The first rule of thumb when it comes to ski resorts: the locals always have all the best secrets.
Tourists are okay, those on working holidays are good – but you really want to pick the brains of the true locals. The people that have made a home in the resort through the mellow of the off-season and the madness of the on-season.
We’ve consulted our favourite Telluride locals to find our best local hacks that cover everything from where to ski to what to eat when the ski day is over.
On a powder day
Head to Chair 9 while everyone else is heading to the gondola. Locals always go for Chair 9, also known as the Plunge Lift, as it offers up some stunning views along with epic access to advanced terrain. While it’s not a high-speed lift, it’s a longtime mountain favourite and offers a good chance to rest your weary legs.
When it’s time to eat
Everyone knows that a good day on the hill starts with a good breakfast. Some favourites to fuel up on before hitting the slopes are the Hippie Hash Browns and the Breakfast Burrito found at The View at the Mountain Lodge. Chef Bud and his team will make sure you don't leave hungry.
Lunch has to be at Taco Del Gnar, where US$10 will get you two gourmet tacos (think Korean short rib, tuna Carpaccio or tempura shrimp), tater tots and beans. It’s filling, it’s delicious and every local will mention it to you.
When dinnertime rolls around, head to the Butcher and Baker on a Wednesday night between 5pm and 9pm. US$35 covers their Birds and Bubbles special, flight of champagne along with homemade organic fried chicken and a chef’s choice of sides.
Après o’clock
This one requires a ride on the local bio fuel driven bus, but it’s well worth it - because locals love the Telluride Brewing Company. Full of friendly brewers who are more than willing to show you around, it’s about 13km outside town, making it perfectly off the beaten track.
Otherwise, head to Cosmopolitan for the ultimate in Happy Hours. From 5-6pm, you can get the most delicious, freshly made half-priced sushi along with $5 signature Cosmopolitan cocktails and $7 glasses of wine.
For low key under the radar cool head to There Bar. Ask a local for directions, grab a seat at the bar, munch on the complimentary popcorn and celebrity spot. Last time we went we saw Jake Gyllenhal and Neil Young.
Wake up & smell the coffee
Find the best coffee downtown at the Between The Covers Bookstore – you’ll have to go hunting for it, though, beyond the rows and rows of books.
Stay & play
If you’re booking a holiday in Telluride, take a look at the Lumiere Hotel. Six words for you: free freshly baked treats, every afternoon. No hotel rooms available here, just gorgeous apartments with every luxe offering you could imagine, including enormous steam showers, ski valet and a selection of outdoor pools with varying temperatures. Check out our Lumiere Hotel deals here.
Splurge a little
Wagner Custom Skis is the ultimate place to splash a bit of cash if you’re looking for a new pair of skis. Featured in every magazine from Forbes to the New York Times, Wagner has been making epic custom skis for over 10 years – taking your weight, strength, agility, aggressiveness, body type, boot size, preferred terrain, and skiing behavior all into account to make you the ultimate ski. Their new factory located in Mountain Village offers free tours every week, make sure to check out the schedule when you arrive.
Come for the skiing, stay for the library
The Wilkinson Library is an institution in Telluride. Attend author events, mingle with locals, get a library card and check out the complimentary GoPros, Karaoke Machines and more.
Want to know more about Telluride? Find more resort information and our best Telluride deals here.
