Aerial daytime view of the Mountain Village in Telluride, CO, from the Gondola
Sunshine Express (Lift 4) and the Private Lesson Check-In are right next to each other, conveniently located steps from Mountain Village
Telluride Mountain Village: High Elevation, High Convenience
Pros:
- Ski-in, ski-out access with easy entry to beginner and intermediate slopes
- Home to Telluride Ski School, making it a great option for families with kids learning to ski
- A modern, well-planned village with everything within walking distance
- Scenic gondola ride connects you to Telluride Village for free (and it’s beautiful!)
- Less crowded than Telluride Village
Cons:
- 1,000 feet higher in elevation—if you’re sensitive to altitude, this could be a factor
- Limited restaurant options compared to Telluride Village
- Accommodations tend to be luxury-focused, meaning little to no budget-friendly lodging
View from the Gondola of Downtown Telluride, Colorado
The view right outside Telluride Station (Gondola), from here you would pass this to get to the Gondola to go to Mountain Village. The runs here are more advanced
Telluride Village: Historic Charm & Local Vibes
Pros:
- More restaurants, bars, and coffee shops—great for foodies!
- More shops, especially if you’re looking for souvenirs, ski gear, or children’s items
- Larger variety of lodging, including budget-friendly hotels and rentals
- Offers a historic, picturesque mountain town feel with charming architecture
- Free gondola connects you to Mountain Village (enjoy the views!)
Cons:
- Further from the beginner-friendly ski areas, so it requires a gondola or shuttle ride to get to ski school and easier runs
- More crowds, especially during peak ski season
If you are looking for a 5 star ski-in ski-out resort in Mountain Village, The Madeline Hotel and Residences makes any snow adventures easily accessible and couldn’t have a better location.
So, Where Should You Stay?
If your main priority is skiing, convenience, and luxury accommodations, Mountain Village is the best choice. But if you prefer a walkable, historic town with more restaurants, shops, and lodging options, Telluride Village is the way to go. Either way, you can easily explore both with the free gondola connecting the two!
Mini Luxe Travelers Tip: If you’re traveling with kids who are learning to ski but you love a lively town, stay in Telluride Village and use the gondola to access ski school in Mountain Village each morning. Best of both worlds!
We personally chose to stay in Mountain Village because having ski-in, ski-out access was most important to us. With our youngest daughter not yet skiing, we needed the convenience of being able to switch off easily between skiing and childcare while still making the most of our time on the slopes.
If you’re visiting during the off-ski season, staying in Telluride Village is likely the better option due to the wider variety of accommodations, more dining options, and access to non-ski-related activities. Mountain Village thrives in winter but can be much quieter outside of ski season.
No matter where you stay, Telluride is pure magic in the winter.