Discover the affordable San Juan resort for winter wanderers
The Magic of Telluride Can Be Affordable
Telluride, Colorado is snow-globe perfect, with world-class skiing, and cinematic peaks. But for many travelers, the postcard beauty comes with a jaw-dropping nightly overnight rate. During ski season, even modest rooms can exceed $800 per night, and that’s before you add parking, dining and lift tickets.
The good news? You can experience Telluride’s slopes, charm, and après-ski culture—without staying in the heart of Telluride. Just 45 minutes away depending on winter road conditions, the small town of Ridgway offers a serene, stylish, and budget-friendly alternative that feels like a hidden gem. With newly renovated guest rooms, an updated spa, and locally-inspired menu at the on-property restaurant, Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, is a surprising discovery for visitors to the San Juan Mountains for ski season.
The Secret Charm of Ridgway
Nestled between Ouray’s hot springs and Telluride’s ski lifts, Ridgway is a mountain town with original architecture, artistic energy, creative food, and spectacular views of the Cimarron Range. It’s an ideal basecamp for adventure in the region. With easy accessibility from the Montrose Regional Airport, Ridgway is only 30 minutes away. To access Telluride Mountain skiing, you’re only 45 minutes from Ridgway to the lifts, and offers convenience in a friendly small town atmosphere. If skiing isn’t what you’re after, the town of Ouray is just 15 minutes further south, and offers hot springs, historic interest, shopping and a thriving restaurant scene, for a diverting day off the slopes. Known as a world-class destination for ice-climbing, Ouray has a vibe all its own. Plus other outdoor winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are easily accessible from Ridgway. And unlike Telluride, parking is free, restaurants are local-priced, and the vibe is refreshingly laid-back.
Outdoor activities to explore near Ridgway:
- Telluride Ski Resort: 45 minutes away – an easy drive for a day of skiing.
- Ouray Hot Springs: 15 minutes away – for a soothing soak after skiing.
- Orvis Hot Springs: Less than 5 minutes away – for a natural hot springs experience.
- Ridgway State Park: Perfect for family snowshoeing or all levels of cross-country skiing – with over 10 miles of groomed trails.
- Top of the Pines: 15 minutes away – with groomed trails designed for Nordic skiing
Affordable Luxury With A Mountain Soul
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience rooted in wellness, and adventure. Designed for travelers who crave both comfort and authenticity, the Lodge blends boutique resort amenities with local charm for travelers with a smaller budget.
Friendly staff greet you and help you settle in and get comfortable as soon as you arrive. With on-property amenities like a full-service spa, restaurant, and bar with stunning views of the San Juan mountains, this lodge lets you relax.
Highlights for Ski Season Travelers:
- Outdoor hot tubs and spa treatments to rejuvenate tired legs.
- Rooms with mountain views, fireplaces, and select rooms have private hot tubs.
- Newly renovated spa by ISUN for off-slope recovery.
- White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar—local flavors, western skies and mountain sunsets.
- Free parking & easy access to Telluride, Ouray, Silverton and more.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip wine in a hot tub under the stars after a long ski day—and still feel smart about your travel budget.
For The Perfect Day: Ski Telluride, Stay Chipeta Lodge
Start The Day: Grab breakfast and coffee in Ridgway before jumping on the road. Chipeta Lodge offers seasonal breakfast and grab-and-go items, or pick up something from the bakery in town just.
In The Afternoon: Après-ski in Telluride or head back to Ridgway early for a massage at Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN. Book your treatment in advance, and choose from a menu of treatments available.
In The Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner of local favorites at White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar, just steps from your Lodge room. Stargaze from a hot tub after dinner or enjoy the outdoor fire pit, and rest up for another day of adventure tomorrow.
It’s the ultimate adventure + relaxation combo—high-end experience, western hospitality.
Ideal For Adventure Seekers
Anyone looking for an authentic mountain experience and a more active way of travelling will appreciate Ridgway and all it has to offer. With lodging options like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, adventure is just outside the door. And you can return to relax and rest in comfortable rooms with resort amenities at affordable prices. Consider stopping over in Ridgway as part of a longer road-tripping loop through southwest Colorado, or just head straight to Ridgway for a quick escape from regular life.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with a family, or on a romantic getaway, Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa is a great way to enjoy luxury on a budget. From romantic hot tubs and fireplaces, to spacious and flexible room layouts, and access to skiing and other outdoor winter activities, Chipeta Lodge is an excellent choice for adventurers. Close to ski slopes, trails and hot springs in the heart of the San Juans and close to Telluride, you’ll find this hidden gem has what you’re looking for.
Great Ways To Stay Near Telluride – Chipeta Wins
Aside from Ridgway, there are other hotel choices near Telluride. If you compare Ridgway to Montrose, you’ll find more historic charm and mountain atmosphere in Ridgway. Ouray has hot springs and a larger downtown Main Street district, but nothing that compares to the newly renovated rooms and facilities you find at Chipeta Lodge in Ridgway. With new treatment rooms at the Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN you get one of the best spa experiences around. The selection of rooms, some with kitchenettes, full kitchens or private hot tubs, makes the Lodge a truly unique offering in the area. And Ridgway offers the mountain ambiance that really makes it feel like you’ve gotten away from your every day.
This winter, Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa is offering seasonal packages that make a mid-week or weekend getaway to ski Telluride even more accessible than ever. Check the website for current deals and special offers which could include spa or restaurant amenities. Luxury on a budget doesn’t feel like a compromise at Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
Affordable Travel Elevated
Luxury isn’t about excess; it’s about intention. The design of guest rooms and common areas at Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa honors the art of slowing down and taking a breath. You’ll find high quality linens and bedding, handcrafted details, and sustainable touches that make your stay feel meaningful.
And you’ll still have room in your travel budget for lift tickets, and hopefully a massage or spa treatment. The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs are available to all overnight guests. Try dinner at White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar to taste some local favorites or a house cocktail. The rooftop deck offers splendid views of the Cimarron Range and intensely colored sunsets. Perfect for winding down after a day of adventure.
How to Get To Ridgway
Ridgway is located south of Grand Junction and north of Durango, allowing for access from several regional airports and less than half a day’s drive from the state’s major cities. The drive from Grand Junction is a little more than an hour and a half. Or fly to one of several regional airports.
- Fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) — a 35 minute drive to/from Ridgway.
- Fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – only 1 hour 45 minute drive to/from Ridgway.
- Drive to Ridgway – 5-6 hour scenic drive from Denver or Colorado Springs.
- Drive to Telluride: Scenic, easy access via Highway 62 only 45 minutes away depending on winter weather conditions.
- Explore: Ouray, Silverton, and the San Juan Skyway—all within a day’s adventure loop.
“We came for Telluride skiing, but fell in love with Ridgway. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa had everything—hot tubs, spa, great food, and peace. We’ll be back next winter!”
— The Kellers, Denver, CO
Book Direct & Save
When you book directly through ChipetaLodge.com, you’ll enjoy:
- Best Rates and Special Packages
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Flexible Check-in Options
- Exclusive Spa and Dining Offers
Don’t pay more to stay closer to the ski lifts, when you can stay smart and have easy access to everything the area has to offer. You get Telluride skiing and Ridgway charm. Spa days, starry nights, and savings that make your trip feel even better.
Book Your Winter Stay at Chipeta Lodge — hidden luxury in the heart of the San Juans.
FAQs
Q: How far is Chipeta Lodge from Telluride Ski Resort?
A: About 45 minutes by car—over the Dallas Divide and depending on seasonal road conditions.
Q: Does Chipeta Lodge offer ski packages?
A: Yes! Seasonal Stay & Ski Packages include things like discounted room rates, advance purchase lift tickets and spa add-ons.
Q: Is Chipeta Lodge family-friendly?
A: Yes. A variety of room configurations and suites offer flexible space for families, and local attractions like Ouray Hot Springs are perfect for all ages.
Q: What’s the best way to get there?
A: Fly into Montrose (MTJ), rent a car, and enjoy a beautiful 35 minute drive to Ridgway.
