Telluride Ski Resort

On a Telluride powder today, Olympian and local Gus Kenworthy suggests you wake up super early and put your skis at the front of the line for first chair. Then, go back to sleep, grab a coffee or breakfast, and return to click in just before the lifts open. From there, take lift 8 from town to lift 9, and then head over to lift 6.

Once the back bowls open, spend the day between Gold Hill and Prospect. Another good choice is to stick to the often-overlooked face of the mountain and get fresh tracks on lift 7. When you’ve worn yourself out, Kenworhty suggests stopping in for some chili in a bread bowl at the Saloon at Gorrono Ranch or taking it on down for après at Oak, right at the bottom of lift 8.

Best Breakfast in Town

• While it might be a bit pricey, the food is worth the expense at the Chop House Restaurant. While great for every meal of the day, if you’ve got time for a sit-down breakfast, this is worth a stop. Hotel guests also receive 20% off breakfast and lunch. 233 W Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435
• For a Mexican twist on the first meal of the day, head to La Cocina de Luz. The restaurant offers many vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian fare. 123 E Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435

Lunch

• You can never go wrong with pizza – and you certainly can’t go wrong with Brown Dog Pizza . Their pizza even won the Pizza World Championship in 2015. 110 E Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435
• For more hearty comfort food, stop by Taco Del Gnar. There’s usually a good, cheap special available. 123 S Oak Street, Telluride, CO 81320

Dinner

• If you don’t mind paying full price, then grab a table at Cosmopolitan for a luxurious, decadent meal. Or, for a discounted – but still amazing dinner – find a seat at the bar for a special $19 bar entree. 301 Gus's Way, Telluride, CO 81435
• Great for both an amazing meal, but also a good stop for après, Sidework Speakeasy Lounge is reminiscent of a 1950s American lounge. You can order shareable plates, but you must partake of their cocktail, beer and (extensive) wine list. 225 S Pine Street, Unit F, Telluride, CO 81435

Nightlife/Après

• Grab one of the many craft beers on the menu at Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery. Many of the brewery’s beers have won awards at different beer festivals. 225 S Pine St, Telluride, CO 81435
• Feel like you’re back in the mining days during Prohibition by stepping foot through the hidden door to the Tunnel. Get a great meal, cool atmosphere and cocktails that pair perfectly with your meal. 700 W Colorado Avenue #242, Telluride, CO 81435
• For a decidedly local vibe and over 60 beers to choose from, head to the Last Dollar Saloon, commonly referred to as “The Buck”. Locals and visitors have been able to listen to some jukebox tunes while shooting darts since 1978. On a nice day, spend some time on the rooftop deck. 100 E Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the closest commercial airport to Telluride, positioned about a 1.5-hour drive away. Exploring alternative flight paths, skiers might consider flying into Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from the resort, or Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), although it entails a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive to reach Telluride.

TEX (Telluride Regional Airport) is an option for those looking for convenience, given its proximity to Telluride. However, it's primarily serviced by smaller aircraft and limited commercial flights, so travelers might find fewer flight choices compared to larger airports like Montrose (MTJ) or Durango (DRO). Depending on flight availability and preferences, some travelers opt for TEX for its closeness to Telluride, but larger airports may offer more diverse flight options despite requiring a slightly longer drive to the resort.