There’s a certain energy to Telluride that hits you the moment you arrive. Maybe it’s the dramatic mountain backdrop, the crisp air, or the way the town manages to feel both tucked away and full of life. It’s the kind of place that feels adventurous without trying too hard, and relaxing without slowing down.
From skiing and snowboarding to restaurant hopping along Colorado Ave., there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days here. And while Telluride is worth visiting year-round, winter adds a layer of magic that’s hard to beat.
If you’re considering a snowy escape, here’s everything I loved from my time in town—plus some tips to help you plan your own.
Winter Weather In Telluride, CO
Winter in Telluride runs from November through March, and honestly? It’s kind of dreamy. While snow covers the mountains and sets the scene for all the best winter activities, the temperatures stay relatively mild – think 30s most days, with the occasional warm up into the 50s. It’s the kind of winter that lets you enjoy time outside without turning into an icicle. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, wandering the snowy streets, or sipping something warm on a patio (or gondola!), Telluride’s version of winter makes it easy to stay out and soak it all in.
Transportation in Telluride, CO
There are two local airports for those looking to fly to Telluride:
- Telluride Regional Airport
- Very small and tends to be more expensive
- Montrose Regional Airport
- Better for reasonable flight options and a short 1 hour and 15-minute drive to Telluride
We flew into Montrose Regional and rented a car for the weekend, and the process was a breeze. While you won’t need a car once you’re in town (most of Telluride is walkable), we liked having the flexibility to come and go on our own schedule. That said, if you’re planning a longer stay, it might be worth looking into local transportation options. Booking a shuttle to and from Montrose could end up being more cost-effective than a car rental, depending on how long you’re in town.
Something worth noting – ride-share availability is extremely limited and unreliable in Telluride. There are local transportation companies, although these tend to book out in advance. Call early to schedule rides to/from the airport if needed.
Where to Stay in Telluride, CO
From cozy cottages to luxe ski-in/ski-out stays, Telluride has no shortage of great lodging. We booked an Airbnb on Pine Street – just two blocks from Colorado Ave (the heart of town), and the location was perfect. Walkability is key here, especially if you’re planning to hop between restaurants, bars, and the ski lift.
Here are a few hotel options that will keep you close to the heart of downtown Telluride:
If you’re looking to splurge on a nice hotel in Telluride, Madeline Hotel & Residences came highly recommended. It’s located in Mountain Village rather than downtown, but getting between the two is easy thanks to the mountain’s scenic gondola.
Skiing in Telluride, CO
If you’re like me, the thought of buying ski equipment and hauling it on a flight is too much to deal with, and I can’t be bothered. This is where ski rentals come into play.
We rented skis, ski boots, helmets, and poles from Telluride Sport’s – Camel’s Garden. We were in and out quickly, not to mention the shop is literal steps away from the gondola. Ski tickets are also available next door, but be warned, Telluride no longer offers half-day passes. Yup, I know.
Bon Vivant
If you’re looking for a memorable lunch experience on the mountain, I highly recommend Bon Vivant. The outdoor restaurant is located at the top of lift 5 (an intermediate lift – don’t worry, you don’t need to scale down double black diamonds to make it here!) The menu is small, with French soups, charcuterie boards, and plenty of wine.
The mountainside dining experience is pricey, but it honestly can’t be beat on a beautiful winter day. Seats fill quickly, so I recommend putting your name in when the restaurant opens and taking a few runs while you wait.
Restaurants in Telluride, CO
The Butcher & The Baker
It felt necessary to mention the restaurant/bakery we visited three times during our four-day stay. I’m aware of how crazy that sounds, but once we stopped in The Butcher & The Baker, it became apparent we’d be returning for breakfast throughout the trip. Everything is made in-house, so whether you opt for the chocolate croissant, breakfast sandwich, or breakfast burrito, you’ve made a good choice.
The National
The National is the wholeee package – cozy vibes, great food, and just the right atmosphere to unwind after a day on the slopes. Do yourself a favor and book way in advance since reservations fill up fast. Our waitress steered us toward the tempura shrimp appetizer, which I might have otherwise skipped, but it ended up being a standout dish. The mains didn’t disappoint either, with highlights like elk and pistachio-crusted trout. It’s a pricey reservation but worth it IMO if you can snag it.
New Sheridan Chop House
If you’re an old-school, white-tablecloth steakhouse kind of person, this is the place for you. Or honestly, even if you’re not (there’s something about white tablecloth dining that bothers me… am I alone here?), it’s worth stopping in for a meal. Located inside the historic New Sheridan Hotel, the Chop House is known for its dinner and brunch alike. We went for dinner, and all of the food was top-notch. Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert since the restaurant has its own personal pastry chef. As great as the steak was, the chocolate cake was my favorite bite of the evening. We also enjoyed the bustling bar next door – be sure to stop for a drink on your way out!
Cocina de Luz
By our last night, we were craving something low-key and budget-friendly, so we wandered into Cocina de Luz. No reservation on a Saturday meant about a 25-minute wait, which was perfect timing to pop into Ride Lounge down the street for a drink and a quick game of pool. Everyone stuck with tacos or burritos, and it all was fresh and satisfying. The carne asada tacos were the standout favorite among the crowd.
What’s On Our To-Do List For The Next Time We Visit Telluride, CO
We received a lot of recommendations from family members who frequent Telluride, but with just four days planned to stay, we didn’t even scratch the surface of what the town has to offer. I’ve listed the other recommendations we received below:
- House of Siam – Thai food (take out or dine-in)
- There – American food & cocktails
- Pescado – Sushi & Indian, local spot
- Brown Dog Pizza – Pizza (take out or dine-in)
- Giuseppe’s – Lunch on the mountain (top of lift 9)
- Allred’s – Après ski (top of gondola)
Until next time, Telluride.