Your Guide to Telluride intermediate Skiing

Breathtaking mountain views, crisp mountain air, and large and small towns perfect for a ski adventure: that’s Colorado’s ski scene in a nutshell. When you’re planning your next ski adventure, you’ll have some choices to make. Get away from the big city chaos when you choose Telluride, a place where you can enjoy your favorite winter sports in a quieter small-town atmosphere. If it’s your first time here, or it’s been a while since your last visit, you may need some help mapping out your skiing or snowboarding adventures, see ski trail map here. Around 36% of Telluride’s 2,000 skiable acres is reserved for skiers and snowboarders who have some experience under their belt but aren’t yet ready for the more difficult terrain. Our guide for Telluride intermediate skiing will help you maximize your fun.

Lift 4

Also known as “Village Express,” the lift takes you from mountain village to a point on the mountain that diverges into many intermediate level trails. The single blue square and double blue square trails include obstacles like corduroy cruisers, glades, an array of moderate difficulty bumps, and short chutes. Choose from slopes like Boomerang, Peek-A-Boo, Smuggler, Butterfly, and more.

Lift 5

You could choose to grab a bite to eat at Bon Vivant Restaurant before gliding down the slopes of lift five. Known as the “Palmyra” or “Polar Queen Express,” you can shred your way down the mountain on slopes like Ophir Loop, Dew Drop, Polar Queen, and others.

Lift 6

Known as “Apex Lift,” the lift takes you to the top boundary of the mountain before the backcountry begins. Make your way down See Forever, a trail that goes from the top of the mountain for three miles before meeting up with other slopes. Veer off See Forever in favor of Woozley’s Way, which connects to many of the slopes accessed by lift five.

Lift 8

While the trails accessible from this lift, known as the “Oak Street Lift,” may seem more suited for black diamond status, there are a few intermediate trails, too. Easy Out, Bail Out, Telluride Trail, and Kid’s Hill are all blue square or double blue square trails.

Lift 9

The “Plunge Lift” gives access to many expert level runs, but also some intermediate runs. It’s a meeting point for See Forever, while you can also access Last Chance, Lookout, Lower Lookout, Telluride Trail, and many more – it just depends on what way you want to go!

Lift 10

Take the “Sunshine Express” lift to the top and choose Sundance, which turns into a double green circle trail for easy connection to other beginner trails to reach the base. Head the opposite way and explore Enchanted Forest or Marmot before joining other double green circle routes to the base of the mountain.

Lift 12

Grab a ride on “Prospect Express” and arrive near the high camp warming hut. It’s convenient if you need to stop for a hot drink or snack before heading back down the mountain. Choose from trails like Sandia, Magnolia, or Stella.

Slow Zones

Many of the intermediate slopes on the mountain cross “slow zones.” Check the map provided on the Telluride website or from the resort before planning your routes. 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.

Nordic Skiing

There are several Nordic skiing paths on the mountain. While it’s a sport for just about all abilities, most of the trails pass through intermediate and beginners’ slopes. If you’re here for downhill Telluride intermediate skiing, you’ll need to watch for path crossings and avoid those skiers out for a different experience.

Expert Accommodations for Intermediate Skiers

While your skills may only be intermediate on the slopes, the hospitality services of Lodging In Telluride are expert level! We don’t miss a thing when it comes to offering you top-notch accommodations, no matter what your skill level on the slopes may be. We have units as small as one bedroom for your solo or sweetheart trip, all the way up to six bedrooms to bring all your ski friends! You can practice and improve together, so you may be tackling the black diamond runs before you leave. After a long day on the slopes, warm up with a home-cooked meal prepared in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. After the delicious and filling meal, enjoy breathtaking views from private outdoor spaces, or curl up inside and gaze out at mountain views as you warm yourself by the crackling fire. Unwind in generous private bedrooms or soak away aches in a spacious shower or bathtub. Choose a premium rental for perks like a hot tub, stainless steel appliances, wood floors, and more. Make getting to the slopes easier and book a ski-in/ski-out rental, for quick access to the lifts or conveniences like the Galloping Goose.