A former Victorian mining town nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Telluride promises spectacular views of snow-capped 14,000-foot peaks, as well as an appealing historic town centre and heaps of activities for guests of all ages. Accommodation options include everything from intimate B&Bs to expansive luxury resorts, fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Telluride are clustered within the pint-sized National Historic Landmark town itself, but there are ski-in/ski-out favourites up in the newly developed Mountain Village, too.
The surrounding San Juan Mountains offer terrific skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and horse riding. For something a little more unusual in the winter months, try snowmobiling in the Alta Lakes area, helicopter skiing or dog sledding. Come summer, you can add hiking, paragliding, fishing, 4x4 off-roading, golf and stand-up paddle boarding on the lakes to your list. Dunton Hot Springs are ideal for a day trip.
Back in town, you’ll find pretty clapboard shopfronts sitting alongside gourmet eateries on Colorado Avenue, a burgeoning arts scene and a plethora of soothing spas. Take an art class, catch an exhibition or party the night away at a music festival. Culture buffs will also enjoy the Anasazi Heritage Centre, the Telluride Historical Museum — housed in a restored 1896-built miners’ hospital — and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. Guided walking tours are a brilliant way to get a sense of the town’s fascinating past.
Annual festival highlights include Mountainfilm, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, amongst others. This is a hugely popular destination for a luxury mountain holiday — book your trip well in advance to experience the best places to stay in Telluride.