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Telluride, Colorado
Tucked away in a small valley, Telluride is an upscale alternative to Vail and Aspen. Telluride was once so inaccessible, it was a favorite hiding place for outlaws and desperados. The rough but beautiful terrain now attracts mountain people of a different kind — skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and fun loving four-wheelers. Originally incorporated with the name of Columbia in 1878, the mining town became Telluride the following decade. Telluride became a National Historic District in 1964, and in 1972 the Telluride Ski Company opened its first runs. The first summer festivals were celebrated the following year and Telluride was officially a boomtown. Although the resort and town are different areas, you can travel between them on a 2 1/2 mile, over-the-mountain gondola, one of the most gorgeous commutes in Colorado. The gondola makes a car unnecessary getting around; both the village and the town are pedestrian friendly. In the winter, Telluride offers over 1,700 acres of skiable terrain. Previously known as a resort for expert skiers, today sixty percent of Tellurides' trails are rated for beginners and intermediates. Telluride also has one of the top snowboarding parks in Colorado, offering more than 13 acres of terrain. Average annual snowfall is 325 inches (25 feet).

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival — The festival features three days of world-renowned musicians performing live on the famous Telluride Town Park stage, late night jams in the local juke joints, 50 choice microbreweries serving up their handcrafted "cream of the barrel" during Saturday's Grand Tasting, the Rainbow Kids area, free Acoustic Artist Series, Blues For Breakfast, and the Telluride Acoustic Blues Camp. The festival starts September 15, 2006.

Telluride Film Festival — Each Labor Day weekend, the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado
triples in size. Swells of passionate film enthusiasts flood the town for four days of total cinematic immersion, embarking on a viewing odyssey, blissfully spending entire days in flickering dark rooms.

Telluride Jazz Festival — The Telluride Jazz Festival is in fact, a "Celebration" of the art, soul, history, and future of an all-American art form. You can enjoy international artists in the intimacy of multiple indoor and outdoor venues. Listen to jazz greats for music in Town Park by day and in intimate bar venues by night.

La Marmotte — Chef Mark Reggiannini, owner of La Marmotte, studied under some of the most influential chefs in the world and brings his expertise to this popular Telluride restaurant. Enjoy exquisite French dishes in their beautiful country elegant dining room.

New Sheridan Chop House — The New Sheridan Chop House is a bistro-style restaurant located on Main Street featuring Executive Chef Ross Martin's New American Cuisine. Favorites include Dry Aged New York Steak - Au Poivre, Alaskan Halibut with Sweet & Sour Vinaigrette, French Onion Soup, a selection of Fine Cheeses, and Daily Plate Specials such as Bouillabaise and Tuna Nicoise. Enjoy outdoor seating in the summer and guaranteed lively local ambiance.

Cosmopolitan — A nice restaurant offering fine dining, but also casual enough for a relaxing meal after a day of winter fun. The menu offers diverse cuisines, including French, Southwestern, American and Thai. No matter what you order, the Cosmo has the perfect complementary wine. Choose from over 200 vintages from France, Italy, California and Oregon.

Telluride is a major mountain-biking center. The San Juan Hut System links Telluride with Moab, Utah, via a 206-mile-long network of backcountry dirtroads.