3 Reasons Telluride Always Tops ‘Best U.S. Ski Town’ Lists
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Somehow, we’ve made it more than a week into November and, while that may trigger a little bit of holiday shopping panic for some, it means something positive to others: ski season is near.
The U.S. is blessed with a range of great ski spots from Montana to Vermont. But Telluride, Colorado, is one that seems to consistently top the “Best U.S. Ski Town” lists. Here are a few reasons that the little town lives up to the hype:
1. Its Unique Personality

Telluride is original, maintaining a small-town vibe despite growing national renown. Its unique personality stems from a combination of things.
For one, Telluride’s beginnings as a mining town can be felt right away in the old-timey structures on Main Street – from an authentic saloon to a historic hotel. Second, the town doesn’t have any chain restaurants in town (Patagonia being the only exception). Instead, you can find small fashion boutiques, local bakeries, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.
2. A Phenomenal Dining Scene
Speaking of food, Telluride’s dining scene is reason enough to visit.
For such a small town, there’s a huge range of delicious eateries to choose from, including a fair share of fine dining. The Chop House at the New Sheridan Hotel is a nice steak house in an iconic old hotel. 221 South Oak is the reigning monarch of creative seasonal flavors with a constantly rotating menu featuring fresh, local fare. The National is a relatively new name on the block with a phenomenal cocktail menu.
3. Festivals For Days

If all of that wasn’t enough, Telluride is known for hosting a slew of festivals throughout the year.
The Telluride Film Festival has risen to a high level of acclaim and can be a great venue for celebrity sightings. Blues and Brews is another big one where attendees can enjoy funky music along with craft beer and the beautiful mountain scenery as a backdrop. The Bluegrass and Jazz Festivals are two of the other top music festivals the town hosts. Other celebrations feature everything from wine to yoga to hot air balloons. It honestly feels like there are more weekends with festivals going on than the other way around.
