Nestled within a box canyon, Telluride is surrounded by snowcapped mountains that appear to stretch to the sky.
(In a way, they almost domany of the towns peaks are higher than 14,000 feet.
One of them, called Wilson Peak, even inspired the famous Coors Light logo.)
The historic town of Telluride, Colorado—as photographed during the winter.
Admittedly, Telluride isnt the easiest place to get to.
Its airportthe highest-elevation commercial airport in the United Statesonly offers direct flights from Denver and Phoenix.
Everyone else (unless you are flying private) must fly into Montrose, a 1.5-hour drive away.
The Madeline Hotel—a ski-in, ski-out resort located within Telluride’s Mountain Village. It’s made a luxury name for itself catering to those who want a full-service ski holiday.
Best Hotels
The Madeline Hotela ski-in, ski-out resort located within Telluride’s Mountain Village.
It’s made a luxury name for itself catering to those who want a full-service ski holiday.
Another Auberge resort, Element 52 sits at the bottom of Telluride gondola and on the cusp of town.
Alpino Vino in Telluride. The restaurant is located at just under 12,000 feet above sea level—making it the second highest in North America.
Theres Tyrolean antiques in the entryway and European fabrics in the five guest rooms.
During breakfast, the table is set with Austrian ceramics.
All come with a 24/7 concierge service.
Inside Crossbow Leather and Hats, a local store for Western wear.
Best Restaurants: Fine Dining, Cafes, Bars, and More
Alpino Vino in Telluride.
The restaurant is located at just under 12,000 feet above sea levelmaking it the second highest in North America.
Located on Telluride Mountain atjustunder 12,000 feet, Alpino Vino is the second-highest elevation restaurant in North America.
On a snowy one, take shelter in the cozy European hut amid the snow.
The Mediterranean meets the mountains with The National, a smart contemporary restaurant by Michelin-bib gourmet chef Chris Thompson.
(Although ask your waiter before committing to anything.
When this writer visited, they also had a venison bratwurst special.)
The most famous restaurant in all of Telluride.
Dont forget to add a hearty order of drunken noodles.
Ornate light fixtures hang from a tin ceiling, whereas revealers line up about a rich mahogany bar.
(Guy Fieri ate their Brooklyn Bridge pizza with mozzarella, ricotta, and pepperoni.)
Best Shops
Inside Crossbow Leather and Hats, a local store for Western wear.
For fineand authenticwestern wear, go to Crossbow Leather and Hats which was founded by a Telluride native.
As the name implies, they make custom hats and belts.
Founded in 1974, Between the Covers is Tellurides beloved independent bookstore.
