Telluride. Some say it was named for Tellurium, a gold-bearing ore. Others call it "To Hell You Ride," emphasizing the boisterousness of the 1880's mining town. Settled in the 1870s as a gold and silver mining camp, Telluride was incorporated in 1878. In 1964 it was deemed a National Historic District.

Telluride is the perfect blend of pure mountain splendor, historic charm, world-class skiing, and unsurpassable beauty.

Surrounded by the largest concentration of 14,000-foot mountains in North America, there's nothing quite like the small town of Telluride. This translates into virtually nonexistent lift lines, and slopes all to yourself: steep ones, easy ones, long ones- a mountain for the whole family.

With the closest traffic light a good 65 miles away and a permanent population of 1,600, it is easy to find your way around Telluride.

Eighty-five percent of all accommodations are liftside or within walking distance of the gondola's Station Telluride or the Coonskin and Oak Street chairlifts.

The Mountain Village lies over the ridge from Telluride, accessible by skis or snowboard via the ski mountain, or by a 12-minute gondola ride from Station Telluride to Station Mountain Village. Combining European-alpine design with the rustic traditions of the Rockies, the Mountain Village boasts a number of restaurants, shops, boutiques, hotels and unmatched views.