Telluride is blessed with a unique transportation system that means you don’t need a car to get around during your stay. There are 2 gondolas, as well as a “chondola” . Together, these 3 systems will conveniently deliver you close to where you need to be; shopping, restaurants & recreation completely free-of-charge! The Gondola runs year round, except for the fall and spring off-season. The chondola runs during ski season only. Operating times are 7:00 a.m-12:00 a.m. every day. The gondola stays open late to accommodate some festival events.
The Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola:
This main gondola connects the historic town of Telluride, with the resort town of Mountain Village. This ride is approximately 13 minutes long. The gondola passes through the San Sophia mid station. A lift ticket or season pass is required to disembark at Station St. Sophia and access the mountain during the ski season. During the summer, the mid station is a beautiful spot to disembark, take in the views, and continue on the gondola to your destination. Riders may also disembark at the mid station to dine at Allred’s, one of Telluride’s premier restaurants.
The Village Station Gondola:
There is a shorter gondola that connects the Mountain Village core to the Mountain Village Market & parking station. When riders disembark from the main gondola (above), there is a 20 yard exchange to this shorter gondola. This gondola ride is a little over a minute. The gondola virtually eliminates noise and air pollution, congested parking lots, and the need for people to drive their vehicles between Mountain Village and Telluride. It has been called the “most beautiful commute in America.” The Gondola system represents a major commitment to the environment, and a commitment to keep the pristine wilderness beautiful for future generations. It simultaneously provides clean, smooth, quiet, free and visually spectacular transportation. The gondola towers are low profile, usually not exceeding tree line, lessening the visual impact typical of gondolas while also dramatically reducing the likelihood of shut down due to high winds.
THE Chondola:
There is also the “Chondola”, a chairlift/gondola combination (a high-speed quad with a 4-person gondola cabin every 10th chair) that starts right at the base of the Meadows ski run and goes up into the Mountain Village. From there, you can ride the interconnecting gondola network to and from other areas of the Mountain Village, and across into the town of Telluride. Guests staying at the Terraces complex will make the most use of the chondola, as this chairlift/gondola connects guests to the main gondola that runs into town.