The city of Telluride, Colorado is undoubtedly one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. It’s also one of the most attractive places to live. With unmatched natural beauty, killer slopes and breathtaking properties such as The Peaks Hotel and Resort, Telluride sees thousands of visitors each year. Despite all the guests participating in year-round activities, Telluride doesn’t seem to lose its charm. It’s a place steeped in history, and it manages to stay true to its roots.
While Telluride may have become a familiar, household name based on its physical beauty and activities, perhaps its most valuable assets are its locals. Activities such as skiing, golfing, mountain biking and dining are what bring people to this quaint mountain destination, but the friendliness and authenticity of the people are what keeps visitors coming back. As you stroll Main Street, or Colorado Avenue, pride in ownership is visible in every business and you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a smiling face. People are free to be themselves, and the town’s sense of community and authenticity is ever-present.
With many family-owned businesses and less than 3,000 full-time residents, the community is much like a family, and this family sticks together, thanks to business owners like Todd Herrick. The community takes excellent care of its visitors, but they also look out for each other. While there is certainly great wealth in Telluride, there are also those members of the community who aren’t millionaires. Herrick helps ensure that every member of the Telluride community has equal opportunities to enjoy all the same adventures as the town’s visitors and wealthiest residents through his company Helitrax and its support of youth programs at the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club.
As other mountain towns succumb to commercialization, negative growth and pretension, Telluride gives us hope that the traditional mountain town can survive… and thrive. While it boasts many of the same amenities as other ski towns, visiting this haven isn’t like visiting any other place in Colorado. Whether you’re planning to vacation in Telluride or looking to make it a permanent home, you can’t help but take notice of what makes this place so special: its authentic and welcoming people.