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Ski Resort Telluride in Aspen: Position on map

Telluride Ski Resort

Trail Map Telluride

The Ski Resort

View from San Sophia Outlook towards the black diamond trail Milk Run. Both Free Gondola and Coonskin Lift can be spotted in the background.
View from San Sophia Outlook towards the black diamond trail Milk Run. Both Free Gondola and Coonskin Lift can be spotted in the background. © TouriSpo

Telluride ski resort, situated in the southwest of Colorado, is one of the most popular US ski resorts, especially due to its amazing off-piste terrain. More than 41% of the 127 runs are for experts only. Averaging a snow fall of 7,5 meter (24 feet) per season makes it even more appealing to powder fans. Furthermore, Telluride enjoys up to 300 sunny days a year, so it's pretty blessed with good weather.

Start off by taking the gondola straight from Mountain Village to the ski resort. Situated around Chondola 1 and Village 4 lift are some awesome beginner trails and trails for intermediate riders. If you're looking for this kind of run, you should definitely ski the trails off Sunshine Express. The Palmyra lift features the best runs for people who already gained some more experience.

The run See Forever, following the ridge, is among the highlights in the resort. The higher you get up the mountain the more challenging the terrain becomes. Hit up Plunge lift and you'll drop into a handful of black trails. Back-country fans should ski the Black Iron Bowl, the Gold Hill Chutes as well as the Palmyra Peak. Those are accessible through the Prospect Express and walking the rest.

Three terrain parks are waiting for snowboarders and freestylers. The Ute Park is equally designated to skiers and riders who are new to the terrain park environment and intermediate freestylers. This is a great place to become comfortable on this type of snow features and on the 25 different obstacles you'll find here.

The Hoot Brown Intermediate Park speaks for itself and is best for those who already gained some experience. Hoot Brown Advanced Park has got you covered if you want to ski and ride where professionals do. To access the park just ride Village Express or Town Gondola and head towards the Butterfly Piste. Massive jumps, terrifying rails and additional freestyle elements wait for you landing the tricks.

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Interesting facts

  • Telluride is among the 10 best rated Ski Resorts in the USA.
  • Elevated between 2,659 m and 4,008 m, the Ski Resort is among the 3 highest elevated Ski Resorts in the USA. The vertical drop from summit to base is 1,349 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in the USA is 374 m. Most runs are therefore relatively long.
  • During the season the average snow depth at Telluride is 132 cm. Snow coverage is usually best during March, offering an average base depth of 160 cm. Therefore Telluride is among the 5 ski Resorts with best snow conditions in the USA.
  • Telluride features 49 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in the USA is 47 sunny days. February is the sunniest month with an average of 14 sunny days.

Snow Safety & Snowmaking

Snowmaking Share
11%
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On Mountain Dining

The Gorrono Ranch serves true American classics. It is located next to the Misty Maiden trail under the Village Express.
The Gorrono Ranch serves true American classics. It is located next to the Misty Maiden trail under the Village Express. © TouriSpo

Check out the numerous on-mountain dining options at Telluride. If you are into American classics, such as hearty burgers or a hot and spicy chili, you should head to the Gorrono Ranch located on Misty Maiden trail under the Village Express.

Giuseppe's, located at the top of the Plunge Lift, surprises its guests with New Orleans-inspired fare and thus definitely provides for some nice variety. The High Camp Warming Hut is for all those who love sandwiches, soups, or snacks for lunch. It is also located on-mountain at the top of Prospect Express. Big Billie's is a nice venue for some quality family dining at the base of Chondola.

Must-Ski Runs

Due to a mix of quality terrain at all points on the mountain, Telluride offers a genuine mountain experience for all levels of skiers.
Due to a mix of quality terrain at all points on the mountain, Telluride offers a genuine mountain experience for all levels of skiers. © TouriSpo

You can either take trails descending into Mountain Village or Telluride. Just keep in mind that all trails down to Telluride are for intermediate and expert skiers only and beginners should probably steer clear of them. However, they can hit the easy run down to Mountain Village.

The longest trail is the 4,3 miles long Galloping Goose that boasts a height difference of 2,624 feet. The toughest run, Millions, comprises 1,476 feet in length, but holds some pretty tough challenges for everyone.

Longest Runs

Galloping Goose
Length: km
Vertical Drop: 800 m

Most Difficult Runs

Millions
Length: km
Vertical Drop: 450 m
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Videos

02:13
#SkiTelluride - Get Ready for Winter!
02:10
Telluride Season Recap 2016
02:58
Helicopter Tour of Telluride
09:20
Telluride - Top to Bottom

Activities

Hoot Brown terrain park offers specific domains for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.
Hoot Brown terrain park offers specific domains for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. © TouriSpo

If you consider yourself an experienced skier, join a guide and go backcountry skiing in the Sun Juan mountains, get yourself on the helicopter for some fun heli-skiing, or go cat skiing atop Molas Pass in deep snowpack.

Dog Sledding is a thrilling adventure for both the young and the old and one of those things to do that are not possible in too many places. It definitely is an experience to remember while getting the chance to see the true beauty of Telluride's nature. Moreover, you could also do a fat bike tour or go ice climbing, which Telluride is known for. Ice climbing tours are available for each ability level. Snowmobiling, Snowbiking, or snowshoeing are great to explore the alpine beauty of the ski resort. While the former put their focus on action, the latter is to explore parts of the resort you wouldn't be able to see on your skis.

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Après-Ski and Nightlife

Cocktail lovers should definitely pay a visit to Tomboy Tavern, located in the Mountain Village. The comfy umbrella bar is an awesome spot for nights surrounded by nice people and tasty drinks. Besides, it serves casual American cuisine, so your cravings should be satisfied.

The Fly Me to the Moon Saloon is the place where there's never ever a shortage of live music. Go and enjoy both local and national music acts. Another bar that owns great reputation for its nightlife is the Last Dollar Saloon in the historic Victorian city center of Telluride. Among locals it is known as The Buck. The New Sheridan Bar, O'Bannons Irish Pub and There are further reccommendations for nice cocktails or craft beer evenings.

Dining and Restaurants

The Cosmopolitan serves seasonally changing menus, inspired by elements of French, American and Thai cuisine. Altezza At The Peaks and Alpino Vino are your go-tos in case you fancy some neat and authentic Italien fare.

Allred's Restaurant located at the top of the Free Gondola is a wonderful on-mountain restaurant with contemporary American dishes, while Bon Vivant, also an on-mountain venue located at the top of Polar Queen Express, serves classic country French cuisine.

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Getting here

View from the top of the Plunge Lift towards Telluride's breathtaking mountain scenery.
View from the top of the Plunge Lift towards Telluride's breathtaking mountain scenery. © TouriSpo

You might fly to Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) and may want to make use of their numerous shuttle services, but of course there are plenty of other options of how to get to the resort, such as car rentals and limo services. From Montrose, take US-550 S and continue to follow US-550. Turn right onto CO-62 W/Sherman St and continue to follow CO-62 W, then turn left onto CO-145 S and take the 2nd exit to continue straight at the traffic circle until you reach the resort.

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last update on 5 Sep 2023
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Mountain Stats

Elevation2,659 m - 4,008 m
Opening Day23 Nov 2023
Closing Day7 Apr 2024
Capacity 22443 Persons/Hr.
Hours09:00 - 16:00

Lifts

17
2
10
2
3
Total 17

Skiable Terrain

810 ha
Easy
Green Circle
Moderate
Blue Squared
Advanced
Black Diamond
Extreme
Double Diamond
Overall Slope Area 810 ha
Number of Slopes 147

Weather (3,830 m)

Open Lifts & Trails

Rates

$219
1 day adult $219
1 day child $119
All rates & fees