Telluride's Wild West roots, old world Victorian brick and timber, and tales of gold and famous bank robbers make it the stuff of legend. Add to this a dramatic mountain that's rich with varied terrain and you get one pleasingly interesting ski destination.

On the mountain

Although Telluride's ski area is smaller than some, there is great terrain here for all standards stretching across a dramatic and varied mountain. Beginners will love the gentle greens beneath Mountain Village and across the gentle contours below the Sunshine chair. Blue terrain for intermediates is wonderfully varied, with long, rolling runs through the glades, to more vibrant, jumpy trails from the Palmyra lift. Experts have it all, with some lovely double blacks, winding chutes and steep glades to play in.

Off the mountain

Once upon a time, the victim of Butch Cassidy's first bank robbery. These days, one of Hollywood's favourite haunts. The town's wide streets are lined with original Victorian buildings; now restaurants and upmarket shops. The bars truly come alive for apres-ski, and as well as dining options in town, you can add the eateries of Mountain Village, a modern satellite just a gondola ride away, to your list too.