Ski Resort was founded in 1972. The resort is now one of the best places for skiing in Colorado, voted number one in America multiple times by Condé Nast Magazine. In the summer, tourists come for its vibrant festivals and to hike in the nearby mountains and forests, visiting lakes and waterfalls.
Wondering what to do in Telluride? Covering 2,000 acres, the ski resort is the main draw and boasts 148 trails suitable for all abilities, from beginner to expert skiers. Its base is Mountain Village, a European-style hub which is connected to Telluride by a free gondola. As part of the Rocky Mountains, the area sees nearly 300 inches of snow each year and is open from November until early April. There’s a ski school for children and novices, as well as 17 lifts and a maximum elevation of 13,150 feet. One of the highlights is the longest, 4.6-mile-long run, Galloping Goose.
There’s plenty to explore in Telluride itself, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Top sights include the 1913 Sheridan Opera House, which is now a performing arts venue, the Palm Theatre and the Telluride Historical Museum, which tells the story of the town. Stroll down Colorado Avenue to see Victorian houses and brownstones, visit the Old Town Jail and the first bank Butch Cassidy robbed, which lies on the site of the Appaloosa Trading Company.
In the summer, Telluride serves as a base for outdoor adventures. Head to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest, 365-foot waterfall, or the nearby Alta Lakes. Favourite hiking trails include Imogene Pass and Bear Creek and there’s plenty of mountain biking trails. Try your hand at rafting on the San Miguel River or rent paddle boards and kayaks from Telluride Outside. There’s even rock climbing and Telluride Golf Club’s 18-hole course, which lies in the Sneffels Range.
The legendary Telluride Film Festival, established in the 70s, takes place every Labor Day Weekend. Film stars, directors and fans descend on the town for screenings and discussions in 10 different locations. The film selections are famously kept a secret until opening day. Other Telluride summer festivals take place in the peaceful Town Park, including the Bluegrass and Ride music festivals in June and July.
Enjoy a variety of restaurants in Telluride, from European to American and Asian fare. Top picks include Altezza at The Peaks and Alpino Vino, a European Hütte on Gold Hill, which has a fine-dining Italian menu and is America’s highest-altitude restaurant. Don’t miss Siam for Thai food and the New Sheridan Chop House for steaks. Take a tour at the Telluride Brewing Company and ride the gondola for contemporary American cuisine at Allred’s Restaurant.
There’s a wide range of Telluride hotels to choose from, including luxury inns. Among these are the Victorian-era Dunton Town House and the New Sheridan Hotel on Colorado Avenue, which was first opened in 1891 and rebuilt after a fire a few years later. The Auberge Residences at Element 52 has two heated pools and a fitness centre. If you prefer to stay in nearby Mountain Village for skiing, the Lumière is ideally located and the Madeline has a spa, pool and two restaurants.
Want to visit Colorado? Get private jet charter flights to Telluride to experience this alpine wonderland.
