VOGUE – A GUIDE TO TELLURIDE, COLORADO—AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN TOWN
January 27, 2025
It’s not putting on airs to say that Telluride, Colorado, is one of the best mountain towns in America: founded in 1878 by a rowdy group of Wild West silver miners, Telluride transformed over the century from a precious metal hub to a cultural one—the seventies saw the arrival of both the Telluride ski resort and the world-renowned Telluride Film festival known for premiering movies like Mulholland Drive, Brokeback Mountain, and Lady Bird. And that’s to say nothing of its beauty. Nestled within a box canyon, Telluride is surrounded by snowcapped mountains that appear to stretch to the sky. (In a way, they almost do—many of the town’s peaks are higher than 14,000 feet. One of them, called Wilson Peak, even inspired the famous Coors Light logo.)
Admittedly, Telluride isn’t the easiest place to get to. Its airport—the highest-elevation commercial airport in the United States—only offers direct flights from Denver and Phoenix. Everyone else (unless you are flying private) must fly into Montrose, a 1.5-hour drive away. Yet those who are willing to make the trek to the San Juan Mountains—a rugged stretch within the Rockies—will be well rewarded by beauty, adventure, and history.
Below, Vogue’s Telluride, Colorado guide, from where to stay to where to eat—whether you are staying in the historic Victorian town or up the gondola at Mountain Village.
Madeline Hotel
At the base of Mountain Village is the Madeline Hotel, the five-star, Michelin-keyed Auberge resort that’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy a full-service ski holiday. The rooms are decorated in an alpine-modern style (think fireplaces and beds with faux-fur throws paired with crisp linen white sheets) whereas their on-site restaurant, Black Iron Kitchen and Bar, is just the place to get a hot toddy and cheese fondue après-ski.
