A group of 28 Fund-Bank Ski Club members went to Telluride, Colorado, departing March 3 and returning on March 10, 2017. We stayed at The Peaks Resort and Spa, ski-in/ski-out accommodation, right next to free Gondola and Lifts 1 & 10.
Overall Summary
The trip was a tremendous success: we were lucky to have a lot of sun, six fabulous days of skiing, two of which on powder, two big outdoor hot tubs to watch the sunset, two in-door pools and one out-door swimming pool, as well as full-service SPA and ski/boots valet as a complement from the hotel. The group was 50/50 young and old generation. A snowboarder was also a great addition. The group chemistry was so good that we just glued together, meeting at the breakfast, having lunch together, going out for dinners. The weather cooperated with us as well: enough snow to ski all challenging slopes, warm and sunny.
The Lodging
The best way to describe: luxurious, very comfortable, and conveniently located. Ski-in, ski-out! No jokes, real ski-in, ski-out! That’s not all: SKI VALET! We left the ski boots in the ski valet over-night: when you come next morning we had warm, dry boots handed out to you … wait, it’s not all: the boot people will let ski valet know that you have your boots … and when you are out on the snow … your skies are waiting for you. Ah! Have you experienced that? Wait, it’s not all: when you come back at the end of the day, tired and lazy, ski valet will pup up your binders and take your skies away. Ah! Have you experienced that? I did not …
Besides the ski valet magic, the rooms were big, the beds were comfy, the bathtub was huge, the service was great. High speed wireless internet was highly appreciated by those that had to work on the trip. Who did not have their own computers were using computers in the business room where internet and printing was free off charge.
Did I mention that the pizza party was also great! Go Crazy Elk!
The Restaurants on the slope
Alpino Vino and Bon Vivant restaurants provided great mid-day dining opportunities with excellent cuisine and the best mountain views in the area. Don’t be surprised if we all wear Bon Vivant sunglasses at the Season Closing HH.
The Skiing
Skiing at Telluride was at its best, offering endless slops, fantastic quality of snow, nicely groomed pists, comfortable skiing for all levels, sunny and warm weather. The spring sun was strong and everyone got a nice suntan. Great advantage – there were no crowds on the lifts as we came one week before the Spring Break and enjoyed quite times.
On the first day of skiing the whole group gathered to take the mountain tour. It was very useful as we have familiarized with the mountain and got used to the altitude.
One day there was enough snow to enjoy powder skiing, the other days we preferred the slopes that were well groomed or glades (which Telluride is famous for!) that provided challenging skiing for the most courageous ones (Gail learned how to ski the glades!) Moguls were soft and pleasant (David decided that he will continue to ski moguls until he master them!).
We usually started our days by meeting at the ski valet at 9:30, slide to the nearest lift just before the opening, and did not quit until 4 PM when the lifts were closing.
The group thoroughly enjoyed the “fine dining” on the mountain in the two great restaurants: Bon Vivant (French cuisine) and Alpino Vino (Austrian cuisine). On the way down at the end of the day majority of the group gathered at Goronno Ranch Bar for après-ski drink and mild afternoon sun … and it was fabulous!
Endless skiing, endless challenges, endless fun. What more can a skier dream about? Only a hot tub.
Hot tub, swimming pools and slides
The Peaks shocked us with it’s luxurious accommodations: excellent full service SPA (massage for a tired skier), two outdoor and two indoor hot tubs, indoor Olympic size swimming pool, plus outdoor pool and a … SLIDE! The slide was steep, long and fun to ride … it brought kid in me! This après-ski activity that we passionately shared was a highlight of our trip.
Overall summary
The trip was a great success: we enjoyed six days of intense skiing enough snow to enjoy all slopes; the group camaraderie was outstanding and enjoyable, complemented with excellent dining. We all enjoyed Telluride!!!