Telluride

Telluride Ski Resort is pretty upscale, with the emphasis on luxurious lodgings, but there are also basic hotels for the budget-conscious traveler and a wide variety of condos and bed & breakfasts. Between the town of Telluride and the Mountain Village there are approximately 16 hotels and a bed base of 5,200 pillows, so plenty to choose from. But one primary question you must ask before coming here is whether you prefer being in the middle of all the action or whether you crave solitude, because the houses, rustic lodges, and guest ranches are more off the beaten path (one is reachable only by snowmobile), forcing you to travel some distance.

If there is one premium hotel to single out it would have to be The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa at Mountain Village, which has become a favorite among locals and visitors. This elegant hotel features an extensive health spa, outdoor pool and an indoor climbing wall. The Franklin Manor Bed & Breakfast specializes in romantic getaways and houses an impressive art collection. The five bedrooms have a Victorian flavor. The San Sophia Inn is right in the heart of Telluride's historic district, one block from the gondola. Full gourmet breakfast and afternoon cocktail hour with free drinks come as part of the service for the 16 guest rooms. For all lodgings enquiries check out www.telluridelodging.com .