Do you love to ski? Personally, I love the winter and I love
being outdoors, so skiing, snowshoeing and XC skiing were always a good fit for
me. Luckily, there are many skiing resorts in Colorado and they all have their own unique characteristics
and appeal.
The Telluride Ski Resort is large in area but its remote
location ensures that the mountains are not crowded and no one should have to
wait in line for long periods. The skiing and snowboarding is of the highest
quality and the amenities are first class. Located in the picturesque San Juan Mountains, aspen trees dot the landscape. The
resort was founded by Joe Zoline and he employed Emile Allais, an international
skier, to design the ski runs to a world class, and often unforgiving, standard
(only if you go on the top runs!).
The resort consists of more than 84 runs and 16 lifts. It quite is suitable for novices, intermediate
and advanced skiers of all ages. One great run is Galloping Goose. Galloping
Goose is the longest run at 4.6 miles. As far as ski trails go in the United States,
this is quite long!
The Telluride Ski and Snowboard School
offers instruction for every level of ability. Because of the great layout and
multiplicity of available terrain beginners are able to start off skiing at
high altitudes and won’t be confined to runs that lack scenery and beauty.
There is a tremendous variety of moguls and additional
difficult terrain to keep expert skiers more than entertained. Great, high
quality and new ski equipment can be rented from the pro shop. You will want to
remember that lift passes are discounted if bought in advance. Telluride Airport is a short distance away from
Telluride Ski Resort and a gondola transports skiers from the town to the
mountains. Everything needed for the visitor is available within a limited
radius. You won’t need to rent a car for this excursion. .
The Telluride Ski and Golf Club is a private member's
establishment offering winter sports, golf and a spa in the Telluride Ski
resort. The 18-hole course is also accessible to the public and is open from
May to mid-October. The course is in a lovely setting, surrounded by mountains
and designed around stream, forest and woodland. All the golf carts have global
navigation systems and private tuition is available. There is a practice range,
a pro shop and chipping and putting greens. The spa is a relaxing place to
enjoy saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and swimming pools. There is also a weight
room and courts for squash and racquetball.
The town of Telluride
itself is an old mining town with several historic buildings in the downtown
area. Telluride has a small town charm, complete with clapboard houses, art galleries,
boutiques and upscale restaurants. This mix of elegance, and old America charm
is a rare commodity. The local economy is boosted by ski tourism and it
receives many visitors for its annual events, such as the Telluride Film
Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Nearby Mountain Village
has several live music events and a Festival of the Arts. There is plenty to do
in the area of the Telluride Ski Resort both in the skiing season and at other
times of the year. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit to Telluride. I hope the
snow is fresh and the beer is cold.