The land that is now Telluride was once the hunting grounds of the Ute Native Americans. The discovery of gold in the mid-nineteenth century led to a rush of settlement, and mining soon began for a number of valuable metals. Indeed, one explanation for the town's name is a derivation of the name of the metal "Tellurium" (often found alongside gold deposits). Another explanation is that the town's name is a contraction of what the miners themselves thought about their jobs: "To Hell You Ride!".
The town was founded in 1878, and the name "Telluride" was adopted in 1887. Mining continued as the major source of revenue well into the 20th century, but by the mid 1970's the Idarado mining company closed up operations.
In 1972, Joseph Zoline founded the ski resort (with a single lift). As the ski industry exploded, Telluride became increasingly fashionable, attracting ski and snowboard enthusiasts as well as celebrities who prefer the relative seclusion that Telluride offers to the more crowded resorts elsewhere in the Rockies. The town has been designated as a National Historic Landmark District, and it retains its appealing style and class even as the amenities reflect the 21st century.
There are two main communities in the area today: the town of Telluride and Mountain Village. The town is located in the eastern end of the box canyon and boasts National Landmark status. A wide range of shops, restaurants and cultural establishments are found here, mostly along the main avenue running through the length of town (Colorado Street).
Mountain Village is centered around the ski resort and consists of a growing number of new residential units along with its own shops and restaurants.
A gondola runs from Telluride up over the mountain and down into the center of Mountain Village, passing through a mid-station (St. Sophia). The gondola is free to all - skiers, snowboarders, bikers, pedestrians and dogs! It is in operation most of the year from 7 AM to midnight. The trip takes about 10 minutes, and it is possible to exit at the mid station to ski down either side of the mountain, or to enjoy dinner, drinks or just the fabulous view from Allred's, a fine restaurant at the St. Sophia station.
Telluride dining is superb by any standards. In addition to the many "four-star" restaurants in town, there are a number of simple, family-friendly establishments, all of which are within a few minutes' walk from the Riverside condo complex. The Mountain Village restaruants (including Allreds, on top of the mountain) are a just a quick gondola ride away.
