Telluride Ski Vacation

The very name, Telluride, makes one think of skiing. Situated 72 miles' drive north of Durango, Colorado, this vast and famous ski resort is located along and between two peaks, with a front-side bowl The village is serviced by commercial airline commuter flights (the 2nd highest commercial airport in the world,) making it quick and easy to get to... or one can fly into Grand Junction or Durango and enjoy the scenic route the rest of the way in. Either way, as they say, getting there is part of the fun of a Telluride vacation!

Once you arrive in Telluride village, the vision of Palmyra Peak, glistens like a magnificent ornament atop atop the mountain. At 13,320 feet. Palmyra is not mere eye candy. Prospect Bowl can be skid/ridden from the top of the lift at a staggering 12,255 feet! This isn't to say it's only for experts, as the mountain (which really consists of two ridgelines with a bowl and valley between them) has terrain, trails and runs for every level of skier – at all elevations on the mountain -- and some very long runs can be made from the top! No matter what your experience level and abilities (really!) Telluride will accommodate you, both as you arrive, and as your skills progress. Speaking of progress, the ski patrol and ski instructors, all top-notch and consummate paid professionals, see to everyone's safety and education. No matter what level of experience you have, these guys and gals can give you tips and pointers that will improve your skiing in no time! With so much space and such an alpine mountain, it's a wonder anyone goes anywhere else!

When it comes to Apres-ski and nightlife, Telluride does it well and with quality! Or, as they say, not a sleepy town... Telluride is well known for its music festivals and live music scene – so much so that the music forms the canvas on which much of the nightlife happens! There are live venues, taverns and pubs that serve grub, clubs, and dancing. The New Sheridan Opera House has a 240 seat theatre for live music as well as a dance floor, conference center and movie theater. The New Sheridan Bar and Last Dollar Saloon are great spots for darts or pool, a pair of local favorites. Brown Dog Pizza is a sports bar, complete with 15 screens and slices til midnight. O'Bannon's Irish Pub is another late-night hotspot. As you can see, there's no shortage of places to have a good time!

Anywhere in the Rockies is going to be cold weather in the winter, but when the base is at 9500 feet and you can take the lift to over 12,000 feet, it's time to be certain you have the right clothes and gear for the occasion. Light layers and breathable waterproof powder coats are the rule, but at that altitude a mask and gators are almost essential. You'll want to be careful in observing trail markers, since Black Diamond trails exist and beginning and intermediate trails can be found even at higher altitudes. Pay attention to these and you're going to find Telluride is your new favorite ski vacation destination and home away from home!

Telluride Summit Elevation - 10,822 feet | Base Elevation - 8,793 feet | Vertical Rise - 2,029 feet | Lifts - 11 Total | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 1,700 acres | Snowmaking - 250 acres | Number of Trails - 85 | Longest Run - Galloping Goose - 4.6 miles | Pipes and Parks - 2 terrain parks