Winter has arrived early in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Snow is already piling up on the slopes at Telluride, creating a promising start to the Telluride ski season before the resort officially opens on November 26, 2026. The rapid accumulation of snow has energized visitors who are planning trips to the box canyon destination.
Meteorologists are pointing to a powerful climate pattern as a key factor for the upcoming winter. A strong or super El Nino event is expected to develop during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026, 27. This phenomenon, driven by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, shifts the jet stream southward. The result is often more frequent and intense storms across the southern United States.
El Nino Weather Boosts Snowfall Predictions
Historical data suggests that El Nino winters bring above-average snowfall to the Telluride region. Sam Collentine, a meteorologist with OpenSnow, noted that there is a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Nino event this winter. He stated that the strongest signal points to average to above-average snowfall for the Southwest.
OpenSnow’s analysis of weather stations on Red Mountain Pass, located between Telluride and Silverton, supports this outlook. During El Nino years, the snow water equivalent typically reaches 109 percent of the 30-year median. Collentine added that five of the last ten El Nino winters finished with snowpack at 110 percent of normal or better on March 31.
While no one can predict the exact depth of the snowpack, the signs are favorable. The wet and snowy fall has already added to the anticipation for a deep powder season at one of North America’s most sought-after ski destinations.
Telluride Travel and Resort Terrain
Telluride offers a distinct advantage for skiers looking to avoid crowds. The resort is known for its uncrowded slopes and virtually non-existent lift lines, allowing guests to maximize their time on the mountain. The terrain caters to a wide range of abilities, with nearly a quarter of the 2,000 acres designated for beginners and more than a third suited for intermediate skiers.
Intermediate skiers can take lifts to elevations exceeding 12,000 feet. From there, they can enjoy panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains before cruising down wide, well-groomed trails. The resort’s longest run, the Galloping Goose, is a gentle green trail that winds 4.6 miles down the mountain.
The destination features two interconnected, ski-in, ski-out towns: the historic town of Telluride and the on-mountain Mountain Village. Visitors can step off the lifts directly into hotels, restaurants, and shops. The two towns are connected by a free gondola, eliminating the need for cars or shuttle buses for many travelers.
Getting to the resort is also straightforward. Telluride Regional Airport offers 14 nonstop flights from 12 major U.S. hubs. Once there, the walkable nature of both towns makes it easy to navigate without a rental car.
Off-Mountain Activities and Local Culture
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Telluride provides numerous winter activities. Visitors can ice-skate on indoor and outdoor rinks, sled on snowy hills, or use the groomed trails for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat-tire biking. For those seeking more adventure, guided snowmobile tours, heli-skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are available.
The local culture remains a central part of the appeal. The town is free of mini-malls and chain stores, with the nearest traffic light located 40 miles away. Locally owned cafes, bookstores, and galleries fill the streets. This community spirit extends to the mountain, where chairlift conversations often turn into recommendations for the best runs or lunch spots.
Hotels and vacation rentals are already offering early-season booking specials. Properties in Mountain Village, such as Mountain Lodge Telluride and the Peaks Resort & Spa, are providing discounts of up to 25 percent or a fifth night free. In the town of Telluride, deals are available at Element 52 and Hotel Telluride. Local rental companies like Telluride Alpine Lodging are also participating in these promotions.
As the ski season approaches, the combination of early snow, favorable weather forecasts, and a welcoming atmosphere is drawing winter enthusiasts to Colorado. The resort’s unique blend of terrain, convenience, and local character continues to define the experience for visitors.
Source: Afar
