On or off the slopes, there need never be a dull moment during a stay in Telluride. Outdoors there is snow-shoeing, ice-skating, ice-climbing, sleigh rides, hot air ballooning, dog-sledding, snow-mobiling and horseback riding. Indoors visitors can be pampered at the Golden Door Spa, or swim a few lengths of the indoor pool at the Wyndham Peaks Hotel. There is also a climbing wall here. More sedentary pursuits are art classes at the Ah Haa School for the Arts, or catching a movie at the Nugget Theatre. The Telluride Historical Museum provides an interesting look at the town's mining heyday.

English is the most common language but Spanish is often spoken in south-western states.

The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

The terrain can be quite challenging and timid skiers and beginners will struggle with some of the slopes.

Après-ski in Telluride/Mountain holiday village tends away from wild partying, but this does not mean nightlife is dull. The 'gemuchlikheit' generated at a favourite après-ski stop, Leimgruber's Bierstube, for example, is fuelled by a wide selection of German beer and an atmosphere enlivened by an oom-pah band. For a club-type scene the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon gets pumping with live bands several times a week. The gentler alternative after a day on the slopes is offered at The Bistro at The Hotel Telluride, where skiers sip their drinks to the tune of background music, ensconced in leather chairs before a roaring fire.

You name it, you can eat it while on holiday in Telluride/Mountain Village, in dozens of different eateries, from intimate supreme cuisine establishments, to buzzing family diners or cosy corner coffee shops. Recommendations are difficult with such a spread of excellence to choose from, but in Telluride town first for formal dining is 221 South Oak, mere steps from the gondola station, with a menu that changes daily and a deserved reputation for fine food and wine. Harmon's in the historic train depot also offers a fine dining experience, firelight reflecting off of elegant crystal. There are plenty of family-friendly options serving up pizza, burgers and other favourites, like Big Daddy's Sports Bar & Grill, or the Cornerhouse Grill. A hot favourite in town for nearly a quarter of a century is the atmospheric Sofio's Mexican Café. Up in Mountain Village the fare is enhanced by the views visible from most restaurants, like the 9545 Restaurant and Bar, the indigenous menu served up with a mountain backdrop. La Piazza with its view patio is a favourite with its authentic Italian cuisine.

For those who regard shopping as an essential part of a fun holiday, Telluride and Mountain Village have great pleasure in store. The element of surprise is what makes shopping in the pedestrianised town centres so enjoyable, because browsing among the numerous speciality shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques will turn up some interesting and unique buys. The resort is devoid of the regular chain retailers, outlet stores and strip malls. Instead it is packed with galleries of original art and sculpture, gift and jewellery stores sporting hidden treasures, antique stores, trendy clothing boutiques, and of course a host of sports shops with the latest gear and equipment. You can, for instance, browse through the book selection at Between the Covers while you sip superb speciality coffees; pick up an Enrico Embroli original at the Lucas Gallery; go eco-friendly with an organic, hand-made cotton outfit from Down to Earth; or search out gifts for the unfortunates you left back home from the selection of toys, potpourri, soap, candles, country wares, hand-blown glass and jewellery on offer at Zia Sun.