Snugged high up at the head of a box canyon, Telluride offers up the big-mountain goods for anyone willing to make the trek. To get the most bang for its buck, Telluride doesn’t waste too many acres with “groomers” and “beginner” runs. Instead, Telluride is loaded with chutes, bowls and seriously steep terrain, covered in over 300 inches of San Juan’s finest. Looking for above treeline action? Head over to he recently opened Revelation Bowl. Want to scare yourself? Get your tail to the Bear Creek area. No matter where you go, Telluride doesn’t disappoint.

The town of Telluride is split into two separate areas, The Mountain Village and the Old Town. The Mountain Village is a newer development that’s aimed at tourists. Newer restaurants, condos and hotels all circle around main walkways and fire pits; good for wholesome family fun. The Old Town — originally settled for silver mining in the mid-1800s — is an authentic mountain village, with local bars, cheaper lodging and authentic shops. We suggest sending it at the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon and the Last Dollar Saloon, but don’t drink too much: you don’t want to miss a full day shredding all that Telluride has to offer.

     

THE TOP 12
#1 Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
#2 Aspen/Snowmass, CO
#3 Sqaw Valley, CA
#4 Jackson Hole, WY
#5 Mammoth Mountain, CA
#6 Alta/Snowbird, UT
#7 Breckenridge, CO
#8 Telluride, CO
#9 Mt. Baker, WA
#10 Big Sky, MT
#11 Copper Mountain, CO
#12 Park City, UT