There are a lot of considerations to make when planning a ski trip. Every skier wants to go somewhere with good snow and terrain suitable for their ability and interest. But there’s more to a great ski trip than just skiing. That’s why many people opt for resorts with the kinds of amenities and atmosphere they enjoy. This can be a tricky balancing act. Sometimes you have to sacrifice luxury to spend time at the mountain with the best snow. Telluride is a rare resort that has everything — great snow, a wide variety of terrain, and an incredible town with a rich and colorful local flavor.
All of this led Ski Magazine to highlight Telluride as “a town above” the rest in 2021. And this was by no means the first time Telluride received such an honor. Widely known as the most difficult major resort to get to in Colorado, Telluride rewards intrepid ski travelers with amazing terrain and unique experiences. Located in the southwest corner of the state, Telluride (and other southerly mountains) tends to get more snow than anywhere else in the Rockies.
Discover for yourself what makes Telluride a top-tier choice for a ski vacation. Spend time on the mountain and discover the in-town delights this winter. To facilitate your next unforgettable trip, here is a list of 10 Vrbo rentals, arranged by nightly cost, in Telluride, chosen for their magnificent designs, amenities, and proximity to the ski area and town.
Rustic Home Outside Telluride$300/nightly avg
Located on a secluded 2-acre plot outside Telluride, this vacation home is ready to provide up to seven skiers the trip of a lifetime. The house is surrounded by a flourishing aspen grove and boasts incredible views of the nearby peaks. It has three full bathrooms and three bedrooms (a king, queen, and a queen/twin combo). This is an incredible and affordable option for a group of skiers keen on posting up in a quiet lodge close to town and the resort, but with an in-the-woods feel to it.
To get to town and the ski area, guests can drive 5 miles on Highway 145, or take the mile-long trip to Mountain Village Ski and Golf Resort, park for free, and take the gondola up. Note that the property’s caretaker lives full-time in a separate downstairs unit.
Racer’s Roost$700/nightly avg
Less than a block away from the gondola, this enviable townhouse is within a few minutes’ walk from downtown. Each of the two king bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom featuring a jetted bathtub. The third room is a queen with only slightly less glamor to it. There are abundant workspaces for those who might have to tackle a few meetings or write a report during their great stay. The living area is a comfortable open-plan space with plenty of room to put your feet up after a day on the mountain. Bus access is practical, efficient, and free, as is the case with all properties, to explore Telluride proper.
Finn Town Flats$700/nightly avg
Just half a block from the ski lift that will take you to Telluride’s epic terrain, this single-family home is the kind of place ski junkies dream about. Formerly a boarding house, it is reminiscent of Telluride’s Victorian heritage, but the owners are by no means allergic to contemporary innovations in design. This perfect location can hardly be beaten and the interior is a comfortable place to rest, relax, and recuperate. The home has two master bedrooms with kings, a queen bedroom, and a kids’ bedroom with two twins.
Recently Remodeled Downtown House$774/nightly avg

Painted in a bold blue color, this downtown house rental gives skiers a comfortable place to dine and relax after a day on the hill. With Main Street and the gondola just minutes away, getting home and going to town are sweatless exercises. Granite countertops and hardwood floors provide a hint of glamor to the simple act of making breakfast. There are two queen bedrooms upstairs and one on the ground floor.
Grand Home In Mountain Village$708/nightly avg
Mountain Village is just east of downtown Telluride. It is a separate development with its own gondola and mountain access, home to many fine properties, including this four-bedroom wonder. Blue walls full of windows and great columns of river rocks give it an imposing look and air of luxury. Inside, exposed timber frames and railings give it a homier feel. It is ideal for a family; there is room for everyone in the common area and game room. Exhausted skiers will certainly appreciate the private sauna and spacious bathrooms. The kitchen has beautiful countertops, almost as captivating to admire as the mountains outside.
Ski-In/Ski-Out Townhouse$572/nightly avg
Anyone who has had to take a long bus or car ride in order to enjoy a day on the mountain has surely felt the dark pull of envy when they hear about friends staying at a ski-in/ski-out home. At this Mountain Village townhouse, you can experience for yourself the satisfaction and simplicity that comes from being able to ski right up to your front door. But prime positioning isn’t the only thing this home has going for it. The place is suitably luxurious and designed with an alpine feel. Exposed logs and stone walls indicate that this is the real deal. Bring your family but leave the car behind and stay at this fabulous home where all the delights of mountain life exist at your fingertips.
Ghostriders 11 By AvantStay$896/nightly avg
This top-floor condo in eastern Telluride is perhaps most notable for its large rooftop deck (accessed via a spiral staircase in the living room) with bewildering views of Ajax Peak, Ingram Falls, and Bear Creek. There is a king bedroom with a beautiful rough brick bathroom, a queen bedroom, and a third bedroom with two twins. There’s something beautiful to see out of every window. There’s room for one more on the comfortable fold-out sofa. The ski area and downtown shopping/dining district is within walking distance.
Located as it is on the third floor, guests must ascend a staircase to access the accommodation.
Penthouse In Mountain Village$1,174/nightly avg
An easy walk from the gondola and many restaurants in Mountain Village, this penthouse is a dream come true for those looking for a ski-focused holiday without sacrificing any luxuries. Divided into three spacious floors, the home has a rich feel to it and offers lots of privacy even with all five bedrooms occupied. There are three master suites and two rooms with a pair of twin beds, one of which can be converted into a king. There’s plenty of room for cooking, entertaining, and even working if the need arises. The space and flexibility of this home means it can host many configurations of guests, from friend groups to multigenerational families.
Alta Lakes Observatory$2,186/nightly avg
South of the Telluride ski area and just west of the abandoned town of Alta, this incredible retreat offers guests a taste of splendid isolation. It is 13 miles away from the resort by car but expert skiers familiar with the backcountry can reach the property from the Prospect chairlift. For winter guests, this place isn’t for the faint of heart. It is only accessible via snowmobile. Those able to make the trip are rewarded with grand views of Bald Mountain and an awe-inspiring sense of being truly alone with nature. The building itself is an elegant timber manor with rough wooden columns and stone fireplaces. Staying here is a legitimately unique way to experience the Colorado wilderness.
Townhouse At The Base$2,127/nightly avg
Wake up, get dressed, walk for a few minutes, and do what you enjoy most while staying at this incredible townhouse in Telluride. Five minutes from the gondola and downtown area, this fine home is in a great location, right where the action is. On top of that, it is a luxurious piece of work with breathtaking views, private rooms, and everything you need for an unforgettable ski trip. Two king bedrooms can be found on the ground floor, along with the garage and a kids’ room with a massive fold-out sofa. Walk up a short flight of stairs and you’re in the common area and kitchen. The final master bedroom has the top floor all to itself, providing room for a decadent bathroom complete with an oversized bathtub. The large deck has a hot tub, so bubble up while you take in the glory of Mount Ajax.
To read more about skiing in Telluride and throughout Colorado, check out: