Telluride Ski Resort - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do at the Telluride Ski Resort in San Miguel County, Colorado. In addition to world-class skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a variety of other winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, the resort also offers dog sledding, snowmobiling, and heli-skiing. And when the sun goes down, the fun doesn't have to end: the resort offers a variety of nightlife options, including bars, clubs, and live entertainment. Whether you're looking to hit the slopes or just enjoy a winter wonderland, the Telluride Ski Resort has something for everyone.

Telluride Ski Resort is located in San Miguel County, Colorado. The resort first opened in 1972 and has since become one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States. The resort is situated in a box canyon, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It offers a variety of terrain, from wide-open groomed runs to steep chutes and challenging tree skiing. The resort also has a rich history, dating back to the days when it was first settled by miners in the late 1800s. In 1896, a group of miners discovered gold in the area and founded the town of Telluride. The following year, a ski area was established on the slopes of nearby Mt. Wilson. Telluride Ski Resort operated on a small scale until the 1970s, when it underwent a major expansion. Today, the resort is widely regarded as one of the best places to ski in Colorado.

For skiers and snowboarders, there is no better time to visit Telluride than during the winter season. The snowfall is heavy and consistent, making for excellent conditions on the slopes. Additionally, the town of Telluride comes alive during the winter months, with a variety of festive events and activities. From December through February, the town hosts a weekly night market, featuring local vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to delicious hot food. There is also an annual ice sculpting festival, as well as a highly anticipated New Year's Eve celebration. 

1. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for both skiing and après-ski activities. The temperature can vary widely throughout the day, so it's important to be prepared for both extremes.
2. Get familiar with the resort layout before you go. Telluride is spread out across four mountains, so it's helpful to know which lifts go where and how to get around the different areas.

3. If you're looking for a challenge, try skiing or riding one of the resort's many double black diamond trails. But beware - these trails are not for the faint of heart!

4. Take advantage of Telluride's world-class dining scene and try something new. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from, so you're sure to find something to your taste.

5. Après-ski is a big part of the Telluride experience, so be sure to hit up one of the many bars or clubs in town once the slopes close for the day.

6. For a unique experience, take a ride on the free gondola that runs between Telluride and Mountain Village. The views from up there are simply incredible!

7. End your day with a nightcap at one of Telluride's lively bars, such as La Casa Lounge or Sunnyside Hotel Bar.

8. For something truly unique, take a ride on the gondola up to Mountain Village for some stargazing ( weather permitting).

1. Telluride Ski Resort is the highest-altitude ski resort in North America, with a base elevation of 9,207 feet. The resort was founded in 1973 by Joe Zuffo.
2. The resort has more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado.
3. The resort has been rated as one of the top 10 ski resorts in North America by Ski Magazine for 19 years in a row.
4. Telluride Ski Resort was named one of National Geographic's "Top 25 Ski Resorts" in 2013.
5. The resort has over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, with 140 trails and 18 lifts. 
6. The resort is situated in a box canyon, with the San Juan Mountains on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other. 
7. The resort gets an average of 300 inches (762 centimeters) of snow each year.

It takes about eight hours to explore the entire Telluride Ski Resort in San Miguel. 

 Visitors can reach the resort via a number of different routes, depending on their point of origin. For those coming from the north, the most direct route is to take Highway 145 south from the town of Ridgway. The scenic drive takes about an hour and a half, and offers stunning views of the mountains. From the south, visitors can take Highway 550 north from Durango. This route also takes about an hour and a half, and provides access to other attractions in the area, such as Mesa Verde National Park. 

There is no entrance fee to explore Telluride Ski Resort, San Miguel County, Colorado. However, there are fees for some activities, such as skiing and snowboarding.

The resort is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 PM.