Telluride Resort Guide - Real Reviews From Real Skiers
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220,849 resort ratings from real skiers
Expert Analysis & Reviews

The Skiers' Guide to Telluride

Top Rated for
5.00 (1 Ratings)
Beginners
5.00 (2 Ratings)
Intermediates
4.57 (23 Ratings)
Eating Out
4.57 (14 Ratings)
Ski School Quality
4.56 (9 Ratings)
Experts
4.54 (24 Ratings)
Overall Rating
Ranked
29th
of 230 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.54
From 24 Reviews
149
Total Runs
8725
Bottom Elevation
13150
Top Elevation
2000
Skiable Terrain

Telluride Overview

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 is a wonderful city with plenty of things to do from shops, restaurants, hiking trails to amazing slopes."
Telluride
Ryan
beginner skier
"Great American Resort. Well linked runs , quiet slopes with lifts that link well. Great restaurants. A lot of off piste runs off the back of the resort."
Telluride
Anne
expert skier

The Skiing in Telluride

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.

"Widest variety of runs from greens to double black diamond. Plenty of lifts. Almost zero wait time to ride the chair lifts."
Telluride
Zachery
expert snowboarder
"This is one of my favorite spots to ski. Mountain and slopes are amazing, the black and double black are challenging, but in a good, entertaining way."
Telluride
Montse
advanced skier
Ranked Highly For
icon for Mogul Fields
Mogul Fields
2nd of 222 worldwide
icon for Eating Out
Eating Out
4th of 236 worldwide
icon for Après-Ski
Après-Ski
12th of 223 worldwide
icon for Quiet Slopes
Quiet Slopes
17th of 247 worldwide

Eating Out in Telluride

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.

The Après-Ski in Telluride

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 for Families

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

Accommodation Options in Telluride

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.

Environment and Sustainability in Telluride

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.

Telluride Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It

Based on our user reviews, these are the top 5 favourite aspects of Telluride:

Based on Snomad user reviews, here are the top five things they love about Telluride:

  1. Uncrowded slopes and minimal lift lines - As Mika, who works Trail Safety at Telluride, points out: "Telluride is far enough away from big cities that the lift lines average 2 to 4 minutes and the trails are never crowded."

  2. Terrain variety - Zachery, an expert snowboarder, highlighted the "widest variety of runs from greens to double black diamond." The mountain particularly excels in its expert terrain, with Anna mentioning "great off piste, trees, and moguls."

  3. The authentic town experience - Several users love the historic mining town character. As RICHARD, an intermediate skier, notes: "Don't stop at the mountain because town is just as fun with great food establishments and shops!"

  4. Family-friendly atmosphere - Ellis, an advanced skier, found it to be "the most family friendly place I'd ever been. People were unbelievably friendly, everywhere."

  5. Spectacular mountain views - Brooke describes the resort as "one of a kind and so unique. The views are incredible being surrounded by mountains in all directions."

Telluride Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better

Based on our user reviews, these are the top complaints about Telluride:

Based on the Snomad user reviews, here are the five main criticisms of Telluride:

  1. Extremely high prices - Charlene, an advanced snowboarder, mentions that "Telluride is out of control expensive!!! They cater to the ultra rich and don't give a shit about the locals or families." She estimates that a 5-day trip for a family of 4 can cost over £20,000 "on the cheap side."

  2. Remote location and difficult access - Multiple users highlight this issue. Michael, an advanced skier, notes it's "hard to get to," while Jeremy describes it as "difficult to access." Another reviewer mentions that the remoteness contributes to the lack of crowds but requires flying into Montrose followed by a 75-minute drive.

  3. Limited snowfall - Brett, who lives an hour away, points out that "they just don't get the big storms," suggesting inconsistent powder conditions.

  4. Zero free parking - This is specifically highlighted as a pain point by Charlene, adding to the overall expense of visiting.

  5. Management issues - A user who works as Trail Safety at the resort mentions that "maybe the higher terrain takes a while to open because ski patrol is sleeping in," suggesting some operational inefficiencies. Another user criticizes the management's pricing strategy, stating they "lost a star for management."

Recent Reviews

Telluride is in my view the best resort for intermediate skiing. Also it never seems busy, probably because you need to fly into Montrose and then have a 75 minute drive. The town of telluride is still like the old mining town. Many of the runs are well groomed and often not busy.
Family Friendliness
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
Telluride is the best of the West, quiet lift lines and great ski conditions equal FUN! Dont stop at the mountain because town is just as fun with great food establishments and shops!
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Telluride is a wonderful city with plenty of things to do from shops, restaurants, hiking trails to amazing slopes.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options

Telluride Resort Stats

Ski Terrain
24Beginner Runs
44Intermediate Runs
31Advanced Runs
50Expert Runs
4.6 milesLongest Run
2000 acresSkiable Terrain
220 hectaresSnow making
Elevation
13150 feetTop
8725 feetBottom
4425 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
2Gondolas / Cable Cars
9Chairlifts
Lift Pass Costs
$2460Season pass
$15077 days
$1651 day
Weather
219 inchesAverage annual snowfall

Telluride Travel Information

Airports
20min drive10KMsTelluride Regional Airport (TEX)
80min drive70KMsMontrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
160min drive130KMsDurango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
Train Stations
130min drive125KMsDurango Amtrak Station (Durango, CO)

FAQs Skiers' Most Asked Questions

Telluride FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions

Is Telluride snow-sure?

Telluride offers relatively good snow reliability with its high elevation (2,659m-4,008m), but isn't completely snow-sure. Brett, a local Snomad user, notes "Great place when it dumps... downside they just don't get the big storms." Another user, Charlie, mentioned spring skiing with "14ish inches in 2 days" but observed some dirt showing on double black mogul runs. The resort compensates with excellent grooming, earning 4.50/5 for groomed runs.

What mountain range is Telluride part of?

Telluride Ski Resort is located in the San Juan Mountains, a rugged subrange of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Known for its dramatic peaks and stunning scenery, this range creates Telluride's renowned challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas. Our users consistently praise the mountain setting, with one Snomad community member noting it's "surrounded by mountains in all directions" with "incredible views."

When does the ski season start and end in Telluride?

Telluride's ski season typically runs from late November (usually around American Thanksgiving) to early April, with exact dates varying based on snow conditions. The resort aims for a reliable 5-month season, though our users note that late-season visits can occasionally reveal patchy coverage on some double blacks. One Snomad community member mentioned that despite being farther from major cities, Telluride maintains 4.50/5 for groomed runs throughout the season.

Is Telluride good for beginners?

Yes, Telluride shines for beginners, earning 5.00/5 for beginner-friendly terrain. Ryan, a beginner skier, describes it as "a wonderful city with plenty of things to do" alongside "amazing slopes." With 24 dedicated beginner runs, novices have plenty of space to progress. A particularly family-friendly atmosphere makes it welcoming for learners, and the resort offers excellent ski school quality ({{RATING_SKI_SCHOOL_QUALITY}}). The free gondola connecting the town and mountain village is particularly helpful for beginners navigating the resort.

Is Telluride good for intermediate skiers?

Telluride is exceptional for intermediates, earning a perfect 5.00/5 rating. With 44 intermediate runs spanning the mountain, there's plenty to explore. One Snomad community member described it as "the best resort for intermediate skiing." The well-groomed runs and minimal crowds create ideal learning conditions. The free gondola connecting the mountain village and town adds convenience, while the variety of terrain allows progression at your own pace.

Is Telluride good for advanced skiers?

Telluride is excellent for advanced skiers, scoring 4.42/5 in our advanced skiing category. Users praise its diverse terrain options and minimal crowds. Anna, an expert skier, highlights "great off piste, trees, and moguls" while Mika recommends Palmyra Peak for an unforgettable experience. With 31 advanced runs and terrain that one Snomad user describes as "gnarly and diverse," advanced skiers will find plenty of challenging slopes without the lift queues found at more accessible resorts.

Is Telluride good for expert skiers?

Telluride excels for expert skiers with a 4.56/5 rating. The resort offers challenging terrain like Palmyra Peak, which one Snomad user calls "a day you'll never forget." With minimal lift queues and diverse off-piste options, expert zones rarely feel crowded. Anna, an expert skier, highlights "great off-piste, trees, and moguls." While it's remote and pricey, many users agree the exceptional expert terrain and hike-to areas make it worth the journey.

Is Telluride good for non-skiers?

Telluride offers plenty for non-skiers. The free gondola connecting Mountain Village and downtown Telluride provides spectacular views without needing to ski. The historic mining town has charming shops, excellent restaurants scoring 4.57/5 for dining options, and cultural attractions. Snomad users mention the "cute town" and that it's "a national treasure" with "plenty of things to do from shops, restaurants, hiking trails." Perfect for those who prefer après without the ski.

Is there snow at Christmas in Telluride?

Telluride typically has good snow coverage at Christmas, though it's not guaranteed. Brett, who lives an hour away, mentions the resort can be awesome when it dumps, but doesn't always get big storms. With a top elevation of 4008m, Telluride's high altitude helps maintain snow conditions. Our users rate the resort 4.54/5 overall, with winter snowfall usually providing sufficient base for Christmas skiing.

Where should I stay in Telluride and what type of accommodation is available?

You can choose between two main areas in Telluride: the historic town or Mountain Village. The town offers Victorian-era charm with hotels, condos and rental homes within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Mountain Village provides ski-in/ski-out luxury accommodations, including high-end hotels and spacious condos. As one Snomad user mentions, "We stayed at an amazing ski-in, ski-out condo and I'd return in a second." The free gondola connects both areas, making either location convenient.

What's the best way to get to Telluride?

For international travellers, flying to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most convenient option, followed by a 75-minute drive to Telluride. Alternatively, you can fly into larger airports like Denver International and connect to Telluride via smaller aircraft or ground transportation. One Snomad user noted, "You need to fly into Montrose and then have a 75 minute drive," which contributes to the resort's famously quiet slopes (4.52/5).