Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
TOP OF CHAPTER
Telluride
POP 2368 / ELEV 8750FT
Surrounded on three sides by mastodon peaks, exclusive Telluride is quite literally cut off
from the hubbub of the outside world. Once a rough mining town, today it's dirtbag-meets-
diva - mixing the few who can afford the real estate with those scratching out a slope-side
living for the sport of it. The town center still has palpable old-time charm, though locals
often villainize the recently developed Mountain Village, whose ready-made attractions
have a touch of Vegas. Yet idealism remains the Telluride mantra. Shreds of paradise per-
sist with the town's free box - where you can swap unwanted items (across from the post
office ) - the freedom of luxuriant powder days and the bonhomie of its infamous festivals.
Activities
Telluride Ski Resort
( 888-288-7360, 970-728-7533;
www.tellurideskiresort.com
;
565 Mountain Village Blvd; lift tickets $98)
Cover-
ing three distinct areas, Telluride Ski Resort is served by 16 lifts. Much of the terrain is for
advanced and intermediate skiers, but there's still ample choice for beginners.
SNOW SPORTS
Telluride Ski & Snowboarding
School
( 970-728-7507;
www.tellurideskiresort.com
;
565 Mountain Village Blvd; adult group lesson full day $170, 2hr $75;
)
If you'd like to sharpen your skills, the Telluride Ski Resort offers private and group
lessons with good teachers through this school, which offers classes for children and ses-
sions specific to women, with women instructors.
SNOW SPORTS
San Juan Hut
System
( 970-626-3033;
www.sanjuanhuts.com
; per person $30)
Experienced cross-country skiers will appre-
ciate the strong series of basic huts along a 206-mile route stretching from Telluride west to
SNOW SPORTS, MOUNTAIN BIKING
