It may be hard to believe, given our near-tropically warm winter, but ski season is upon us. If you haven’t even thought about dusting off the old snow sticks, Vv’s Magazine’s Si Si Penaloza went to explore Exclusive Resorts Telluride in Colorado to get you inspired…
Why settle for anything less than premium powder? Life is too short to ski in slush. With more than 300 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine per year, Telluride is one of the most dependable destinations for powder hounds.
With seven of America’s 10 most popular resorts, Colorado is the alpha force of US skiing. Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone each draw more than a million skiers each season with immaculately-groomed slopes, posh restaurants, and celebrity sightings. Meanwhile, Telluride offers the freshest bowls and chutes in the state, with a more low-key Main Street. Smoke puffs from the chimneys of little log cabins, while sunlight sparkles on a sedate woodland of blue spruce, aspen, and fir. Here, it’s all about the mountain.
Ski vacations may be a winter staple but, with so many resorts and destinations catering to the ski set, choosing a hotel can be tricky. A Colorado holiday doesn’t have to mean forking over a fortune to a soulless, high-density hotel. Exclusive Resorts’ stylish Telluride chalets invoke the pioneer spirit of historic ski cabins — think Gilded Age charm with vaulted ceilings, wood panelling, and granite fireplaces. It’s steps from Main Street, among brightly-coloured shopfronts and swinging saloon doors. The town’s gold-mining history lingers in all the little details. When it comes to authentic charms and a feeling of the Wild West, Telluride rules the roost. The destination’s main appeal lies in its comparative lack of big box brands, allowing locally-owned boutiques, galleries, and restaurants to thrive.
If a ski villa can be a blockbuster, this baby broke the bank. Choose from one of six four-bedroom residences in the heart of Telluride’s Mountain Village — palatial digs offering more than 3,200 square-feet of modern mountain comforts. Distinctive features include private hydrotherapy tubs for soothing muscles after a day of killer runs, sprawling gourmet kitchens with on-demand private chefs, and multiple master suites for democracy’s sake. Snuggling up before the roaring fireplace is indubitably the best way to revel in the pure, natural glory of alpine living.
Even by Exclusive Resorts’ standards, which already set the bar rather high, this experience is a true stand-out and worth the expense. The edifice is grand — erected in a bygone era when steam trains puffed and luxury liners set sail, like an orchid in a field of daisies. The main gondola is literally 10 boot shuffles away, where you brush up on your technique with the best-looking ski school staff in Colorado (picture a dozen 20-something North Face model types). If corporate life is taking its toll, this is the ideal place to bliss out and rekindle your spirit. From ice skating and snow biking to alpine ski routes and heli-skiing, Exclusive Resorts Telluride has become a favoured destination for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Spark new family rituals and enjoy bonding time away from the noise and distractions of the city. Curl up in front of the fire with board games and hot chocolate, unplug your matrix of devices, and watch the starry night sky. Exclusive Resorts is anything you want it to be, offering total independence to serenity-seeking families who prefer to self-cater. Meanwhile, another group may opt for the private chef, organized trips to national parks, wine tastings, and cooking classes.
As the world’s foremost collection of luxury villas, Exclusive Resorts combines bespoke journeys, immersive cultural experiences, and access to special events into one seamless service. Planning is everything, and the team on the ground have every little details covered. Imagine turning up after a day on double-diamond runs and finding your favourite snacks and nibbles. From babysitting to freshly-baked cookies, they’ve got it handled. The in-residence chef dinners often steal the show — imagine a feast catering to your preferred proteins and greens. Exclusive Resorts members also enjoy the privilege of a Ski Butler, providing in-residence equipment fitting, support, and replacement — because no one likes thumping around and waiting in line at the ski shop!
If you’re a ski junkie, what are your thoughts on Exclusive Resorts Telluride? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.