Ski areas: Telluride
Population: 1,400
Road and weather conditions: (303) 639-1111, www.cotrip.org
Snow report: (970) 728-3614
Annual snowfall: 300"
Ski season: Late November-mid-April
Telluride Chamber Resort Association: (970) 728-3041
Average cost 1-bedroom apartment: $700
Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $79
Local newspapers: The Telluride Times-Journal, (970) 728-4487; The Daily Planet, (970) 728-9788

Telluride Ski Area Profile

Anyone not used to true mountain air may feel a bit sluggish at first in Telluride. At an altitude of 8,750 feet, the oxygen pressure is about 40 percent lower than at sea level. However, you will get used to it and enjoy views that are unequaled anywhere in the U.S. The town is surrounded by the towering trees of the Uncompahgre National Forest deep within the San Juan Mountains. Telluride is a dichotomy of old town and new condo development. The town is full of history and legend; it was in Telluride that Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank and escaped. The town developed during the gold and silver mining era of the late 1800s, but visitors will find luxury accommodations with complete spa facilities and gourmet dining in addition to Western rusticity.

Winter Activities

Telluride wins top marks for skiing because of its beautiful scenery and uncrowded slopes. The resort has 1,050 skiable acres, but some of those acres are quite tough. What is considered expert at Vail, Copper Mountain, and Aspen is marked intermediate at Telluride. Experiencing Telluride is said to be a rite of passage for expert skiers, and beginners will find no better place to take the plunge. In addition, there are opportunities for heli-skiing and tracks on high mesa ground for Nordic skiing.

There are many other winter activities to keep you busy besides skiing, including dog-sled rides, ice skating, ballooning, and snowmobiling. You will also find nightly movies, live theaters, night clubs, and athletic clubs for some indoor activity.

Summer Activities

In summer, Telluride takes on a whole new personality. It has almost twice as many visitors May through August as it does September through April. In June, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival presents both amateur and professional musicians. Also, the Telluride Jazz Celebration is held each August. If film is your medium of choice, you won't be disappointed with the Telluride Film Festival, held in early September, featuring nightly outdoor screenings. For information on any of these festivals, call (800) 525-3455. Telluride's splendor is arguably just as enjoyable in summer as winter. Warm temperatures and dry air create excellent conditions for adventuring down a river, through the mountains, on horseback, or in a hot-air balloon. Contact Telluride Central Reservations at (800) 525-3455 for information. Take a glider ride for a bird's eye view of Telluride, or take a gold panning and geology tour with a local outfitter. Telluride's most scenic attraction is Bridal Veil Falls, the longest free-fall drop in Colorado.

Apr�s-ski

Whether you are just plain hungry or in the mood for a live band, Telluride's Colorado Avenue offers quality options. If dancing sounds appealing, try the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon, (970) 728-6666, or for a more relaxed apr�s-ski scene check out the Sheridan Bar, (970) 728-3911, or the Bavarian fare at Leimgrubers Bierstube & Restaurant, (970) 728-4663.

Transportation

There is an airport five miles from Telluride. Several airlines serve the resort from Denver including Continental Express, United Express, and Mesa Airlines. Telluride Transit Service, (970) 728-6000, and Skip's Taxi, (970) 728-6667, will meet all flights and take visitors to the resort. Reservations are recommended.

Telluride is self-contained; so while a car is not a necessity, it is desirable for exploring outlying areas. Call (970) 728-4431 for local transit information on chartered bus and van service to and from the Grand Junction and Montrose airports. There is a free shuttle in winter.

Housing

Housing can be hard to find and apartment rental prices are known to be steep, but there are county and city housing administrations whose purpose is to provide information on affordable employee housing to those who live and work exclusively within the district; call (970) 728-3034 for more information. Be prepared, as there is generally a waiting list for those units. You should plan to hit Telluride as early as possible - April and May or October are best. Waiting until the season begins is not recommended, because finding work and a place to live will be more competitive and frustrating for you. To get an early start, subscribe to the local papers.

Telluride Ski Resort Employment

Each winter, over 250 additional employees are hired to work on and off the mountain. In summer, seventy-five extra workers contribute to keeping the masses happy. Read the following company listing for seasonal and year-round employment opportunities.

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