Rumored to have earned its name from an element found in gold, Telluride remains a precious, beautiful and luxurious place to visit, especially in the winter.
Nestled in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride isn’t the quickest ski resort to get to. But once you make the 1.5-hour trip from Montrose Regional Airport to town, it feels as if you’ve left the world behind, whether you’re hanging up in Telluride Mountain Village or below in the valley wandering the quaint streets. No matter where you are, the view remains outstanding.
Not only does the small Colorado mountain town offer breathtaking selfie backdrops, but the ski slopes are world-renowned. Skilled skiers and snowboarders flock here for an exclusive experience paired with high-end accommodations and meals as phenomenal as the peaks. It’s a luxury ski vacation that should be on everyone’s must-do list.
Ski In, Dine Out
The only way to make a winter trip to Telluride even better is to book a property with ski-in/ski-out services. One of the finest luxury hotels in town is Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, which offers this perk in its new and exclusive Crest Club. Members also receive valet parking, individual lockers, access to a private club lounge and an expert-run ski valet. While at the club, get to know the property’s adventure guides, who can help you customize your time in Telluride .
After using the luxury chalet service and spending a day on the slopes, do après-ski at the hotel’s Black Iron Kitchen and Bar. Enjoy the crisp mountain air under a heated and covered outdoor patio or sidle up to the bar to order specialties such as Rocky Mountain elk chili, flatbread topped with black truffle bechamel and roasted mushrooms, and hot cocoa spiked with aged rum.
For another onsite dining option, wander to Madeline’s high-end Timber Room for tater tots covered with caviar, Alpine fondue, wagyu strip loin and a 32-ounce bison tomahawk steak. End the mountain meal with the Alpinist Martini, which consists of rosemary-infused vodka, dry vermouth, a bright lemon wash and a garnish of blue cheese olives.
Remarkable Rooms
No matter the size of your party, Madeline provides luxurious accommodations with a mountain-chic twist. Reserve a one- or two-bedroom suite, the largest offering up to 1,655 square feet of space. Each unit has a gas fireplace, kitchenette and comfortable living room with a sofa bed. Choose from an alpine or village view — both are picturesque.
For a smaller room, the King Balcony also overlooks either the village or mountain from its terrace, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors let in the warm natural light. In the spacious bathroom, you’ll find a large soaking tub and separate shower. There’s also a King Oxygen Room with an advanced air purification system. These are great for those who may experience altitude sickness due to the elevation, which clocks in at 8,754 feet above sea level in town and closer to 9,500 feet in the village.
A Stellar Spa
After a morning skiing adventure, visit the Telluride hotel’s spa for some relaxation. Like the property, this sanctuary speaks to the surrounding mountains in its design and services. On the well-curated treatment menu, the Mountain Love Journey may be the most indulgent experience of all. The package includes an exfoliation, an aromatic steam shower, a mineral bath, a massage and snacks with sparkling wine.
Other standout treatments include the Alpine Muscle Relief massage, which helps weary bodies recover after an exerting day, and the Spirit of the Mountains, which incorporates massage and a warm herbal poultice of lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet basil. Consider adding on a 30-minute reflexology session that soothes the body and increases circulation when a therapist strategically applies pressure to parts of the feet.
Hotel guests can also reserve the Altitude Restoration, an exclusive in-room treatment to help with the altitude and recuperation from the slopes. Expect a wellness professional to arrive with Therabody compression pants, a Theragun percussion massager, an oxygen treatment machine and plenty of electrolytes to help your body adjust to the thinner mountain air.
The Elevated Ski Experiences
Whether you’re a beginner or Bode Miller, Telluride remains one of the top places in the country to ski, with more than 140 runs to visit. Because of that, the town offers any ski service you could imagine. For starters, you can book a heli-skiing adventure with a company like Telluride Helitrax, which takes guests over the San Juan Mountains and gives them six runs of guided heli-skiing, each averaging 10,000 to 14,000 feet of pristine, untouched terrain. Each tour includes lunch, snacks, beverages and any tools you need for the sport.
Closer to ground, Telluride Ski & Snowboard School remains a steadfast choice for those wanting to learn or improve their craft. World-class instructors will tailor private lessons to your level and goals. Book a full or half day with Telluride Ski Resort; just make sure to do it early, as spots fill up during peak season.
Another way to enjoy Telluride’s winter beauty comes in the form of a guided ski tour. These mountain experiences can look different depending on what you want. For a sleek and scenic romp through the backcountry, for example, reserve a Nordic skiing tour with the outfitter at Madeline. Appropriate for all levels of skier above nine years old, this excursion involves a guide taking you through the San Juan Mountains to gorgeous areas such as Lizard Head Wilderness, Ophir, Alta Lakes, Rico and Dunton. All skies and poles are included. Book a whole day or choose the morning or afternoon to go out.
The luxury hotel arranges backcountry skiing and snowboarding treks as well. It connects with local experts ready to take you to off-piste terrains where the powder remains unbothered.
But for the ultimate vacation highlight, have your own gear designed beforehand by Wagner Custom Skis, a respected brand from local legend Pete Wagner. Once you complete your design consultation about the skis’ shape, flex pattern, graphics and other details, wait about three weeks and your customized gear will be shipped to you. When you visit Telluride, stop by Wagner for a workshop tour and to grab some intel on secret area slopes. After that, take your new skis out for an unforgettable run.
