This winter’s  ample early season snow has been a blessing for the ski resorts of southwestern Colorado including Telluride, an exclusive mountain resort enclave located in southwestern, Colorado.

Telluride does not try to be everything to everyone. For the visitor to Telluride, in many respects skiing and boarding is nostalgic; few if any lift-lines, no parking structures filled to the brim with rental SUV’s, terrain options from gentle cruisers to challenging chutes reminiscent of vintage Warren Miller films.

While purists may suggest visitors stay in the Town of Telluride, a historic mining town of eight square blocks, we respectfully disagree and suggest Alpen Ridge, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing guests the ultimate in the “Three L’s”: Location, Luxury and Lifestyle. Located in Mountain Village , Alpen Ridge offers  true ski-in/out access yet privacy and seclusion not usually associated with on-mountain ski chalets.

As skiers and boarders glide along the Bridges ski run, Alpen Ridge is their envy. The expansive slope-side decks of the home provide an impromptu introduction to the treasures ensconced on this premier location of mature evergreen and aspen trees.

Remodeled “to the studs” in 2007, Alpen Ridge is a chalet which truly provides the pinnacle of luxury in a vacation residence rental from design and amenities to location and exclusivity offering guests 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms sleeping 16 in splendid luxury of 7,600 square feet/703 square meters.

The great room, one of the most mentioned rooms features a vaulted hand-hewed log ceiling, a custom corner stone fireplace using native rock with windows above to capture the mountain peaks above the flames, a full service wet bar and massive windows framing some of the most dramatic views available in Telluride. The furnishings, a mix of hand-stitched leathers and premium fabrics co-exist with stone tables and hand-finished wood floors providing warmth, comfort and style.

For the gourmand of the party (or for the available private chef) the gourmet kitchen offers signature appliances from Gaggenau and Sub-Zero and all the necessary small appliances and utensils providing the tools for the grab-and-go breakfast to the formal dinner party. The stone countertops and bistro-height breakfast bar allows for snacking and great conversation. The adjacent dining room with seating for 10+ is dominated by large picture windows cut into the log-wall exterior, perfect for the mid-day brunch between runs or for the holiday meal with family and friends.

The home, built on a hillside offers 3 distinct levels. The top floor of the chalet is a private master suite and sitting area encompassing 2,000 Square Feet/185 Square Meters and features a private deck. Enjoy mountain peak views from the hand-crafted king.

The middle level is a beautifully designed layout offering public and private areas and three bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms  suites have queen beds, the third bedroom is a bunk room with 4 twin beds.

The lower level is the de-facto entertaining space featuring a media/game room.  Consider a friendly billiard shoot-out or a few hands of poker on the game table. For the movie buffs, watch the newest  releases and walk a few feet to the wet-bar for popcorn and refreshments, no ticket stub needed. For those who travel with their own wine, the wine cellar with tasting table will keep your prized vintages temperature and humidity controlled.

The additional bedrooms on this level are perfect for the nanny, pilot or extended family. From this level, the mudroom with boot dryers offers easy access to the ski run. Outside, the luxury of the hot tub awaits the après-ski group or late night; the romantic interlude under the stars or viewing the San Sophia Ridgeline under a full moon.

INSIGHTS FOR THE SOPHISTICATED TRAVELER:

Access: Commercial and general aviation options are available into Telluride Airport (TEX) or neighboring Gunnison Airport (GUN). Chauffeur service is available from both airports.

Dining: In addition to a private chef, provisions can be provided and stocked prior to arrival and/or during one’s visit to Alpen Ridge. From the finest wines and spirits to local specialties no request is undeliverable.

Considering Dining Out: We suggest Cosmopolitan in the Town of Telluride. This intimate dining establishment consistently ranks as one of the finest restaurants in Telluride (located in The Hotel Columbia). For the larger appetite, we suggest the crab and cheese stuffed chicken breast. For smaller appetites, the grilled lamb chops should not be missed.

Dial-A-Ride: Dial-A-Ride offers free transportation for guests and residents in and around Mountain Village. A courtesy phone is located at the main gondola station or ask a Guest Service Host to radio a shuttle for a pick-up. All the Dial-A-Ride vehicles are new GMC Yukons or Toyota Hybrids and easily identified by their Mountain Village logo.

Beyond Alpen Ridge: Telluride and southwestern Colorado is a truly unspoiled enclave within Colorado, one of the most beautiful of the lower 48 states. Beyond skiing/boarding in the winter, there is a wealth of activities for Summer including hiking, mountaineering, biking (road and mountain), fishing, hunting, exclusive shopping, festivals and of course golf with the added advantage of high-altitude assistance off the tee-box.

RATE: From $8,400 -$35,000 USD/Week