Telluride is the kind of place that makes people rethink their holiday plans for years afterwards. The old mining town sits at the end of a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by 13,000ft peaks, with a main street of Victorian buildings that has hardly changed since the 1890s. The skiing is every bit as good as the setting.
Telluride at a glance
- Location: San Juan Mountains, south-west Colorado
- Terrain: Around 2,000 acres and more than 4,400ft of vertical
- Best for: Scenery, uncrowded slopes, experts and a historic town
- Lift passes: Epic Pass partner resort, plus Telluride’s own passes
- 2026/27 season: 26 November 2026 to 4 April 2027
- Nearest airport: Montrose Regional, around 65 miles
The 2026/27 Season
Telluride is planning to open on 26 November 2026 and close on 4 April 2027, with all dates depending on conditions. Its season passes and day tickets are now reloadable cards, so hold on to yours if you plan to come back.
Telluride is a partner resort on the Epic Pass, with the number of days you get depending on which Epic product you buy. That makes it a good second stop on an Epic trip that also takes in Breckenridge or Crested Butte. For a longer stay, it is worth comparing that with Telluride’s own multi-day cards.
The Skiing
There are around 2,000 acres and more than 4,400ft of vertical, and the terrain covers all abilities better than the resort’s reputation suggests. Beginners and intermediates have long, quiet groomers, such as See Forever, which runs for close to three miles with some of the finest views in skiing. Experts can hike to Palmyra Peak, Gold Hill and Black Iron Bowl for serious steeps. Lift queues are rarely a problem, even at busy times of the season.
Behind the scenes, Telluride is part way through a multi-year modernisation. Lifts 5 and 12 have been upgraded, and major investment in snowmaking is designed to give better cover early in the season, which is good news if you are thinking about a pre-Christmas trip.
The Free Gondola
One of Telluride’s best features doesn’t cost anything. The free gondola links the historic town with Mountain Village, the car-free resort base on the other side of the ridge, and runs from early morning until midnight. It means you can stay in town, among the bars and restaurants, and still be on the slopes in minutes.
Getting There
Telluride is remote, and that is part of its charm. Montrose Regional Airport, around 65 miles away, has direct winter flights from several major US hubs. Telluride Regional Airport is closer but much smaller, with fewer flights. By road, Denver is a drive of around six hours.
For more information visit tellurideskiresort.com.
Telluride: Your Questions Answered
Is Telluride on the Epic Pass?
Telluride is a partner resort on the Epic Pass, with the number of days depending on which Epic product you buy.
When is the Telluride ski season for 2026/27?
Telluride is planning to open on 26 November 2026 and close on 4 April 2027, conditions permitting.
What is the nearest airport to Telluride?
Montrose Regional Airport, about 65 miles away, has direct winter flights from several US hubs. Telluride Regional Airport is closer but much smaller.