We have a ski trip scheduled to Telluride in early January. We are trying to decide whether to rent a SUV (there are 4 of us) or take ground transporation from Montrose to Telluride. Can anyone tell me what the drive is like? What about if the weather is bad?

Also, any opinion on staying in Town versus the Mountain Village. We plan to rent a 2 or 3 bedroom condo. (my e-mail is [email protected] if anyone rents out a house/condo.)

Thanks.

Your second question first-- I've stayed in both places before moving to the area. It is really easy to get from Mtn. Village to town via the free gondola. It takes about 15 minutes or so and they run pretty late and start early. That said, there is more nightlife in town, more choices of restaurant and shops. We've stayed at The Peaks [in a hotel room and in a penthouse condo] both were lovely and we've stayed at Victorian Inn [least expensive hotel with breakfast in town; clean but nothing fancy] and we've stayed in condo in town. I think I like it better in town, if I had to pick one over the other.

As far as SUV vs. ground transportation...yes, the weather can be bad and the roads [if you are not used to mtn driving] can be tricky from Ridgway to Telluride [the first part from Montrose to Ridgway are ok]. I really don't think you need to rent vehicle -- Telluride and Mtn. Village are easy to walk and hard to find places to park.

As far as rentals, try Alpine Loding in Telluride...we used them for intown condo rental. And if you haven't already tried getting a place, most of the rates are about the same...kind of like rent control.

Hope this helps...
Debi