After the adventure, go for the summer version of après-ski at a trio of spots around Mountain Village. On the ground floor of the Franz Klammer Lodge complex, Telluride Distilling Company serves $5 mules, made with house-made ginger beer and vodka, and other whiskeys, gin and agave cocktails at reasonable prices. Adjacent, the Communion Wine Barwhich opened last summer, has been getting rave reviews for its lesser-known wines by the glass. Telluride Brewing Company pours its refreshing IPAs and other ales at a brewpub in the Hotel Madeline building (the brewery’s original tap room west of Telluride remains a hub for locals who flock after biking and kayaking.)
Finish with a casual dinner back in Telluride. La Cocina de Luz is my go-to for tamales and giant burrito plates, accompanied by the requisite margarita (dishes from $22). Newer is the Wok of Joy, a Thai spot opened in 2021 by Joy Itthithepphana, who gained fans for her pad Thai and spicy curries while running a food cart in Mountain Village. Now a loyal clientele packs the small dining area of this counter-service restaurant for those dishes and more (entrées average $20).
Where to Stay
The Telluride area has no shortage of luxe hotels, with the largest concentration in Mountain Village. Last year in Madeline Hotel and Residences (rooms from $599), an Auberge Resorts Collection property, the 155 rooms and suites have been recreated in a modern chalet style. An emphasis on wellness includes meditation stools in every room, chlorophyll-enhanced water in the lobby and nightly turndown service with amenities like CBD lotion. The complex also has a spa, outdoor pool, restaurant and cocktail lounge. At 4 p.m., Bryan Woody, the hotel’s general manager, plays the alpenhorn during a complimentary Champagne toast, as his St. Bernard and Cheyenne are the guests.
In the western part of the town, the Hotel Telluride (rooms from $369) is a reliable option, with friendly service and a relaxed vibe. The 59 rooms, all with balconies, are furnished in mountain lodge style, and the on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. The hotel is within a few blocks of the commercial district and offers free shuttle service around town and cruiser bikes for loan.
If you have a car and a limited budget, consider Bivvi Hostel Telluride, open as of 2020 in Placerville, about 16 miles down the valley. Private and shared rooms, all with private bathrooms and continental breakfast included, start at $55 per person in a dorm room.