Telluride Ski Resort Announces Major Upgrades: What’s Coming to the Mountain
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Ski Resort is renowned for its rugged beauty, world-class terrain, and intimate alpine charm. As the resort looks toward the future, a slate of proposed infrastructure upgrades, terrain improvements, and year-round recreational enhancements promise to elevate the guest experience while preserving the unique character that defines Telluride.
The proposals—outlined in the resort’s updated Master Development Plan and now under Forest Service review—signal a bold vision for sustainable growth, improved skier flow, and increased accessibility.
Lift Upgrades: Smoother, Faster Access to the Slopes
Lift 7 (Coonskin): A Long-Awaited Replacement
One of the oldest lifts on the mountain, Lift 7 (Coonskin) was originally installed in 1975. The proposal includes replacing it with a higher-capacity lift—either a fixed-grip triple, quad, or even a detachable high-speed quad. The goal is to increase uphill capacity from the Town of Telluride and decrease wait times, particularly on busy weekends and powder days.
Lift 8: Maintaining Character, Upgrading Reliability
Installed in 1972, Lift 8 is a key connection between the base of the mountain and Lift 9. The proposed replacement will maintain its current alignment while offering improved performance with newer technology, possibly as a fixed-grip triple or quad chairlift.
Lift 9: Recently Completed, Already a Game Changer
While not part of the new proposal, it’s worth noting that Lift 9 was successfully upgraded in 2023 from a slow triple to a high-speed quad. This enhancement drastically improved access to some of Telluride’s most challenging and iconic terrain, including Kant-Mak-M and Mammoth runs.
Terrain Improvements: Better Flow, Safety, and Enjoyment
Galloping Goose Trail Widening
For beginner and intermediate skiers, the Galloping Goose trail is a beloved long cruise from the top of Lift 12 to the Mountain Village core. However, its narrow section below Bald Mountain often becomes congested. The resort plans to widen this bottleneck, improving flow, safety, and enjoyment for all ability levels.
New Ski Egress: The “Jaws Skiway”
To better serve guests exiting the steep terrain accessed by Lift 9, Telluride has proposed a new 1,800-foot skiway dubbed the “Jaws Skiway.” This exit trail would feature snowmaking capabilities, ensuring early season access and a more manageable egress route for less aggressive skiers. The trail will significantly enhance skier circulation in one of the mountain’s most expert-heavy zones.
On-Mountain Dining: Elevated Culinary Experiences
Giuseppe’s and Bon Vivant Upgrades
Two of Telluride’s most iconic on-mountain restaurants—Giuseppe’s and Bon Vivant—are slated for expansion and upgrades. These changes will increase seating, modernize kitchen operations, and ensure that guests enjoy fine dining at 11,000+ feet with efficiency and style.
New Restaurant at Lift 10
In response to increasing skier volume and demand for mid-mountain services, a brand-new restaurant is proposed at the top of Lift 10 (Sunshine Express). This sunny and popular area currently lacks food and beverage options, and the new venue will enhance the guest experience in the western portion of the ski area.
Snowmaking Enhancements: A More Reliable Season
Consistent snow coverage is critical for both early season operations and holiday crowds. Telluride plans to expand and modernize its snowmaking infrastructure, especially in high-traffic and lower-elevation areas like Meadows, Misty Maiden, and the new Jaws Skiway. These improvements will help ensure dependable conditions even in low-snow years.
Summer Recreation: Expanding the Four-Season Experience
New Mountain Bike Trail
As part of a broader effort to position Telluride as a year-round adventure destination, the resort plans to construct a new connector trail for mountain biking. This trail would enhance the resort’s growing summer operations, linking with existing singletrack and potentially creating new bike park-style flow trails.
Forest Health and Sustainability
Telluride Ski Resort has also outlined environmental stewardship initiatives, including forest thinning, wildfire mitigation, and habitat restoration. These projects aim to protect the delicate alpine ecosystem while maintaining the scenic and recreational value of the resort’s terrain.
What’s Next? Timeline and Environmental Review
All proposed upgrades are currently under review by the U.S. Forest Service as part of a formal environmental assessment process. The public scoping period began in April 2025, with final decisions expected in mid-2026. If approved, construction could begin as early as summer 2026.
Stakeholders, including residents, visitors, and business owners, are encouraged to participate in the public comment period. Details can be found on the U.S. Forest Service project page.
Why These Upgrades Matter for the Future of Telluride
The proposed improvements at Telluride Ski Resort reflect a thoughtful balance between modernization and preservation. By upgrading aging lifts, expanding terrain, and improving amenities, the resort is preparing for the next generation of skiers and snowboarders—without compromising its rugged soul or authentic charm.
These changes are especially important as Telluride faces growing demand from both destination visitors and second-home owners. Enhanced infrastructure will help the resort manage crowds more effectively while delivering a high-quality guest experience.
Final Thoughts
From lift replacements and new trails to better snowmaking and expanded dining, the future of Telluride Ski Resort is bright. These updates promise to improve everything from mountain access to safety, efficiency, and four-season recreation, ensuring that Telluride remains a premier destination for decades to come.
Stay updated on the latest news, timelines, and public input opportunities by visiting the official Telluride Ski Resort website or the Forest Service project portal.