| late 1800s, Telluride attracted prospectors eager to | | | | provides boot drying. |
| mine Colorado’s San Juan Mountains for their | | | | In summer, golfers stroll a few minutes to a |
| rich gold and silver deposits. In the year 2006, the | | | | magnificent par-71, 18-hole resort coursewhile the |
| mountains hold an even more precious | | | | staff delivers their clubs. The inn’s location also |
| commoditychallenging ski slopes, pure alpine air, an | | | | gives easy access to miles of hiking and Colorado |
| array of festivals, and countless opportunities for | | | | Mountain biking, horseback riding, Fly fishing Colorado, |
| year-round recreation. | | | | and river rafting. |
| Perched in Telluride’s fabled Swiss Alp | | | | Guests receive a gracious welcome at the |
| setting, in the ski-in, ski-out center of Mountain | | | | porte-cochere entrance. While the bell staff takes |
| Village, Inn at Lost Creek offers all the services of a | | | | care of their bags and a valet parks their car in the |
| resort hotel while retaining the charm of a luxury | | | | heated garage, they enter the Great Room Lobby, |
| boutique inn. In 2004, Condé Nast Traveler named | | | | featuring timbered beams and hand-tooled iron |
| the inn to its Gold List of best places to stay in the | | | | strapping, inviting plush furniture, a two-sided stone |
| world. | | | | fireplace, and a reception area with bar. The front |
| Life revolves around a rustically elegant lobby, the | | | | desk concierge already has a personalized vacation |
| acclaimed 9545 Restaurant & Bar (whose name | | | | itinerary in place and later arranges for any need, |
| refers to the elevation), two eight-person rooftop | | | | from restaurant and massage reservations to ski |
| spas, and 32 exquisitely designed suites. Guests also | | | | lessons to jeep tours. |
| find massage and fitness rooms, Christy Sports for | | | | Once inside their suites, guests feel they’ve |
| ski and snowboard rentals, an executive boardroom, | | | | left the hotel and entered their own private |
| and a conference center nearby. | | | | world. The decor speaks of artistic taste and quality, |
| And that’s just the beginning. Just 100 yards | | | | from the hand-textured walls to the fine-art |
| from the front door, the nation’s only public | | | | landscape photography, from Old World finishes to |
| gondola system takes guests on a 12-minute ride up | | | | unique furnishings. Indulgent touches such as a steam |
| the mountain and down into Main Street Telluride. In | | | | shower, jetted bathtub, private balcony, and stone |
| town they discover 120 years of Western history | | | | fireplace balance practical considerations like a |
| preserved in a village distinguished by Victorian | | | | washer-dryer, humidity and air-conditioning systems, |
| architecture, a historical museum, world-famous film | | | | and a fully equipped deluxe kitchen or kitchenette. |
| and music festivals, and great restaurants. | | | | The chefs at 9545 Restaurant & Bar offer room |
| Back at Mountain Village, access to skiing and golf is | | | | service for those who prefer effortless dining in their |
| as easy as walking across the street. Skiers can walk | | | | suite. The upscale yet casual restaurant itself seats |
| out the door of the inn and be on one of several | | | | guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as |
| trails or ski lifts in less than a minute. The inn happily | | | | après-ski fare in winter and sunset alfresco meals in |
| stores, waxes, and deburrs skis overnight and even | | | | summer. |