Rocky Mountain Travel 
Ski and Snowboard in Telluride
Photo Courtesy of Colorado.com
Telluride, Colorado is one of the most spectacular ski destinations in North America. Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Telluride Ski Resort offers breathtaking alpine scenery, uncrowded slopes, and diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Unlike some larger Colorado ski resorts, Telluride maintains a relaxed mountain atmosphere while still providing world-class skiing and snowboarding. With more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and dramatic mountain landscapes, the resort consistently ranks among the best ski destinations in the United States.
Whether you’re planning your first ski trip or looking for challenging expert terrain, skiing in Telluride delivers unforgettable mountain adventures.
Telluride’s Two Mountains
Telluride Ski Resort stretches across the dramatic peaks above historic Telluride and Mountain Village, two charming communities connected by a scenic gondola.
The resort offers:
- over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain
- more than 140 ski trails
- a vertical drop of over 4,400 feet
- spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains
One of Telluride’s biggest advantages is that it remains relatively uncrowded compared to many other Colorado ski resorts. Visitors often find shorter lift lines and plenty of space on the slopes.
Terrain for Every Skill Level
Telluride Ski Resort offers a wide range of terrain suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced riders.
Beginner Skiing in Telluride
Beginners will find excellent learning areas near Mountain Village, where wide gentle slopes provide an ideal environment for learning to ski or snowboard.
These beginner areas allow new skiers to build confidence while enjoying incredible mountain views.
Intermediate Skiing
Intermediate skiers will find a huge variety of terrain throughout Telluride Ski Resort. Long groomed runs allow visitors to cruise down scenic slopes while taking in views of the surrounding mountains.
Popular intermediate areas include:
- See Forever
- Galloping Goose
- Prospect Bowl
These runs offer smooth skiing with stunning alpine scenery.
Expert Terrain
Advanced and expert skiers will find some of the most exciting terrain in Colorado at Telluride. Steep chutes, high alpine bowls, and dramatic ridgelines create thrilling challenges for experienced riders.
Expert terrain includes:
- Black Iron Bowl
- Palmyra Peak
- Revelation Bowl
These areas offer incredible powder skiing and dramatic mountain views.
Lift Tickets and Ski Passes in Telluride
Lift tickets in Telluride provide access to both mountains in the Telluride Ski Resort system. This allows visitors to explore a wide variety of terrain during their ski vacation.- Single-day lift tickets
- Multi-day ski passes ( 4 or more days offer more of a discount)
- Epic Pass access
- Beginner and lesson packages
Discounted Telluride Lift Tickets
Discounted lift tickets are sold by the Telluride Ski Resort. Lift tickets are discounted when you purchase them at least 7 days in advance of your first day of skiing.
- Ski Season Opening | December 5, 2025
- Holiday Ski Season | December 17, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Ski Season Closing | April 5, 2026
Traveling with Kids?
Children age five and under ski free but still require a ticket to access the lifts.
Telluride Lift Tickets Guide
Ski Rentals in Telluride
Skis and snowboards for all ability levels
- Demo and performance equipment
- Boots and helmet rentals
- Professional fittings and adjustments
- Delivery to your hotel or condo
- Overnight transfer to other ski areas
Ship Your Skis to Telluride
Traveling with ski equipment can be difficult, especially when flying. Many travelers choose to ship their skis or snowboards directly to their lodging before arriving.- avoiding airline baggage fees
- easier airport travel
- no oversized luggage
- gear waiting at your hotel or condo
Telluride Ski School and Lessons
The Telluride Ski School has talented Pros who are able to work you whether you are a seasoned skier looking to hone your skills, or a newbie fresh off the beach trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time.
For beginner skiers, Telluride Ski School offers All Day Beginner Experience. This package includes everything a beginner needs; lift ticket, equipment rental package and of course the lesson. There are amazing programs for kiddos at ski school. Kids will have fun engaging with others their age and ability as they learn to ski or increase their confidence on the slopes. And parents can have time enjoying their runs as well!
Adult Group Lessons
Spend a full day (9:30am-3pm), or half-day afternoon
(1-4pm) with an instructor to learn the sport of skiing and snowboarding, or advance your existing skills to higher levels. Our learning environment will ensure you receive plenty of personal attention in a social group dynamic. Please note that high level (Blue, Double Blue, and Black) classes will explore both groomed and ungroomed terrain based on the group’s goals. You may purchase the lesson only or add lift access.
For more details, contact the sales team at 970-728-7414 or lessons@telski.com.
Kids Group Lessons | Mountain Adventure
For skiers and snowboarders of beginner to advanced skill level (no first timers) looking to learn in a group setting. We group by ability level and keep class sizes small. Join an advanced group lesson to master the steeps or jump in with an intermediate class to carve out the cruisers.
The Mountain Adventure is available any day from 9am – 3pm.
Please arrive by 9am to check in and for group assignment for lesson departure at 9.30am.
EARLY SEASON – December 6 – 18, 2025
| Otters (ages 3 – 4) | Bears (ages 5 – 6) | Eagles (ages 7 – 14) |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson & Lift | Lesson & Lift | Lesson & Lift |
| Early Season | $145 | $145 |
| $145 | Lesson Only | Lesson Only |
| $125 | $125 | |
| Regular Season | Regular Season | Regular Season |
| $ 405 | $405 | $330 |
Cross-Country Skiing in Telluride
The Telluride Town Park
Just outside the doors of the Nordic Center, you will find three kilometers of immaculately groomed trail winding through Telluride Town Park. This is the perfect place to take a lesson. Contact the Nordic Center at 728-1144 to book lessons, schedule a tour or for information about Nordic skiing and events.
The Valley Floor
A longer set of trails expands across the Valley Floor open space just west of Telluride. Parking can be found at the end of Mahoney Drive in the southwest corner of town. These trails are maintained by the Town of Telluride. No bikes or hikers are permitted on this trail.
Priest Lake
Last grooming is April 6, 2026
Priest Lake is about 12 miles south of Telluride alongside Highway 145. The trailhead is at the Forest Service building about 500 yards past the Matterhorn Campground. There are several interconnected trails over rolling terrain labeled beginner, intermediate and advanced. Remember to sign in before using the trails.
Trout Lake
The Trout Lake trails are dog-friendly and receive the most snow, making it the first trail to open and last to close. The best access point is at the parking lot on the summit of Lizard Head Pass south of Telluride on Highway 145.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the Trout Lake RR Grade with direct and constant owner supervision and control. Please always respect other skiers and have your dog under control. Please clean up after your pet!
Mountain Village
Mountain Village grooms almost eight miles of winter trails through aspen groves, pines and along the golf course to create a quality surface for as many users as possible. Trails accommodate skiers, hikers, snowshoers and bikers. Mountain Village asks that foot and bike traffic stays to the sides of the trails, off the classic grooves. Trails can be accessed by a free parking lot at the end of Adams Ranch Road or in the main village by the Peaks Resort.
Top A Ten
Located at the Top of Lift 10, the Top-a-ten Snowshoe and Nordic Area offer 10 kilometers of groomed, rolling trails that lead Nordic skiers and snowshoers through high alpine forests and magical open meadows. The serene trails offer breathtaking views of Prospect Bowl, Palmyra Peak and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Advanced skiers and snowshoers can continue outside the boundary of the ski area to Alta Lakes on National Forest trails.
A warming teepee, picnic deck and restrooms are open to the public daily. For daily grooming status, find Boomerang Loop, Magic Meadows Loop and Lynx Loop under the “Sunshine Express” section of Snow Report’s Trails & Grooming tab. Trails marked with a “G” were groomed within the past 24 hours.
Access: Top-a-Ten can be accessed via chairlift during operating hours, a $25 pass can be purchased at any Telluride Ski Resort ticket window. Skiers are also allowed to access the resort via up-hill access on the Chair 10 terrain, excluding the Sundance run.
We encourage all users to respectfully share the track. Grooming for Nordic skiing takes immense time and resources, please respectfully preserve the quality of the skiing. Walkers and snowshoers, please stay to the outside of the classic track. Please always preserve the classic track.
Nordic Skiing Lessons
Learn to classic or skate ski with certified instructors at Telluride Nordic Center, in Telluride Town Park. Lessons are available in private or public settings. Both private and public lessons last an hour and a half and are available at varying skill sets (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). To sign up for public group lessons please call the number below during business hours(10am-4pm daily). Private lessons can be booked bellow for 1-4 participants. A $150 deposit is required at the time booking. Fees for additional skiers and rentals will be collected at the time of the lesson (instructor gratuity not included in lesson pricing).
Call 970-728-1144 or book online.
Best Time to Ski in Telluride
The ski season in Telluride typically runs from late November through early April.
December
Holiday season brings festive events and beautiful winter scenery.
January and February
These months usually offer the best snow conditions and powder skiing.
March
Spring skiing brings warmer temperatures and longer days while still providing great snow.
Each part of the season offers a slightly different skiing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telluride good for skiing?
Yes. Telluride Ski Resort is widely considered one of the best ski resorts in North America thanks to its terrain, scenery, and uncrowded slopes.
Is Telluride good for beginner skiers?
Yes. Beginner terrain and ski schools near Mountain Village make Telluride a great destination for first-time skiers.
Is Telluride crowded?
Compared to many Colorado ski resorts, Telluride is known for its uncrowded slopes and relaxed mountain atmosphere.
Is there Cross Country Skiing in Telluride?
Yes.
Experience World-Class Skiing in Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort offers one of the most spectacular skiing experiences in the Rocky Mountains. With breathtaking scenery, diverse terrain, and a welcoming mountain town atmosphere, the resort continues to attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
Whether you’re carving groomed runs, exploring powder-filled bowls, or enjoying après ski in historic Telluride, skiing here offers unforgettable winter adventures.
Other Winter Activities in Telluride
Although skiing is the main attraction, Telluride offers several other winter activities for visitors.
These include:
- snowshoeing
- snowmobile tours
- sleigh rides
- ice skating