Earlier this month Travel + Leisure named Telluride as one of their top three picks in Colorado for non-skiers. We decided to expand on their piece with some thoughts of our own.

Why Telluride is the Ultimate Escape (Even if You Never Touch a Pair of Skis)

When you think of Telluride, Colorado, your mind probably jumps straight to those legendary vertical drops and world-class powder. But here’s a secret that Travel + Leisure recently spotlighted: you don’t need to be a pro athlete—or even know how to strap on a boot—to fall head-over-heels for this box-canyon beauty.

In fact, Telluride is one of the rare mountain towns where the "après" lifestyle is just as exhilarating as the "ski" part. If your idea of a winter wonderland involves cozy fires, high-altitude dining, and stunning views rather than black diamonds, this is your sign to book that flight.

Here is how to master the art of the "Non-Ski" Telluride getaway.

1. The Most Scenic Commute in the World

Forget Uber. In Telluride, the primary mode of transportation is the Free Gondola. This 13-minute ride connects the historic town of Telluride to the modern Mountain Village. Floating 10,500 feet in the air, you’ll get 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountains that most people only see on postcards. It’s free, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s arguably the best "ride" in town.

2. High-Altitude Indulgence

Telluride’s dining scene is literally and figuratively on another level. For a bucket-list experience, take a snowcat ride to Alpino Vino, the highest fine-dining restaurant in North America. Imagine sipping Italian wine and enjoying a five-course meal at 11,966 feet while the sun sets over the peaks. If you prefer to stay closer to sea level (well, 8,750 feet), the historic Main Street is lined with cozy bistros and upscale eateries like Allred’s, which offers a view of the town lights flickering below.

3. Culture and "Ghostly" History

Telluride isn't just a resort; it’s a National Historic Landmark District. Spend a morning at the Telluride Historical Museum (housed in a 1896 hospital!) to learn about the town’s mining roots and the fact that Butch Cassidy robbed his very first bank right here on Colorado Avenue. For the art lovers, the Ah Haa School for the Arts offers workshops, while the Sheridan Opera House hosts intimate concerts that feel like a private performance.

4. Adventure Without the Gravity

Who says you need skis to play in the snow?

• Snowmobiling: Head out to the Alta Ghost Town for a high-speed history lesson.

• Snowshoeing: Take the Bear Creek Trail for a moderate winter hike that ends at a frozen waterfall.

• The Spa Life: If "adventure" to you means a Himalayan Salt Cave or a deep-tissue massage, the spas at The Peaks Resort or Hotel Telluride have you covered.

5. The Magic of the Town Stroll

There is a specific kind of magic in Telluride’s architecture—vibrant Victorian homes framed by massive, jagged peaks. Spend an afternoon "window shopping" through the local boutiques (no big-box chains here!) and grab a hot chocolate at a local cafe. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the air just feels crisper.

The Bottom Line

As Travel + Leisure notes, Telluride is a destination that doesn't "hinge on lift tickets alone." Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or a solo "reset" in the mountains, Telluride proves that the best way to enjoy the Rockies is simply to be there.

Ready to trade the lift lines for a glass of wine? Telluride is waiting.

Here is the original article from 2/9/26:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-mountains-to-visit-if-you-dont-ski-11897803#:~:text=Telluride,hinge%20on%20lift%20tickets%20alone.

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