The Skiers' Guide to Telluride

Nestled in a remote corner of Colorado, Telluride combines challenging terrain, spectacular scenery and an authentic mining town atmosphere. This hidden gem scores an overall rating of 4.54/5 from our Snomad community, who particularly value its uncrowded slopes and exceptional skiing experience.

Sitting at altitudes between 2,659m and 4,008m, Telluride offers impressive vertical drops and snow reliability. The resort comprises two distinct areas: the historic town of Telluride and Mountain Village, connected by a free gondola that runs late into the evening.

One Snomad community member liked that "Telluride is the best of the West, quiet lift lines and great ski conditions equal FUN!" The resort's remoteness – requiring a flight to Montrose followed by a 75-minute drive – keeps crowds at bay, resulting in impressively quiet slopes (4.52/5) and minimal lift queues.

Telluride boasts 149 runs spread across varied terrain that caters to all abilities. The breakdown includes 24 beginner runs, 44 intermediate runs, and 31 advanced runs, serviced by 11 lifts (2 gondolas and 9 chairlifts).

The resort shines for intermediates (5.00/5) and beginners (5.00/5). One advanced skier commented, "Telluride is in my view the best resort for intermediate skiing." The groomed runs (4.50/5) receive high praise, with many users noting they're well-maintained and rarely busy.

For advanced skiers, Telluride offers challenging terrain including mogul fields (4.35/5) and excellent off-piste options (4.45/5). A user who is an advanced skier mentioned, "Great expert terrain," while another highlighted "great off-piste, trees, and moguls." Palmyra Peak provides an unforgettable experience for those willing to hike for their turns.

The resort scores well for tree runs (4.41/5), with one skier commenting, "All the runs are great the glade runs are nice and there are lots of side trails you can take which are fun." There are decent powder zones (4.14/5), though some users note that big snowfalls aren't as frequent as at other Colorado resorts.

Telluride scores exceptionally for eating out (4.57/5), with the majority of users thinking the culinary scene is a highlight. The resort offers a range of dining options across both Mountain Village and the historic town.

"The restaurants are so good and always worth going to," says one expert skier. Another mentions "great food establishments" that complement the skiing experience. The dining scene caters to various tastes and budgets, though some users note that affordable options are limited.

A Snomad user from the UK appreciated the "great restaurants" throughout the resort, while another commented that Telluride has "lots of restaurants" contributing to its "fun vibe." The combination of quality mountain dining and town-based eateries ensures skiers have plenty of choices after a day on the slopes.

Telluride delivers a strong après-ski experience (4.48/5) that blends Western charm with sophisticated options. The après scene is split between the historic mining town and the more upscale Mountain Village, offering variety for different tastes.

"Town is just as fun with great food establishments and shops!" enthuses one intermediate skier. The free gondola connecting the two areas runs until midnight, making it easy to enjoy both atmospheres in one evening.

The historic town delivers a more authentic experience with characterful bars and a friendly vibe. One advanced skier described it as having a "good social, bar, and dining scene" while noting it's "still somewhat protected from the masses you run into at other resorts."

Several users mentioned fire pits that create gathering spots, with one saying, "The fire pit below our lodging was lit at 6 in the morning and stayed lit until midnight."

Telluride scores exceptionally well for family friendliness (4.39/5) and ski school quality (4.57/5). The resort provides excellent learning environments and varied terrain suitable for all ages and abilities.

An advanced skier from Mexico commented, "Never had an issue with the kids, there were a lot of family-friendly options." Another skier was more emphatic: "I found it to be the most family friendly place I'd ever been. Half days meant whatever half you wanted."

The free gondola between Mountain Village and Telluride town is a hit with families, providing not just transport but entertainment with spectacular views. As one intermediate snowboarder put it: "Cute town and loved the free gondola that connected the town and mountain village."

The friendly atmosphere extends throughout the resort, with one user noting: "People were unbelievably friendly, everywhere." This welcoming environment, combined with excellent facilities and accommodating ski programmes, makes Telluride an outstanding choice for family ski holidays

Telluride offers impressive accommodation options (4.41/5) split between the historic town and the purpose-built Mountain Village. The two areas provide distinctly different experiences, with the town offering charm and the village prioritising convenience.

Ski-in/ski-out options are plentiful in Mountain Village, with one advanced skier commenting, "We stayed at an amazing ski-in, ski-out condo and I'd return in a second." The village area focuses on luxury accommodation with direct access to the slopes.

The historic town offers more characterful lodging options, and while not slope-side, the free gondola provides easy access to the skiing. As one Snomad user noted, "Even if it's not near the skiing area, it is quite easy and trouble-free to get there."

Several users highlight the availability of good ski valet services, though many mention the high prices. One advanced snowboarder warned, "Telluride is out of control expensive!!! They cater to the ultra-rich." However, the quality of accommodation generally justifies the premium prices.

Telluride has made strides in sustainability, though it's not the most vocal about its environmental initiatives. The resort operates a free gondola transportation system that significantly reduces car traffic and emissions between the town and Mountain Village. This public transport backbone is complemented by free shuttles around the resort areas.

The resort's relatively compact development has helped preserve the surrounding natural beauty. Telluride's water conservation efforts include modern snowmaking systems designed to minimise water usage while maximising efficiency.

However, the remote location means many visitors arrive by plane and private vehicles, creating a substantial carbon footprint. The resort could improve transparency around its environmental goals and specific initiatives to establish itself as a leader in mountain sustainability.