Telluride Offers the Best of Colorado

It's snowing in Telluride, and this fact has the whole town buzzing with excitement. Fresh powder means only one thing to this western Colorado vacation town--it's time to hit the slopes. With a summit elevation of 12,260 feet and 1,700 acres of skiable terrain, Telluride is a paradise for skiers and boarders. But, let's face it; Telluride does have a lot to offer other than its annual 300 inches of snow. If you're planning your next ski vacation, Telluride tops your destination list for many reasons.

Colorado's Favorite: The state of Colorado is synonymous with skiing, and for good reason. The Rocky Mountains fill the western half of the state with one ski town after another, leaving you with many destination choices for a ski vacation. So, what makes Telluride stand out among the best? The historic feel of Telluride will literally take you back to the days of the Wild West. Old saloons and historic buildings line Main Street, serving as sheltered remnants of the town's historic mining days. Still, new life comes to Telluride in the form of luxury hotels, fine spas, and five-star restaurants. But, the town knows how to combine the new with the old by blending simple, old-fashioned cheer with refined, elegant tastes.

The result is a town that knows how to have fun, both on the slopes and off, creating a laid-back vibe that immediately attaches itself to visitors. Still, what's best about Telluride is that it's off the beaten path. You won't fight long lines of tourist traffic on Main Street (in fact, the town's free gondola is the main mode of transportation), and you will finally get to experience what it's like to ski in peaceful (and often very private) beauty. Plus, with airports in Telluride and nearby Montrose (in addition to Grand Junction and Durango), access is easy.

A Skier's Delight: Telluride has been called "the most beautiful place you'll ever ski" for good reason. Engulfed by the highest concentration of 14,000 foot peaks in all of North America, a mixture of terrain provides spectacular skiing for all levels. So, whether you're looking to practice your abilities on finely groomed runs or challenging moguls, you're sure to find yourself among the most breathtaking views while on the slopes of Telluride.

And, this year, Telluride releases the Black Iron Bowl, opening eight new runs in a hike-to area that is set to the stunning backdrop of Palmyra Peak. Of course, the mountain also hosts a dramatic setting for snowshoeing, sleigh ride dinners, mountain tours, NASTAR racing, and other competitions. Simultaneously, the town lights up with events and activities that will entertain your entire crew. The Comforts of Home: A mountain getaway is not complete without a cozy place to stay that will accommodate your entire group.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend getaway with your spouse or a week-long vacation with the entire family, you'll want to find the accommodations that will best suit your needs. Fortunately, in Telluride, you have a lot of options. Renting a condo, townhome, or large vacation home is almost always a better bet than a room at the local hotel. Not only will you enjoy more space, but you'll also have the comforts of home such as a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, and living room. Plus, you'll have the benefit of added features such as a fireplace, deck, hot tub, and even hotel-type amenities such as a pool and exercise room, in many cases. Beyond renting your cozy mountain cabin, you can rent just about anything you'll need to complete your Telluride vacation. In addition to the normal mountain rentals such as snowmobile rentals, skis or snowboards, you can even rent baby furniture and accessories to make travelling with tots much easier. Do yourself a favor.

Make your ski trip a real vacation this winter. By choosing Telluride, you're guaranteeing your crew world-class skiing in a world-class town. So many return visitors can't be wrong; Telluride is the Colorado mountain town for your next ski vacation.

Author,

Maureen Dattilo