A Guide to Skiing in Telluride for Beginners

You may enjoy a mountain vacation for the breathtaking mountain views, crisp mountain air, and tranquility you can’t get anywhere else. There are plenty of mountain activities to take part in throughout the year, like hiking, biking, off-roading, water sports, and more. You typically fill your winters with playing in the snow, building snowmen, and less adrenaline-pumping activities. This year, you’ve decided to try something new: skiing. Head to Telluride for the small town, cozy atmosphere, as well as buzzing ski scene. The beautiful mountain has an array of slopes, many just right for the first-time skier or snowboarder. Around 23% of Telluride’s 2,000 skiable acres is reserved for skiers and snowboarders who are just learning the basics. Make use of our handy guide to some of the best Telluride beginner skiing experiences to have you falling in love with the sport and returning year after year!

Trail Designations

If you’re starting completely from scratch, you may not know what trails are right for you. Trails marked with one or more green circles will be the ideal experience for beginners and others who want to take it slow. A detailed map of the mountain can be found online on the Telluride website, or from the resort.

Lessons

Before you head out to enjoy skiing in Telluride for beginners, a few lessons may be in order. The resort offers full day and half day lessons. If you’re here with other friends also just learning the ropes, up to five people can enjoy the private training sessions. The price of the lesson is typically for the lesson only, you’ll have to purchase a lift ticket or season pass separately. There are also lessons for kids as young as three years old! Group lessons are available for a full day or half day. For your convenience, and to save a little money, you can build a package that includes discounted lift ticket and gear rental.

Slow Zones

Just about all of the beginner slopes on the mountain cross “slow zones.” Check the map provided on the Telluride website or from the resort to make sure you know where these areas are before heading down the mountain. During peak times, traffic in these areas may become congested and it’s your responsibility to be able to slow down and avoid collisions with other skiers or objects.

Lift 1

Known as the Chondola, the lift takes you up to Mountain Village, where you can glide your way easily down the mountain. Trails include Meadows, and The Peaks.

Lift 4

Also known as “Village Express,” the lift takes you from mountain village to a point on the mountain that diverges into both beginner and intermediate trails. The lift drops you where the intermediate Boomerang trail turns into the double green circle Village Bypass. You can take this trail all the way down to the base of the mountain. Veer off Village Bypass to Lower Boomerang, another double green circle path, that ends in Mountain Village, or continue to Lower Village Bypass.

Lift 10

Take the “Sunshine Express” lift to the top and find a Telluride beginner skiing paradise. Try your hand at the double green circle trails of Double Cabin or Grouse Glade. Turn off Double Cabin to Teddy’s Way and hook up with Sundance and Double Cabin down to the base of the mountain. Veer off in the other direction from Teddy’s way and discover Lower Galloping Goose, a double green circle path, which also meets up with Double Cabin, as well as Bridges, all connecting once again with Lower Galloping Goose at the base. At the top of the lift, you’ll also find Beginner Park, a perfect place to start!

Lift 11

Known as the “Ute Park” lift, it takes you to the Ute Park trail, which meets up with single blue square (intermediate) Sundance, or Double Cabin and all the trails it connects to. Head off in the direction of Nellie to cross paths with Double Cabin yet again. Choose to cruise down Little Maude and Madison to end at the slow zone at the bottom of lift 12.

Lift 12

Grab a ride on “Prospect Express” and arrive near the High Camp Warming Hut. Stop in for a warm drink or quick snack, then go gliding back down the mountain. Start with a swerve toward Galloping Goose, then veer off toward the double green circle trails of Madison or May Girl. May Girl continues down the mountain when you veer off once again to take Galloping Goose and its other offshoots to the bottom of the mountain.

Expert Accommodations for Beginner Skiers

While you may just be starting out, The team at Lodging In Telluride has been in the business for quite some time! We offer you top-notch accommodations, no matter what your skill level on the slopes may be. Choose from units as small as one bedroom all the way up to six bedrooms. After a long day on the slopes, warm up with a home-cooked meal prepared in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy breathtaking views from private outdoor spaces or curl up next to the fire. Unwind in generous private bedrooms or soak away aches in a spacious shower or bathtub. Make getting to the slopes easier when you book a ski-in/ski-out rental.