You want to ski this winter. You are probably sick of Vail, Park City, and Aspen, because, like, you have a soul. Or your friend told you Telluride was better. Probably both. Here's the quick rundown to start your ski trip planning.

When to Visit

Telluride runs from (the day before) Thanksgiving through the first weekend in April. Each stretch has its own flavor:

  • Thanksgiving: Probably not the best time — often only 1-2 runs open (#climatechange)
  • Christmas/New Year's: Most festive, busiest, variable snow and terrain
  • January: Mountain is open, skiing is good
  • February: Most reliable snow month
  • March: Bluebird days, everything is open, spring skiing
  • April: Closing weekend features slushy laps, costumes, and revelry

If you are coming for snow, January and February are the most reliable. If you want sun, March and April are fun.

The Mountain

There is a lot to ski. It's big. Highlights are in-bounds hike-tos (Gold Hill Chutes, Palmyra Peak), massive moguls (Mammoth, most of Lift 9), and winding blues (See Forever, Lift 10, Lift 5). And — hard to believe if you haven't been — there aren't lift lines. Locals complain about 5 minutes over the holidays on 1 or 2 lifts on the whole mountain. You actually get to ski.

Passes & Tickets

Telluride is on the Epic Pass. Full Epic pass holders get seven unrestricted days here, with 50% off additional days after that.

Getting Here

Most folks fly into Montrose Regional Airport, about 75 minutes away. Montrose has direct flights from New York, Texas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, and Phoenix. I recommend taking the shuttle (Telluride Express, Mountain Limo) and skipping the car rental. If you stay in Telluride or Mountain Village, you absolutely will not need it.

Where to Stay

  • In Town: Victorian houses, boutique hotels, walk everywhere including the mountain. More expensive, best location.
  • Mountain Village: Resort village feel. Great ski-in/ski-out, bigger hotels and condos, less nightlife.
  • Ridgway or Rico: Both about 45 minutes away, much cheaper, but mountain passes can be dicey in a storm. Ridgway is easier and more built out; Rico is funkier.

Other Reasons to Come in Winter

  • Cross-Country Skiing: Hang with elk on the Valley Floor from town, or head to Priest Lake for quiet loops.
  • Hot Springs: Hit up Ouray Hot Springs or the smaller Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway (clothing optional).
  • In-Town Activities: Ice skate at Town Park Rink, catch live music at the historic Sheridan Opera House, or just wander Main Street.