Real Estate and Attractions in Telluride Ski Area
Telluride sits in an isolated box canyon on the western edge of the San Juan Mountains, on the San Miguel River. With a population of about 2500 residents, the historic town, much of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at the base of the very steep San Juan mountains at an elevation of almost 9000-feet.
Formerly a mining camp, there are still many signs of mining operations doting the rugged hillsides. On the east side of town, atop spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, is the most obvious sign of the town’s mining past. The Generator House, which used to power the Smuggler-Union Mine, is the second-oldest operating AC (alternating current) generator in the U.S. It now provides 25-percent of Telluride’s electricity.
Telluride holds a place in history, as it is where electrical alternating current was first generated and transmitted for commercial use. The town’s Lucien L. Nunn with the aid of George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla, and his brother Paul, an engineer, invented the world’s first commercial grade alternating current, hydro-electric power plant to supply electricity to the surrounding mines, miles away, a feat that had not been done in the past. Westinghouse, due to his accomplishments in Telluride, was hired to build the hydroelectric plant at Niagra Falls. Lucien L. and his brother Paul Nunn later built power plants throughout Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Mexico, and the Ontario, Canada Power plant at Niagara Falls. The group identified themselves “The Pinheads”. Today they are honored by a Smithsonian/Telluride affiliation known as “The Pinhead Institute.”
Telluride was named after the chemical element Tellurium, which is often found near operations where gold and silver are mined. Though never discovered in the mountains of Telluride, gold, silver, zinc, lead and copper were found and mined in the vicinity.
Today Telluride is most known for its ski resort and an entire community has been built at the base of the ski area called Mountain Village. Mountain Village is accessible from Telluride via a free public gondola ride or by road. The ski resort features more than 2000 skiable acres, with 120-ski runs, 18-ski lifts and some of the most extreme ski terrain in the U.S. from as high as 12,225-feet.
There is never a dull moment in Telluride; the town is consistently full of activity and culture. During the summers, Telluride is still very popular among tourists, as it hosts some of the most famous music festivals in the country. Concerts are played in Telluride every weekend, all summer long.
Telluride plays a notable part in pop culture, as well. It is home to the acclaimed Telluride International Film Festival, as well as being mentioned in numerous famous songs and an essay by Edward Abbey.
Telluride Regional Airport provides air service to the area and is the highest altitude commercial airport in the U.S. Flying into Telluride is considered very challenging due to the adverse conditions that are a result of high altitude, often-unfavorable weather, and the extreme terrain. When air service to Telluride Regional Airport is halted or delayed, Montrose Regional Airport is usually open to flights.
Besides Colorado State Route 145, there are only three other ways to enter the town of Telluride: Lizard Head Pass (from the south), Imogene Pass and Black
Bear Pass. All are four-wheel drive terrain only. Black Bear Pass, Colorado’s most dangerous pass, is only passable in one direction due a treacherous staircase section.
Celebrities love Telluride and many own houses there, Tom Cruise, Susan Saint James and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.
Telluride is a gorgeous, amazing, fun-loving community. If you are interested in houses and real estate in Telluride, please click here to view the MLS now.
