Living in Chicago, Telluride is just a three-hour flight away. It may be more of a challenge for those of you on either coast to get here, but I promise you it’s worth it.
There are many things to do in Telluride – from hitting the slopes to exploring the food scene on Colorado Ave. No matter the season, Telluride is the perfect getaway destination.
Transportation
There are two local airports, Telluride Regional Airport (very small and tends to be more expensive) and Montrose Regional Airport (more reasonable flight options and a short 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Telluride).
We flew into Montrose Regional and rented a car for the weekend. Several rental companies are located at the airport, and the process was a breeze. I’d recommend renting a car for a four-day weekend. However, if you’re staying longer, you may want to consider looking into local transportation.
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
We stayed in an Air BnB on Pine Street, and the location was perfect. We were two blocks from the main street, Colorado Ave, and a five-minute walk to the gondola. I’d recommend staying anywhere near Colorado Ave. We could easily walk to dinners each night and the local bars for Après ski.
If you’re looking to splurge on a nice hotel, Madeline Hotel & Residences comes highly recommended. Keep in mind the hotel is located in Mountain Village, not downtown Telluride. However, you can take the gondola (or private transportation) to downtown Telluride from Mountain Village.
Skiing in Telluride
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 this is literal steps away from the gondola. Anyone going the rental route should consider this location. Ski tickets are also available next door – 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 comes at a cost, but it honestly can’t be beaten 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. We all loved the experience and would definitely visit again!
Telluride Food Scene
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. Do yourself a favor and book the reservation early since it books out pretty far in advance. The warm and inviting atmosphere is what we were looking for following a day on the slopes. Our waitress recommended the tempura shrimp appetizer, which I wouldn’t have picked, but it was so good. The main courses were also excellent, ranging from the elk to a 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
We were looking for a low-key, budget-friendly meal by our last night, so we walked into Cocina de Luz. Without a reservation on a Saturday night, the wait was 25 minutes, just enough time to stop at Ride Lounge down the street for a drink and a game of pool. Everyone ordered either tacos or a burrito and everything was fresh and satisfying. The carne asada tacos were the standout favorite among the crowd.
Other honorable mentions…
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
- Pescato – Sushi & Indian, local spot
- Brown Dog Pizza – Pizza (take out or dine-in)
- Guiseppe’s – Lunch on the mountain (top of lift 9)
- Alred’s – Après ski (top of gondola)
Until next time, Telluride.