Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a land of paradise: Spectacular slopes, five-star festivals, and out-of-this world food are just some of the wonders Telluride has to offer.  Telluride’s world class ski resort combines both the luxury and modern amenities of a high-end resort with unparalleled skiing.

“Used as a summer camp for centuries by Ute Indians and named by Spanish explorers in the 1700’s, the San Juan Mountains lured fortune seekers to Colorado with visions of silver and gold. By the mid-1870’s, the Sheridan Mine was the first in a string of local claims and a tent camp was established in the valley below. Originally called Columbia, the rowdy mining camp became a town in 1878, and changed its name to Telluride," (Telluride Tourism Board).

With the coming of the railroad in 1890, the remote boomtown flourished. A melting pot of immigrants seeking their fortunes turned the box canyon into a thriving community of 5,000. Prosperity abounded, and Telluride was full of hustle and bustle.  However, silver prices crashed in 1893.  By the First World War, the mining boom had collapsed. A revival began in the 1950’s and 60’s as gold prices increased, but by 1970 the majority of the Telluride’s Mines closed. The population dwindled to about 600 residents, a virtual ghost town. The miners had moved on, but a new chapter in Telluride’s history was about to begin.

Telluride reinvented itself. Legendary powder – a new-white-gold – was being discovered.  In 1973, the Telluride Ski Resort opened, and the character of the community changed. The town spun back, shifting into high gear, and once again, it was a time of thrilling possibilities.

The Telluride Ski Resort has a reputation for world-class slopes and a stunning mountain ambience.  In the winter, the mountains become the playground of choice. Deep powder coats the ski area and surrounding mountains with renowned beauty, creating a stunning snowcapped landscape.  With striking variety, the ski area boasts some of the most difficult terrain in Colorado while also providing ample opportunities for beginner and intermediate skiers.  If skiing doesn’t strike a chord, the region offers snowmobiling, dog sledding, and sleigh rides with sunset dinner excursions.  Better yet, step into one of Telluride’s many unique stores or schedule a spa treatment.  A visit to the downtown museum showcasing the complete history of Telluride, including exhibits about the legendary mine workers strike, Butch Cassidy, and the emergence of the Telluride Ski Resort is a must.

While the winter months provide a mountain retreat like no other, summer brings an abundance of exciting festivals, as many locals are fond of saying, “We came for the skiing, but stayed for the summer.”  From the world famous  Bluegrass Festival , to the Jazz Celebration and Blues & Brews, there is always something for everyone.  Telluride offers not one, but two world class film festivals.  Other festivals revolve around Wine, the Arts, or Mushrooms, just to name a few. In fact, there are so many festivals that one weekend in July is set aside to be the Nothing Festival, known better as simply rest and relaxation. The nightlife in Telluride, however, is always turned on.

Ever since Telluride’s re-birth in the early 70’s, the arts have deeply influenced summer in the mountains.  “For over 30 years, The Telluride Film Festival has helped bring attention to classic, obscure, and experimental films and filmmakers from around the world." Telluride also hosts the MountainFilm Festival; where one can see “a distinctive blend of films, speakers, gallery exhibits, slide presentations, seminars and on-the-street conversations that demonstrate the power of visual arts to instigate change," (Tourism Board).

Summer also offers the utmost in variety of outdoor activities.  With photo opportunities abound, the rolling mountains and valley streams offer exceptional hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, jeeping, and fishing.  Telluride also has a professional golf course situated among the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the country, making it the nation’s most elevated links.

Whether you’re ripping down the steep slopes of Telluride, or just watching the sun plunge into the mountains, this is one amazing place. The harmonious relationship between beauty, luxury, and sports extends year round, making Telluride the ideal destination for both summer and winter fun.

The only problem is….. There’s just too much to do in one visit.