Planning a ski trip to Telluride is exciting—but finding a place to stay that doesn’t feel financially punishing is a different story. While Telluride’s slopes are legendary, its lodging prices rise quickly and dramatically. The good news: you don’t have to stay in Telluride to ski Telluride.
Just 45 minutes away, the mountain-charmed town of Ridgway delivers the same winter magic—without the premium resort markup. And at the heart of Ridgway sits Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, a boutique resort rooted in wellness and approachable luxury.
So how does Telluride get expensive so fast? It’s a question that many ski season travelers eventually ask. The town’s beauty and exclusivity come with real economic reasons for those steep prices. Here’s how Telluride gets expensive so fast.
Why Telluride Lodging Gets Expensive Fast
Telluride’s charm is undeniable: dramatic peaks, pristine runs, and a European-inspired village tucked into one of Colorado’s most photogenic canyons. But its geography and design are also what make lodging prices skyrocket.
Limited Space Creates Premium Pricing
Telluride exists in a literal box canyon—meaning no sprawl, no expansion, and very few opportunities for new hotels. With limited inventory, nightly rates climb rapidly during high-demand ski season. Even midrange rooms often exceed $700–$1,000 per night by January.
Exclusive Destination = Exclusive Pricing
Telluride was intentionally developed as a high-end ski town with boutique hotels, private residences, and luxury amenities. The town leans into exclusivity, and prices follow suit.
Remote Location = Higher Operating Costs
Everything—from seasonal staff to linens—costs more in Telluride due to its remote mountain access. Businesses pass those costs along to guests, so the cost of everything in the small mountain town goes up quickly.
Ski Season + Events = Surge Pricing
Winter events, powder weekends, and holidays can double prices overnight. Even early-season weekends see spikes because lodging sells out quickly.
It’s not unusual for two nights in Telluride during peak season to equal the cost of an entire week of lodging elsewhere in the San Juan Mountains.
This is why seasoned Colorado travelers know:
Stay near Telluride—not in it—and you get more luxury for less.
Ridgway: The Underrated Alternative
Just 45 minutes from Telluride Ski Resort sits Ridgway, a mountain town beloved by locals, photographers, and adventurers—but still under the radar for ski travelers.
Ridgway delivers boutique-level comfort at a fraction of resort-town rates. Travelers save 30–60% on lodging while still accessing the slopes daily. Ridgway delivers an authentic mountain vibe, with original historic architecture preserved, independent restaurants and retail establishments give the town a real charm. It feels grounded with a community energy you can feel in the small walkable town. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and quietly luxurious.
Ridgway sits conveniently at a scenic crossroads:
- 15 minutes to Ouray where more retail, restaurants, hot springs and ice climbing can be found
- 45 minutes to Telluride Ski Resort
- 10 minutes to Ridgway State Park
- 35 minutes to Montrose with a good sized regional airport
- 5 minutes or less to Orvis Hot Springs
Ridgway is perfectly positioned to serve as a winter adventure basecamp in the San Juans, giving winter travelers the best of all worlds—skiing in Telluride by day, affordable and comfortable overnight lodging by night. And the best lodging option in Ridgway is the 35-room Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
Staying At Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa (Spa, Rooftop, Views)
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa is Ridgway’s premier option for travelers who want intentional luxury without the Telluride sticker price. Inspired by Queen Chipeta’s legacy of hospitality, the resort blends mountain textures, modern southwestern design, and restful wellness experiences.
Full-Service Spa for Recovery and Wellness
After a full day on the slopes, guests love returning to a full menu of massage and spa treatments. Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN provides a sanctuary of tranquility. Expert therapists use the luxurious and intentional ISUN Skincare products to nourish body and soul, helping guests feel renewed, restored, and revitalized.
- Body treatments
- Hand and foot treatments
- Scalp massage and treatments
- Facials
This is the “ski hard, relax deeply” energy that travelers crave.
Dining & Sunset Views
White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar, located at the heart of Chipeta Lodge Resort, serves local dishes, craft cocktails and a lovely selection of beer and wine. The rooftop deck is the perfect spot to experience the golden-hour alpenglow unique to this part of the country. Guests sip wine or hot cocktails while watching the Cimarron peaks fade into dusk.
Rooms Designed for Warmth & Comfort
With a wide selection of room types, each room is unique. Depending on room selection, guests can enjoy their own fireplace, balcony, private hot tub, kitchenette or full kitchen. Suites and connecting rooms are available for families or parties looking for extra room. All rooms feature premium linens and bedding, newly updated decor and bathrooms.
This is luxury with Colorado soul; warm, restful, and connected to the geography.
Close to Telluride Ski Resort
Ski travelers are often surprised at how easy it is to drive between Chipeta Lodge Resort and Telluride Ski Resort. In only 45 minutes, skiers can be at the mountain and heading toward the lifts.
The route over Dallas Divide is famously scenic—dramatic peaks, rolling ranchlands, and often clear winter roads thanks to Colorado’s efficient plowing.
- Parking in Telluride is plentiful at the free gondola lots.
- Traffic is manageable even on powder days.
- The return drive is tranquil, especially if you enjoy sunset colors and star-filled skies.
For couples and families, the drive is more peaceful than in-town congestion and the savings on lodging are substantial, making the decision to stay in Ridgway feel like the ultimate smart choice.
Book Smart for Ski Season
To make the most of your winter getaway (and your budget), here are some insider tips that can help stretch your available funds.
Book Outside Peak Holiday Weeks
Try to avoid booking during peak pricing weeks:
- Christmas week
- Presidents’ Day weekend
- MLK weekend
- Spring break weeks (mid-March)
Try booking during January and early February. These weeks are historically fantastic for great snow and fewer crowds.
Stay Near Telluride Instead of In Telluride
Ridgway and Ouray are the sweet spots for savings + luxury. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, in particular, offers a best-of-both-worlds experience; Telluride convenience with boutique pricing.
Book Direct and Stay Multiple Nights
Booking directly through Chipeta Lodge Resort often unlocks best rate guarantees, special offers, seasonal packages, complimentary upgrades. Booking directly with the hotel helps keep more money in the local community—and rewards you with higher-value perks.
Many properties (including Chipeta Lodge Resort) offer discounts for 3-night or 5-night stays during ski season. Ask about packages or seasonal specials when booking. Expect that hotels may require a 2-night minimum during peak season, and may require 5-day advance booking to take advantage of specials.
Après-Ski at White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar
Instead of paying Telluride prices for drinks, appetizers or dinner, unwind back at Chipeta Lodge Resort and take advantage of the on-property White Buffalo Restaurant, with its rooftop deck and views of the Cimarron Range.
FAQ: Where to Stay Near Telluride in Winter?
Q: What town is best to stay in if I want to ski Telluride but avoid high prices?
A: Ridgway is the top choice for luxury-minded travelers who still want affordability. It’s close enough for daily ski trips to Telluride and offers boutique lodging options like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
Q: How far is Chipeta Lodge from Telluride Ski Resort?
A: About 45 minutes, depending on road conditions. It’s one of the most scenic winter drives in Colorado.
Q: Is Chipeta Lodge good for couples?
A: Absolutely. Some rooms feature fireplaces, private hot tubs, balconies, and quiet mountain views—perfect for romantic winter escapes.
Q: Does Chipeta Lodge offer ski packages or seasonal discounts?
A: Yes. Seasonal packages may include discounted room rates, resort credits, spa or restaurant specials. Direct booking is the best way to access them.
Plan Your Next Ski Getaway Near Telluride
With Telluride’s reputation for breathtaking skiing (and breathtaking prices), Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway offers a refreshing alternative for skiing Telluride at a more affordable price.
No need to sacrifice comfort or luxury to stay on budget. Ridgway offers quiet luxury rooted in authenticity with the warmth of western hospitality.
Plan a winter escape to Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
