Top Green, Blue, and Black Ski Runs in Telluride
Stay Away from the Crowds at Telluride
Skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes in Colorado, often leading to crowded resorts during the winter season, with trails packed with visitors. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head to Telluride Ski Resort. Ideal for beginners, this ski area features one of Colorado’s only free mountain gondolas and is typically much less crowded than the resorts along the Rockies.
For those who are unsure which Telluride trails would be right for their skill level, we have the perfect guide for you. Join us as we explore the best beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski runs in Telluride.
Best Beginner Ski Trails in Telluride
Take the Chondola to Some Great Easy Green Runs
Still getting your ski legs and want a few easy trails to enjoy? Check out the Chondola chairlift, accessible from the Mountain Village area. From here, you’ll have your pick of the easiest runs in Telluride, like The Peaks and two variations of the Meadows trail as well. This is the perfect spot for those who are still learning and don’t want to deal with steep drop-offs or challenging turns just yet. However, if you’re unsure if you can conquer these trails at your current skill level, head over to the Telluride Ski School for some lessons.
Ride the Longest Trail in Telluride: Galloping Goose
For those who love to cruise down long green trails, the 4.6 mile Galloping Goose run is a great choice. Head up to the Prospect Bowl Express and take the chairlift up to 11,815 feet, where you’ll have access to the more advanced green trails in Telluride.
From here, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding mountains while you enjoy cruising through the trees. Galloping Goose can be ridden all the way back to Big Billie’s Restaurant, where you can take a much-needed rest and enjoy some food after your jaunt.
Top Telluride Blue Trails
Take the Polar Queen Express to Access Some Easier Blue Trails
If you are just starting out with blue or intermediate trails, the ski area accessible off of the Polar Queen Express chairlift is a great spot to get your confidence up to take on the more advanced blues in Telluride.
The titular Polar Queen run is graded as an easier blue, and this one is perfect for those who are still working on their straight lining. If Polar Queen wasn’t tough enough for you, check out Silver Tip or Gold Rush, which are graded a bit higher and will help you work on your turns and curves.
See Forever on the See Forever Trail
Incredible mountain views are something you can expect while skiing in Telluride, but if you’re an intermediate skier or rider who is looking for some of the best views from the slopes, check out the See Forever trail. Accessed from the top of the Gold Hill Express chairlift or the Revelation Express, this meandering miles-long ski run will bring you to the topside of the mountain and then all the way back down to the mountain village via the blue Butterfly trail. Enjoy some stunning mountain vistas as you cruise this long and beautiful trail.
Experts Only: Black and Double-Black Runs in Telluride
Plunge Down the Mountain from the Plunge Lift to Black Trails
If only the steepest of black ski runs holds allure for you, the trails accessible off of the Plunge Lift will challenge you to your limit. Riddled with black and double-black runs like Mammoth, Bushwacker, Spiral Stairs, Satisfaction, and West Drain, you’ll have your pick of the litter once you step off of the chairlift. If straightlining is your thing, check out the Kant-Mak-M black trail, which heads straight underneath the terrain of the Plunge Lift, to pick up some incredible speeds.
Head to Some Double-Black Diamonds Via the Gold Hill Express
Experts are willing to go the extra mile to enjoy some incredible skiing, and the double-black runs found off of the Gold Hill Express are worth the effort.
From Mountain Village, take the Village Express up to the Polar Queen Express. From there, it’s a ride up the Gold Hill Express to drop down into the harder terrain accessible from here–check out the Gold Hill 1 and 2 trails for some steep and incredible skiing or riding. You’ll also have access to plenty of other double-blacks from this area as well, such as Millions, Little Rose, and Andy’s Gold.
Find More Things to Do in Telluride
With over 2,000 acres of skiable and rideable terrain, Telluride is one of the best places to go to escape the crowds and enjoy some great high-mountain skiing. However, if you’re looking for more things to do while you’re in town, we have you covered. Check out our guide to the best places to view wildlife in Telluride or have a look at our blog on the best day trips to take from Telluride.