Telluride Gondola Info
One of the most unique things about Telluride is the free gondola system. There is a free gondola that runs between downtown Telluride and Mountain Village. A second free gondola transports riders between the Mountain Village base area and the free parking garage in Mountain Village. These gondolas both meet at Station Mountain Village. Pedestrians can ride for free, but skiers will need a lift ticket in order to get off at San Sophia Station and ski down.
There is also a free “Chondola” that runs above the Meadows beginner ski trail in Mountain Village.
Telluride Gondola Stations
- Station Telluride
- Station Mountain Village
- Station San Sophia
- Station Village Parking
Gondola Routes
- Station Village Parking -> Station Mountain Village
- Station Mountain Village -> Station San Sophia -> Station Telluride
Seasonal Gondola Info
The main gondola will run during winter and summer seasons, with short seasonal closures during the slowest periods of the year. A bus system takes the place of the gondola when it is not running during the off-season.
Telluride Gondola Map
The Free Mountain Village Gondola
From Station Mountain Village to Station Village Parking – This free gondola brings guests back and forth between the main area of Mountain Village and the free parking garage at Market Plaza. Most people choose to take the gondola to start their ski day, but you can ski right onto the Double Cabin trail from the garage here if you want. You can also ski directly down to the garage on the same trail.
This free gondola passes over vacation homes, roadways, ski trails, and even the Blue Mesa bus stop on its way to the Mountain Village base area. This gondola leg only takes about 3 minutes.
Above and below: These photos show Station Mountain Village, where the two main free gondolas meet. Pedestrians and skiers can transfer between the gondola lines or head into the pedestrian village from here.
Telluride to San Sophia Station to Mountain Village
From Station Telluride thru San Sophia Station and onto Station Mountain Village. This is the largest and arguably the most important of Telluride’s free gondolas. This gondola brings passengers from the town of Telluride, over Coonskin Ridge and into Mountain Village. The ride takes approximately 13 minutes and covers approximately 1,790′ of vertical rise.
Skiers and snowboarders can get off at San Sophia Station to ski down either side of the ridge. This is also where you will find Allred’s Restaurant. Allred’s is only open for dinner at night. There is no lunch or services available here during the day for skiers etc.
Chondola
This unique lift has been aptly named “The Chondola” because it has a combination of regular chairlift chairs as well as 4-person gondola cabins. This lift travels the length of the Meadows beginner ski trail area. Foot passengers can use the Chondola for free to get from Big Billie’s Restaurant and the Meadows Parking Lot up to the main portion of Mountain Village. Skiers and snowboarders must have a lift ticket to ride.
Nighttime Gondola Operations
The gondola will run from 6:30 am until midnight, 7 days/week during most operating seasons. It will run until 2 am during the busiest summer months. You can also expect longer hours during some of the large summer festivals and events.
Telluride Gondola FAQ
Yes. All dogs must be leashed, but pets are welcome.
Out come the buses. Skiers can still get over the ridge during the winter by chairlift, but foot passengers will need to take the bus. The bus system runs anytime that the gondola goes down for 30 minutes. There is also a bus system that runs during the off-season months when the gondola stops.
Not anymore. Skiers may ride over the top of the ridge for free in order to get between villages, but you will need a ticket to get off at the top and ski down. This wasn’t always the case. For many years, skiers were able to ride for free and access almost 2,000 feet of free vertical skiing.