Pack your snow gear, we're going to one of America's best ski resorts.
The past few years have seen Australians discover Colorado, particularly those seeking fun attached to skis and boards. It’s not that the outdoorsy American state has hit peak Japanese levels – blanketed, as those slopes now are, with Australians – but Colorado is increasingly hearing the nasal strains of strine.
Playgrounds of snow closest to the capital Denver, particularly Vale and Breckenridge, are easily accessible lures for those seeking the cold stuff come our summer. Snowmass too – brilliant as it is – welcomes a wealth of Aussies each January, while nearby Aspen has also been targeted, as more learn you don’t need a yacht and model wife/husband (or, millions) to indulge its lush, Moncler charms.
Telluride is a gently paced Victorian-era mining town of incredible beauty and colour, and it remains largely a ‘local’ spot because it’s that bit harder to reach. Once here, though, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to ski, stay and play in North America. The impeccably groomed runs are wide and empty, and, across 800-plus hectares of skiable terrain (to an elevation of 3815 metres), easily accommodate all levels, especially the intermediates.
Best yet, Telluride boasts a charming après scene that’s foodie, fun and not (yet) served with a side of annoyingly loud Aussie.
Lumiere Hotel
This lavish on-mountain accommodation (in Mountain Village, a gondola ride from ‘downtown’) boasts direct slope access and ski valet/concierge (that is, in-room fittings and your concierge takes and stores your gear each day) across 11 rooms and 18 impressive apartments. There really is no better.
Allred’s
Aim for lunch up here – a gondola stop between Telluride and Mountain Village – so as to take in the impressive views. Also, bison steak.
tellurideskiresort.com/events-activities/dining/allreds-restaurant/
Sidework
This ‘50s-inspired speakeasy sits on a quiet side street. Come for the charms (and stories) of executive chef Patrick Laguens and the Colorado lamb shepherd’s pie.
Rustico Ristorante
It’s here you’ll nab a steak from designer Ralph Lauren’s sprawling nearby cattle farm. Historical interiors (pressed tin ceilings and wooden panels) and Italian waiters add to the appeal.
Last Dollar Saloon
Best known as The Buck, this corner bar is largely dominated by locals. A joint where the beer is cheap and drinkable, and the vibe is authentic. Also, $5 margaritas!
Alpino Vino
Euro lodge charms and the best on-mountain dining in North America (it’s also America’s highest restaurant, at 3647 metres). Sit on the deck for a faultless, if simple, menu (aim for the ‘antipasto for two’) served by waiters who can also walk you through a deep wine list.
tellurideskiresort.com/events-activities/dining/alpino-vino/
Siam
A Thai fix that’s fresh and can even sate a spoilt Australian palate. There’s one in town, with a sister outpost at Mountain Village.
New Sheridan Bar
This is where you’ll find the tourists – and too many men sporting shirts with popped collars. Established in 1895, it’s still worth a nosy given its incredible history. The back room boasts a few pool tables and can be a lively scene.
The Peaks
For a necessary rub down and to return the feeling to various muscle groups, this is Colorado’s biggest spa, and a place where you can easily lose a couple of warming hours.
O’Bannon’s Irish Bar
Every town needs a dive bar – and this is the diviest of all. Worth a nudge as part of any nighttime pub crawl.
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