Destinations / Colorado / Telluride
Telluride Travel Guide
Telluride is the most beautiful of the three and the hardest to reach, which is exactly why it feels less crowded. Choose between the historic town and slopeside Mountain Village, which a free gondola connects, and sort out your flights before anything else.
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Where I'm sending people now
Stay in town for restaurants and character, or in Mountain Village for ski-in, ski-out, and use the free gondola between them.
January to March for skiing, with the resort targeting a Nov 26, 2026 opening and an April 4, 2027 close. Late June to September for hiking, jeep roads and festivals.
The best hotels and residences run about $600 to $2,000+ a night in ski season, more over the holidays. Budget for pricier airfare too, since flights into TEX and MTJ cost more than Denver.
The gondola is closed until Nov 20, 2026, and many of the best restaurants stay closed into early or mid-December. Last season the resort shut down from Dec 27 during a ski patrol strike that ended with a contract in January 2026.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Telluride Regional (TEX) is about 10 minutes away with Denver Air Connection flights, but it's very weather-sensitive; Montrose (MTJ), about 1 hour 15 minutes away, has winter service on American, United, Delta, Southwest and Breeze. There are no Ubers, so book a shuttle or car service ahead, and international visitors connect through Denver.
Getting around
The free gondola runs 6:30am to midnight between town, the ski area and Mountain Village, and town is small enough to walk end to end. I'd skip the car unless you're doing summer day trips like Ouray or the jeep roads.
Money and tipping
The Epic Pass includes 7 days at Telluride, which beats daily tickets for a week. Early December and late March to early April are the value windows, but check which restaurants are open in early December.
How I'd spend 4 days
Day 1 Arrive via Montrose or TEX, settle in and ride the gondola at sunset.
Day 2 Ski the front side and have lunch or dinner at Allred's at the gondola's San Sophia station.
Day 3 Strong skiers head for Revelation Bowl, everyone else books a snowmobile tour.
Day 4 An easy morning on See Forever, then fly out.
Tip If your schedule is tight, fly home from Montrose, since TEX cancels more often in storms.
Hotels I'd book in Telluride
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Perks when you book with me
Things to do in Telluride
Where to eat in Telluride
221 South Oak
Allred's
There.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Telluride FAQ
How do you get to Telluride?
Fly into Telluride Regional (TEX), 10 minutes away, or Montrose (MTJ), about 1 hour 15 minutes away with more winter flights. There are no Ubers, so book a shuttle, car service or rental car ahead.
Is the Telluride gondola free?
Yes, the gondola between town and Mountain Village is free and runs 6:30am to midnight. It's closed for fall maintenance until Nov 20, 2026, and winter service runs through April 4, 2027.
Is Telluride on the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass?
Telluride is an Epic Pass partner, with 7 days included on the full Epic Pass, and it isn't on Ikon. If you're skiing a full week, buy daily tickets online ahead for any days beyond your seven.