Most of us skiers and snowboarders have a favorite ski resort that ticks all the boxes. Whether it’s top-ten destination or just our hometown hill, we use these favorite ski resorts to compare all other experiences against.

Telluride tops my list as “the best” ski resort in many categories. After spending a sunny weekend in the San Juans earlier this month, I’ve put together a list of Telluride superlatives, i.e. the very best traits of my favorite ski resort.

Disclaimer: the thoughts below are completely subjective. Do you have other favorites in Telluride or at different ski resorts? Share your opinions in the comment section below!

The best view in Telluride: Revelation Bowl

Telluride is incomparable on a stormy powder day, but it’s a destination that truly shines in bluebird conditions. When the clouds clear, you can really grasp the grandeur of the place. From the vista of dominant Palmyra Peak to the dizzying perspective of town from the top of Spiral Stairs, the views from Telluride Ski Resort are spectacular. When it comes to calling out the best views in Telluride, I believe they can be found in Revelation Bowl.

It was a splendid, sunny weekend at @tellurideski. A photo posted by Ski.com (@skicom) on

The best lift to lap on a powder day: Chair 9

On a big powder day, when the visibility might not merit a hike to the bowl terrain, skiers in-the-know head to the Plunge Lift, aka Chair 9. Skiers have their pick of steep groomers (like The Plunge and Bushwacker) or tree-lined bump runs like Kant-Mak-M or Mammoth. Plus, the three-seat chairlift goes just slow enough to give your legs a rest before the next round of faceshots. If you’re lucky (and on the chairlift early), you might just see someone huck Awesome Rock, a cliff that requires some serious cajones and only allows for the first few skiers to launch off on a massive powder day.

The best hike-to terrain in Telluride: Black Iron Bowl

Accessed from Lift 12 (Prospector Lift), Black Iron Bowl offers a lot of options to those who want to earn their turns. Skiers and snowboarders can hike 10 to 30 minutes and drop into 1,000 vertical feet of steep and typically untracked terrain.

Anybody up for a hike? #BlackIronBowl #Telluride P: @ncsf

A photo posted by Telluride Ski Resort (@tellurideski) on

  Looking back on Black Iron Bowl. #telluride   A photo posted by Telluride Ski Resort (@tellurideski) on

The best après-ski spot in Telluride: Goronno Ranch

This mid-mountain lodge has a lot of things going for it: a charming barn wood facade, live music, ample outdoor seating, and—most importantly—unobstructed sunshine all afternoon. Find yourself an Adirondack chair, grab a margarita and sit back to soak in the awesome après scene.

#Pregame in #Telluride, #Colorado. #SB49 A photo posted by Telluride Ski Resort (@tellurideski) on

  Today at Gorrono Ranch, #Telluride   A photo posted by Telluride Ski Resort (@tellurideski) on

The most colorful street in Telluride: East Colorado Avenue

Telluride is known for its colorful Victorians and mining-era architecture, and most streets—including the main drag, Colorado Avenue—look like they’re out of a storybook. One of my favorite Telluride activities is walking through the neighborhoods to see the collection of brightly toned homes and storefronts. Don’t miss this little stretch at the east end of Colorado Ave.

Colorful Telluride. #skitown #sanjuans #smalltown #telluride P @gabetiller84

A photo posted by Telluride.com (@telluridedotcom) on

  Our favorite pastels on East Colorado Ave. #colorfulcolorado #telluride pc: @gabetiller84   A photo posted by Telluride.com (@telluridedotcom) on

Plan your Telluride ski trip with our new video vacation guide

For more information about Telluride, watch our new video vacation guide below. When you’re ready to take the plunge and visit this special resort, speak with a Mountain Travel Expert by requesting a quote or calling 800-610-8911.