Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
First time visitor to Telluride? Below are some questions frequently asked by Telluride visitors. If you have a question not answered below please email me at stevec@tellurideproperties.com or call my cell at (970) 708-2338, or office at (970) 369-5322. I am always happy to share local knowledge.
WHERE IS TELLURIDE?
A National Historic Landmark District, Telluride rests at the base of the Telluride ski mountain and is surrounded by mountain peaks that reach as high as 14,000 feet. We are located on the dramatic San Juan Skyway, Highway 145, in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Telluride and Mountain Village are 67 miles south of Montrose; 127 miles south of Grand Junction; 125 miles northwest of Durango; 7 hours from Denver; 9 hours from Phoenix; and 6 hours from Albuquerque.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CALL TELLURIDE HOME?
Just over 2,200 people are lucky enough to call Telluride home.
HOW DO I GET AROUND TO TELLURIDE? DO I NEED A CAR?
The town of Telluride is about ten blocks long and five wide so you do not need a car to get around town, especially with the free Galloping Goose and Gondola. The Galloping Goose bus runs a town loop every 15 minutes from 7am-8pm and every 20-minutes from 8pm-12am, 7 days a week. To learn more visit https://www.telluride-co.gov/255/Galloping-Goose-Route-and-Information. For more information on regional transit to Lawson Hill, Rico, Placerville, and Norwood please visit the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) website: https://smarttelluride.colorado.gov/.
WHERE IS THE GONDOLA?
The Telluride Gondola terminal is located at the end of South Oak Street, right next to Lift 8.
The Gondola joining Telluride with the town of Mountain Village, and serving several ski runs, opened in November of 1996. Telluride’s gondola transports skiers and snowboarders for access to ski area terrain in the winter, however it is primarily a free public transportation system. The Gondola runs from 6:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with extended hours on select dates. The gondola closes during the Spring and Fall off-seasons. A gondola cabin can carry up to eight passengers. Most cabins have a bike/ski rack and several cabins are designated as “dog” cabins (look for the paw prints on the side). At 2 and ½ miles long, the Gondola takes just over 13 minutes for a complete trip.
WHERE IS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE?
Mountain Village is connected to Telluride by a free gondola ride. Located mid-mountain at 9,500 feet above sea level, the views of the surrounding area are astounding. The year-round alpine resort was incorporated in 1995 and hosts a championship golf course, as well as the world-class Telluride Ski Area.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE WEATHER IN TELLURIDE?
Telluride typically enjoys a mild winter climate but can dip as low as -10°F. Snowstorms usually see 30ºF but sunny days (typically over 300 sunny days a year) can fluctuate between the low and up and over 65ºF. Click Here for Current Telluride Weather Conditions.
Summer temperatures frequently reach the 70s; but the weather change can be dramatic reaching 70ºF in the afternoon and dropping quickly with afternoon thundershowers then dipping into the 40s or less the evening.
WHAT IS IT LIKE AT TELLURIDE'S ALTITUDE?
At 8,750 feet in Telluride and 9,500 feet in Mountain Village, the air pressure is 40 percent lower than sea level. Staying hydrated aids your adjustment to the altitude as well as going easy on caffeine and alcohol the first few days of your stay. Also, be aware that at altitude sunburn is a factor – so wear plenty of sunscreen!
HOW MUCH SNOW DOES TELLURIDE GET A YEAR?
Telluride typically enjoys an average snowfall of 309 inches per year and fortunately over 300 days of sunshine as well. Click Here for Current Snow Conditions on the Telluride Ski Area.
WHERE IS BRIDAL VEIL FALLS?
One of the top scenic sites in Telluride, at 365 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s longest free-falling waterfall and can be found at the east end of Telluride’s box canyon. Head straight through town and continue until you reach Pandora Mill, a large historic structure on the left – about 2 miles. If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle you can park at the Pandora Mill or just up the dirt road before the first big curve. You can see the falls from this area, but the further up you walk the better the view.
IS THERE A MEDICAL FACILITY IN TELLURIDE?
The Telluride Medical Center is a full-service, 24-hour medical facility with emergency ambulance and helicopter service to neighboring hospitals. The Center has Board certified Physicians in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine. The Center specializes in family and preventative medicine, emergency and orthopedic care, high altitude medicine, and sports medicine. Additional services include CT scans and ultrasounds. Telluride Medical Center is in the process of identifying and evaluating sites for a new building estimated at 40,000 SF.
WHAT IS TELLURIDE'S OFF-SEASON?
Telluride’s two active or “high-seasons” revolve around the opening and closing of the ski area, generally on or before Thanksgiving Day through the first weeks of April, and the beginning of Summer Festival Season in May to mid-October. If you’re planning on visiting during off-season expect beauty, peace and quiet – but fewer restaurants and shops to choose from.
WHAT ABOUT DOGS IN TELLURIDE?
Dog lovers will claim Telluride as an extremely “pet friendly” town. Dogs in Telluride and Mountain Village are required to be on a leash at all times and pick-up bags and trash containers are provided for the disposal of pet waste. Your pet will love Telluride.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN TELLURIDE?
Although Telluride was initially popularized as a winter ski destination, in the early 70s a hand full of local residences decided to try to bolster Telluride’s summer economy by starting some of what eventually became our longest running summer festivals: The Telluride Film Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Chamber Music Festival and the Imogene Pass Run. Now Telluride boasts celebrated festivals all summer long. To learn more visit our link Summer Festival Schedule.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE WINTER IN TELLURIDE?
When the mining boom ended, Telluride locals headed for the ski slopes. Originally hiking to the top and skiing down, the Telluride Ski Area now offers over 1,700 skiable acres and enjoys over 300 inches of snow a year.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Emergencies call 911
San Miguel Sheriff’s Office
851 63L Road (Ilium Valley)
Telluride, CO 81435
Dispatch (24 hours) 970-728-1911
Administration 970-728-4442
Public Information (24 hours) 970-728-1500
Telluride Marshal’s Department
160 S. Fir St. • 970-728-3818