An Auberge mountain retreat in Mountain Village, with ski-in/ski-out access, alpine rooms and residences, and an outdoor pool beneath the San Juan peaks.
Madeline Hotel & Residences is a ski-in, ski-out hotel in Telluride's Mountain Village, and Telluride is perhaps the most spectacularly situated ski town in North America: a Victorian mining town in a box canyon, surrounded on three sides by soaring 13,000-foot peaks, with waterfalls tumbling from the cliffs. Mountain Village sits high above it, linked to town by a free gondola, and the Madeline stands at its heart. Run by Auberge Collection, it is a stylish, family-friendly base with a rooftop pool, a superb spa and residences for families and groups.
Location: Telluride, Colorado, USA
The Madeline is in the centre of Mountain Village, at around 9,500 feet (2,900 metres), a car-free alpine village on the slopes of Telluride Ski Resort. The Village Express lift is just steps away, and the gondola station a few minutes' walk. The gondola is free and runs late into the night, linking Mountain Village with the historic town of Telluride below, with its colourful Victorian buildings, restaurants, bars and galleries.
Telluride Regional Airport is about 10 to 15 minutes away, and Montrose Regional Airport around 80 minutes, with connections through Denver. Telluride is famous for its summer festivals, including the Telluride Film Festival and Bluegrass Festival.
Rooms and suites at the Madeline
The hotel has around 94 rooms and suites, plus one- to four-bedroom residences. Interiors are chic and contemporary, inspired by Telluride's music and art scene, with natural wood, mountain touches and colourful artwork, including around 80 original paintings chosen by an in-house curator. Many rooms have gas fireplaces, large windows or balconies, and views over the San Juan Mountains or Mountain Village.
Suites add separate living areas with kitchenettes and heated bathroom floors. The residences, ranging from around 510-square-foot rooms to expansive four-bedroom homes of almost 4,000 square feet, include full kitchens, laundry facilities and balconies, ideal for families and groups. Adjoining rooms are available.
Facilities at the Madeline
The Madeline's pièce de résistance is the Sky Terrace, a 9,500-square-foot outdoor lounge with a year-round heated pool, two hot tubs and fire pits, offering some of the best sunset views in Telluride.
The spa has treatment rooms for couples, a sauna and steam room, and offers everything from massages and facials to oxygen treatments to help guests acclimatise to the altitude. There is a fitness centre with yoga classes. Black Iron Kitchen & Bar serves casual modern mountain cuisine around signature fire tables, while the Timber Room offers après-ski cocktails by outdoor fire pits overlooking the village ice rink.
Families are well catered for, with Camp Madeline, a kids' club with games and movies, and a sweet shop. The ski valet and concierge make mornings effortless, and the team can arrange everything from snowmobile tours and backcountry adventures to paragliding, foraging with the executive chef and summer hikes.
The mountain moment
The defining Telluride moment is riding the free gondola between town and Mountain Village, particularly at dusk. As the cabin climbs over the ridge, the whole box canyon opens up below: the town's lights glowing in the valley, Bridal Veil Falls at the canyon's head, and the San Juan peaks turning pink in the last light. It is one of the most beautiful public transport rides anywhere.
Back at the Madeline, the perfect end to a ski day is a soak in the Sky Terrace hot tub, watching the sun set over the San Juans.
Why the Madeline is one of the best mountain hotels
The Madeline earns its place because it combines a stunning setting, ski-in, ski-out convenience and Auberge's polished service with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Its residences make it especially good for families and groups, and its rooftop terrace and spa are among the best in Telluride.
Mountain Village is a purpose-built resort and lacks the historic charm of Telluride town, but with the free gondola just steps away, guests get the best of both worlds.
When to go to the Madeline
Telluride's ski season usually runs from late November to early April, with the most reliable snow typically in January and February and sunny spring skiing in March; Christmas, New Year and Presidents' Day weekend are the busiest times. Summer is just as popular, with the Bluegrass Festival in June and the Telluride Film Festival over Labor Day weekend, so book months ahead for those dates. Late September brings spectacular golden aspens and quieter trails. The spring and autumn shoulder seasons, when the gondola may close for maintenance, are the quietest times, so check what is open before booking. Families travelling in winter should book Camp Madeline sessions and ski lessons when they reserve their room.
Questions, answered
- Is the Madeline Hotel ski-in, ski-out?
- Yes. The Village Express lift is just steps from the hotel in Mountain Village.
- How do you get from the Madeline to Telluride town?
- Take the free gondola, a few minutes' walk from the hotel. It links Mountain Village with the historic town and runs late into the night.
- How far is the Madeline from the airport?
- Telluride Regional Airport is about 10 to 15 minutes away, and Montrose Regional Airport around 80 minutes, with connections through Denver.
