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.