Telluride, Colorado, often whispered among ski aficionados, stands as a beacon for those seeking an unparalleled mountain experience. Far removed from bustling cityscapes and crowded airports, this southwestern Colorado gem offers a unique confluence of challenging terrain, breathtaking scenery, and an authentic ski culture that captivates visitors from every corner of the globe. Having explored Telluride across numerous visits, encountering conditions ranging from excellent to legendary, we bring you an in-depth review to help you decide if this is your next dream ski destination.
Telluride Mountain Stats at a Glance
| Feature | Statistic | Rank (Among North American Resorts) |
|---|---|---|
| Real Vertical Drop | 3,845 feet | 7th |
| Skiable Acreage | 2,000 acres | 44th |
| Average Annual Snowfall | 276 inches (Actual) | 57th |
| Number of Ski Pods | 10 | 20th |
| Distinct Trails | 125 | 22nd |
| Review Date | Multiple visits 1978-2021 | N/A |
| Number of Visits | 5+ | N/A |
| Our Rating | ★★★★★ | N/A |
| Resort Website | Telluride Ski Resort | N/A |
Telluride Ski Resort: A Detailed Review from a Seasoned Skier
Our connection with Telluride began in March 2015, marking our first shared experience on its slopes. However, my personal history with this mountain stretches back to its early days in the 1970s. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Telluride’s evolution from a quaint, almost secretive ski hill, into the world-class destination it is today. The 2014-15 season was particularly generous with snowfall, with several feet of fresh powder blanketing the resort just prior to our trip. This initial encounter sparked a lasting love affair, drawing us back to make the scenic drive to Telluride time and again.
Accommodation Options: Village vs. Town
When planning your Telluride ski trip, lodging is a key consideration. Due to its remote location, staying in or very near Telluride is almost essential. You have two primary choices: the Mountain Village, perched above the town and connected by a free, scenic gondola, or the historic town of Telluride nestled in the valley below. Conveniently, lifts access the slopes from both locations, eliminating morning bottlenecks. While both the Village and Town boast a diverse array of restaurants and après-ski options, Telluride town on Main Street is where you’ll find the more vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss the experience of riding the free gondola at night for stunning illuminated views of the town and surrounding peaks – a truly memorable sight.
From Bump Runs to Groomed Perfection: Telluride’s Terrain Transformation
In its nascent years of the 70s and 80s, Telluride earned a reputation for its challenging, mogul-laden runs. Before advancements in grooming technology, many of the front-side trails descending into town were left ungroomed due to their steep pitch, becoming havens for bump enthusiasts but less accessible for the average skier.
Today, the landscape has dramatically changed. Significant investments in snowmaking and grooming equipment have transformed many of these formerly mogul-dominated slopes into impeccably groomed cruisers. Coonskin, easily accessed from the gondola, quickly became a favorite of ours for early morning laps. This area often remains less crowded than the main Village side, as many skiers tend to head directly uphill, making it a hidden gem even on busier days.
Exploring the Village Side: Intermediate Terrain and Beyond
The majority of Telluride’s skiable terrain lies on the Mountain Village side. Intermediate skiers often gravitate towards the Polar Queen Express, Village Express, and Prospect Bowl Express lifts. Prospect Bowl stands out among these for offering slightly steeper intermediate runs. However, when compared to other major Colorado resorts, these runs, while enjoyable, are not exceptionally unique. This highlights a characteristic of Telluride – its terrain tends to be polarized between very steep and relatively flat. For purely intermediate skiers, resorts like Copper Mountain or Vail might offer a more consistently tailored experience.
Beginner-Friendly Slopes: A Paradise for New Skiers
While advanced and expert skiers are undeniably drawn to Telluride’s legendary steeps, beginners are equally well catered for. Sunshine Express and the Chondola provide access to extensive beginner terrain. While Sunshine does have some runs labeled intermediate, they are quite gentle, leaning more towards the beginner end of the spectrum. For those just starting out, these lifts unlock a vast area that surpasses the beginner offerings of many other large resorts, making Telluride surprisingly beginner-friendly.
Upper Mountain Lifts: Where the True Telluride Adventure Begins
For seasoned skiers, the real allure of Telluride lies in its upper mountain terrain. Each of the higher elevation lifts grants access to at least one steep, meticulously groomed run. However, for the ultimate challenge, venturing off-piste is where Telluride truly shines.
Gold Hill Express: Expert Terrain and Wind-Sculpted Snow
The Gold Hill Express lift serves exclusively expert terrain. Expect steep pitches and wind-affected snow conditions. However, the wind can also be your ally, depositing pockets of deep snow in sheltered chutes. While exposed areas can become wind-scoured, the unique and challenging terrain accessed by this high-speed quad is a definite highlight of the Telluride experience. Although under typical snow conditions, the number of readily skiable lines for even advanced skiers might seem limited, the experience is unforgettable.
For the truly adventurous, hiking to Palmyra Peak at 13,320 feet unlocks even more extreme chutes. My own venture to the Gold Hill Chutes, specifically chute #9, involved a 45-minute hike. The ascent includes the infamous “Gold Hill Stairs,” a walkway that adds a thrilling (or slightly terrifying!) element to the experience. Reaching the top, finding a secure spot to strap in, and then dropping into the intensely steep chutes is an adrenaline rush unlike any other. This is legendary terrain that will etch itself into your memory, a must-do for expert skiers seeking the ultimate test.
Apex Lift: Steep Groomers with a Historical Twist
The Apex lift offers a surprising mix of double-blue steep groomers. Interestingly, in the 1980s, all runs in this area were classified as black diamond. Again, advancements in snowmaking and grooming, potentially coupled with terrain re-grading, have broadened the appeal to strong intermediate skiers. While enjoyable, Apex serves as a warm-up for the even more impressive terrain found on Revelation.
Revelation Bowl: High Altitude Powder and Panoramic Views
Revelation Bowl, the newest addition to Telluride, summits at an impressive 12,570 feet, the highest lift-served point on the mountain. This vast, partially groomed bowl is known for its exceptional snow quality, often sheltered from harsh winds. While some skiers may find themselves in over their heads here, Revelation rewards those with the skills to navigate its slopes with incredible powder and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Given its popularity, upgrading the Revelation lift to a high-speed quad would be a welcome improvement.
The Plunge Lift: Groomed Steeps of Legendary Status
The Plunge lift at Telluride stands out as the best lift experience of any resort we’ve reviewed. Until the 2022-23 season, it was a slow, fixed-grip triple, but it accessed the three finest steep groomers we’ve ever skied. Bushwacker, in particular, was a standout favorite. The views of Telluride town and the surrounding San Juan Mountains from these runs are simply mesmerizing. The entire experience is so exceptional, it almost feels surreal. The upgrade to a high-speed quad for the 2022-23 season was long overdue but greatly appreciated, enhancing access to this phenomenal terrain.
Dining and On-Mountain Lodges: Fueling Your Ski Day
Telluride’s on-mountain lodges are undeniably impressive. While we typically opt for the diverse independent eateries in Mountain Village or ski down to Telluride town for lunch, the on-mountain dining options appear plentiful. However, they often seem crowded, and some require reservations. We did try Big Billie’s cafeteria at the base of the Chondola once, but found it to be fairly standard ski resort cafeteria fare, perhaps better suited for ski school groups.
A Unique Local Vibe: The Heart of Telluride
On the Plunge lift, we had the pleasure of meeting a true Telluride local – a skier who has skied every single day of the season since the 1970s, missing only a few days due to a hospital stay. Everyone seemed to know him, and he had even been featured in the local magazine. This encounter perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Telluride – a place so captivating that one could happily ski there every day for a lifetime. This unwavering passion and deep connection to the mountain are key reasons why Telluride holds the top spot on our list.
The Peaks: Telluride’s Strengths
- World-Class Steep Groomers: Home to the best steep groomed runs on the planet.
- Unrivaled Scenery: Offering the most stunning mountain views of any US ski resort.
- Top-Tier Terrain Variety and Quality: Unmatched terrain diversity and quality in North America.
- Charming Colorado Ski Town: Authentic and picturesque mountain town atmosphere.
- Exceptional Grooming: Consistently impeccable grooming across the mountain.
- Significant Vertical Drop: Impressive and leg-burning vertical descent.
The Valleys: Areas for Consideration
- Less Snowfall Compared to Some Colorado Resorts: May receive slightly less snow than other Colorado destinations.
- High Cost of Everything: Expect premium pricing, especially for lodging.
- Challenging Accessibility: Remote location can make travel more complex.
- Terrain Bias: Terrain leans heavily towards steep or flat, with a relative scarcity of true intermediate-focused runs.
Verdict: Will We Return to Telluride?
Without hesitation, yes! Telluride reigns supreme as our top-rated ski resort. We’ve even entertained dreams of owning a condo in Mountain Village to maximize our time here. While that remains a future aspiration, we will continue to visit Telluride whenever possible. For expert skiers, and even adventurous beginners willing to embrace a unique and challenging mountain, Telluride is an absolute must-visit.
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