Surrounded on all sides by the soaring San Juan Mountains, the quaint mining town of Telluride, Colorado couldn't be in a more magnificent setting.

This exclusive area of Southwest Colorado might be harder to reach than other popular ski destinations, but the extra effort is full of rewards. Experienced skiers will revel in the fact that in Telluride, lift lines are nonexistent. For my trip to Telluride, I wanted to plan a romantic getaway with easy access to the slopes. With the help of a boutique hotel called lumière, my dream weekend of fluffy powder, candlelit evenings, and a cozy mountain retreat came true.

lumière is as stylish as it is practical. Ski enthusiasts seeking a convenient ski-in/ski-out location as well as chic design will instantly fall for this 30-room romantic ski lodge. Excellent service begins on arrival with complimentary SUV pick up from Telluride Airport. At an elevation of 9,500 feet, lumière is located in Mountain Village above Telluride and has ski runs just beyond its doors. The hotel also provides endless temptations for getting cozy with a loved one. Outside of the suite, my favorite place to lounge with an après ski cocktail was the fourth-floor lounge complete with fireplace and mountain views.



Luxury travelers are drawn to Telluride for a few compelling reasons. Beyond the world-class skiing without the crowds, visitors love Telluride for its understated charm. Restaurants are locally owned and unpretentious, but still have a reputation for satisfying sophisticated palates. Another top attraction is the gondola that connects Mountain Village to Telluride. A 5-minute stroll from lumière, the gondola ride is a free 14-minute journey, soaring over pine trees down into the box canyon. Any traveler who doesn't think ski destinations can be romantic hasn't climbed aboard this gondola.

The next morning I could almost feel the mountains beckoning through the expansive windows of my suite. After complimentary breakfast in the bar at lumière, we were outfitted with gear from Black Tie Ski Rentals. This company offers a convenient delivery service and brings ski equipment straight to your hotel room. Moments after a quick fitting, we were out the door and taking a seat on the chairlift. In Telluride, and especially at lumière, there are no obstacles between you and the slopes.



The latest addition to Telluride is the highest wine bar in the country, clocking in at almost 12,000 feet above sea level. Alpino Vino is not only the highest, but also maybe one of the most stylish places in the American West to warm up with a glass of Pinot Noir. Since opening in 2009, this European style chalet is a favorite spot for relaxing after a morning of challenging skiing. This wine bar allows you to stop and focus on the captivating views. Remember to take your time sipping the wine – at this elevation the effects of alcohol can be very pronounced.

Afternoons will be spent skiing, and guests at lumière will be able to squeeze in a few late-afternoon runs. The ski-in/ski-out location allowed us stretch out every last possible minute of skiing. When we returned to the hotel, the ski concierge dried and prepared our equipment for the next day. With our skis taken care of, we had more time for warming up in the steam shower and relaxing in the suite. lumière was designed to provide the comforts of home. A kitchen was stocked with items of our choosing, the private deck had views of the mountains, and after a day of skiing nothing is quite as cozy as under floor heating.



A challenging day of skiing left me convinced that we had earned a spa treatment. The concierge secured a last minute reservation for an 80-minute 'Mountain Salvation Massage' at The Peaks Resort. Later we dined at Allred's, the highest restaurant in town with breathtaking views. For those nights where you just don't want to leave the cozy retreat of lumière, their 'little bar' delivers fresh sushi and signature cocktails.

In Telluride, there is another magnificent view waiting around every corner. The tiny town is enveloped in the gigantic setting of the San Juan Mountains, and from the historic streets, every direction is a feast for the eyes. The combination of a gorgeous setting and a hotel as intimate as lumière all adds up to the perfect romantic winter retreat. After a weekend of skiing, dining, and exploring the charming local attractions I began to understand the local motto: 'unmatched in North America.'



Insider Tips: Our recommended rooms at lumière
• Studio Suites: Rooms 46, 50, 61 have the best views for a studio suite.
• 1-bedroom Suites: Rooms 60, 66, and 51 have the nicest mountain views.
• 2-bedrmoom Suites: Rooms 64, 67, and 58 and two bedroom penthouse are the best.
• 3-bedroom Suites: Room 70, the 3-bedroom penthouse has a great view.
• 4-bedroom Penthouse Suite: Room 73 has the best view of all rooms.

Raquel Baldelomar has contributed articles for Luxury Travel Magazine since 2008. She provides readers with unique, insider information about destinations, hotels and travel experiences.

Photo credit: Photos provided by lumiere hotels and Telluride Tourism.