With more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most highly regarded ski spots in the country. Situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, this massive resort boasts 127 total trails, numerous 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, and dozens of skiing areas, including hike-to terrains, terrain parks and even Nordic skiing.
A true haven for adventurers, Telluride offers activities for just about every age group and skill level. Even visitors with no interest in skiing or snowboarding can appreciate this resort as they offer tons of summertime activities to ensure year-round enjoyment.
With beautiful scenery, amazing amenities, and non-stop fun, it’s no wonder Conde Nast named Telluride America’s Best Ski Resort in 2012, 2013 and 2014. SKI Magazine also donned Telluride the best resort in Colorado.
Hike-to Terrains
If you’re looking for a challenge, stop by one of Telluride’s many hike-to terrains. Take the 20-minute hike up Bald Mountain, and view the historic mining town of Alta just below the summit. With just a 15 to 30-minute hike up the mountain, you can ski the epic Gold Hill Chutes, or head to the Black Iron Bowl, where seven exciting chutes await your arrival.
For the truly advanced skiers and boarders, there’s Palmyra Peak, which boasts 2,000 feet of terrain on the north face of a 13,000-foot peak. The hike time for this one is more than an hour, but the view and the ski terrain are unparalleled and worth every grueling minute of the hike.
Terrain Parks
A number of terrain parks offer skiing and boarding options for beginners and seasoned experts. At Ute Park, you will find 25 beginner and 25 intermediate features, including a mini half-pipe, small jumps, and rails.
At Hoot Brown, you can enjoy either an intermediate or an advanced terrain park, with each offering a unique set of jumps, wall rides, rails, barrel rolls and more. Skiers and boarders not so comfortable with testing their park skills may consider taking some instructional classes at Telluride’s on-site ski and snowboarding school. They offer private lessons, children’s lessons, group lessons and more.
Nordic Skiing
Ifyou’re not a thrill-seeking skier, head to the top of Lift 10, and you’ll arrive at the TopAten Snowshoe and Nordic area, which features ten full kilometers of trails and terrain. You can snowshoe or ski Nordic-style while experiencing the amazing views of Palmyra Peak, the Prospect Bowl and other mountains in the area.
Winter Fun for the Whole Family
Though Telluride is certainly known for its stellar ski and snowboarding opportunities, the options for fun and excitement don’t stop there. Telluride offers a whole slew of activities that any visitor can enjoy, regardless of age or skill level or outdoor activity desires. Just head to the Adventure Center and try out any one of the numerous winter or summer activities Options include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, snow biking, dog sledding, fat biking, cat skiing, or ice climbing. Telluride also offers activities for the kiddos, with options like sleigh rides, guided snowshoe tours, eco-exploration classes and even enrichment programs, like candle making or ice skating.
As your appetite grows from all the physical activity, think about scooting over to enjoy one of dozens of restaurants in the area, which offer everything from pizza and plain old American food to tapas and New Orleans-inspired fare. And if that wasn’t enough take a stroll over to the area’s spas, salons, boutiques and shops for some casual activities as well.
On the other side of the resort, you’ll find the Telluride Town Park Campground, the Telluride Golf Course, and Trout Lake, which offer fishing, hiking and more. So no matter what mood you’re in, there’s always something waiting for you at Telluride.
Summer Activities
In the summertime, the Telluride Activities Center ramps it up even more, offering ATV tours, a bungee trampoline, paddle boarding, paragliding and much more! Unlike most ski resorts, Telluride doesn’t shut down once the snow melts. In fact, it offers just as many summer activities.
The center doesn’t just cater to the adrenaline junkies, either. Leisure activities include photography, horseback riding and fly fishing. With so much to enjoy there is no wonder it ranks among the country’s top resorts for year-round enjoyment.
Next time you’re looking for a scenic, relaxing and downright fun family getaway, think Telluride. With hundreds of activities and award-winning slopes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a resort this enjoyable and appealing. The resort offers child-care on site, so if you’re looking to get in a day of fast-paced skiing or boarding without the kids, Telluride makes it easy.