Winter Playground

Every winter, Mountain Village transforms into the ultimate winter playground, and not just for skiers and snowboarders. Sitting at 9,545 feet, Mountain Village is intertwined with the Telluride Ski Resort, which boasts 300-plus inches of annual snowfall on average and over 2,000 skiable acres. Nearly every lodge, condo and hotel, plus a number of private homes, has ski-in-ski-out access, where you can jump on your skis right from your backdoor.

It’s also easy to get around. The Gondola and Chondola provide one of the most unique forms of public transportation in the world. There’s also a free bus service, as well as DialA-Ride, a free service for owners’ association members and their guests. And, no matter where in the Village you are, you’re always close to nature and some pretty spectacular views.

On a powder day, there’s no better place to cop fresh turns than from Mountain Village. Need to rent or buy new gear? You’ll be able to get decked out at one of the many Village outfitters, many of which have award-winning boot fitters and techs. Ready for lunch? The Village Center is bustling with quick fare from the famous Place de Crepes food cart or a slice from Crazy Elk pizzeria, as well as swankier sit-down spots like the Village

Table, which serves Mediterranean fare; Italian eatery La Piazza del Villaggio; and Altezza at the Peaks, which offers a stunning, panoramic view of the mountains. While you’re refueling, you can even get a hot wax done on your skis or board by the Wax Guru on Heritage Plaza. Return to the slopes and later unwind at one of Mountain Village’s après-ski spots. Off-mountain, Mountain Village has plenty WINTER of options too. Find a new outfit at a highend boutique like Heritage Apparel. Pamper yourself at a local spa day. The Peaks Resort and PLAYGROUND Spa even offers an impressive — and fun — indoor-outdoor pool with a slide. The Mountain Lodge, Lumiere, Franz Klammer and the Madeline Hotel and Residences also offer the chance for a (heated) outdoor splash. For more adventure, check out Mountain Village’s two ice skating areas. The Village Pond is an unsupervised ice rink next to Bootdoctors, where you can skate, play broomball and learn how to curl. The pond is open during the day, while the Madeline maintains a lighted outdoor rink open until 8 p.m. The hotel also rents hockey and figure skates and hosts special events. Keep an eye out for Frosty the Snowman, who’s been known to spend time at the rink. To get in a mean cardio workout and enjoy the glorious views that abound in Mountain Village, try Nordic skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing and even fat tire biking — all are possible in the area during snow season and make for a great off-mountain adventure. Mountain Village in winter? Stunningly beautiful, wonderfully varied, totally unforgettable. This winter, activities and amenities may be subject to change. Visit townofmountainvillage. com for the latest.

When the snow flies, unforgettable Mountain Village is the place to be

BY SAGE MARSHALL