With the hope brought by a new President, plenty of early snow fall and the COVID-safe season openings of US ski resorts just two weeks away, we thought it time to #TravelFromHome to Telluride! Once considered the best kept secret in Colorado, this gorgeously scenic mountain is tucked into a box canyon surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks and offers some of the most spectacular skiing and riding in North America. As we get ready to swelter into a full Aussie summer, don’t forget that you can still explore your favourite northern hemisphere snow destinations and get plenty of inspiration for your next snow holiday via our Virtual Snow Show.
Bringing together the best of both worlds, the resort of Telluride is split into two areas which are linked by a free gondola which runs from 7am until midnight. There is the main town of Telluride, and the Mountain Village, with most hotels and condominiums within walking distance to the lifts and gondola. Telluride is a cosy, friendly town blending historic buildings and local watering holes with restaurants and great shopping, while Mountain Village is an alpine town offering ski-in/ski-out access, great restaurants and a fantastic village vibe.
Read on for more on why we can’t wait to get back to Telluride with our Eat Stay Play guide below and head to our Virtual Snow Show for the full destination guide and more Telluride travel inspiration.
EAT – On mountain dining at Alpino Vino
Unlike the quick pit stop, refuel and run experience of a lot of snow holiday dining, the on-mountain restaurants of Telluride are something special.
Alpino Vino, the highest elevation fine-dining restaurant in North America at 11,966 feet, is an exclusive, yet quaint European hütte offering leisurely lunches and evening dining experiences like no other! Ski-in during the day or travel via an enclosed snow-coach at night to peruse a world class wine list and enjoy Chef Nicola Peccedis Italian Alpine gourmet comfort food. Originally a private retreat built on a historic mining claim, Alpino Vino offers fantastic views of the Wilson Range with an appropriately Italian alps themed al a carte lunch menu and five-course dinner menu, including optional wine pairing. The expansive multi-tiered deck with its European teak furniture, coveted daybed and comfortable sheepskin throws is truly a unique spot to celebrate the day over a glass of wine, beer or digestif in a charmingly rustic outdoor setting. Inside, furniture crafted from reclaimed wine barrels, exposed wood beams, stone floors, and wood-burning fireplace provide a high alpine ambiance reminiscent of restaurants found throughout the Dolomites of Northern Italy.
STAY – Madeline Hotel & Residences
There are two areas to stay when visiting Telluride – the Mountain Village which is great for families, and the historical town of Telluride which is full of truly great restaurants, fun bars and shopping at local boutiques.
Located in the heart of the Mountain Village, Madeline Hotel & Residences is an ideal place to call home while visiting Telluride. The five-star property features a range of accommodation options from hotel rooms, one- or two-bedroom suites, and self-contained residences of up to four bedrooms with large kitchens and living spaces. Hotel amenities include ski-in/ski-out access (a few steps to ski school), beautiful rooftop pool overlooking the San Juan Mountains, extensive fitness center, yoga and Pilates studio, newly expanded M Lounge bar for great apres ski, fireside dining at Black Iron Kitchen + Bar, and an inviting spa for after a day on the slopes.
PLAY – Hike to terrain of Black Iron Bowl
Telluride is a wonderful destination to explore for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, but it’s one of our top recommended resorts for this seeking a challenge. There are nearly 2,100 acres of terrain with an additional 44 acres recently added to the already expansive expert and advanced gladed terrain. There’s also Black Iron Bowl – an upper-mountain area accessible by taking the lift to the highest point then a short hike out Prospect Ridge.
Named for an old mining claim, Black Iron Bowl is a signature Telluride experience for in-bounds hiking, where advanced skiers and boarders enjoy fresh tracks virtually all season. Skiers and riders may drop in anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes hiking time along the ridge. Dropping 1,000 vertical feet on the primary pitches, terrain includes the expansive Mountain Quail couloir, European-style faces, open glades and steep chutes. Trails include Westlake, Lakeview, Review, Dihedral Chute, Dihedral Face, Jello’s Bowl and Nice Chute.
Head to our Virtual Snow Show to experience this incredible resort from home and reach out to our team to start planning your 2021/22 snow travels to Telluride.