Coloradog-Bound
Two Ski and Wag-Worthy Towns for Snow Season—Dogs are allowed on the gondola, so we knew we were in the right place.
By Robin Tierney
In Telluride, it's so much fun to be suspended mid-air with Fido. A stylish gondola links Telluride, Mountain Village and the mountain separating these two distinctive towns. Amazing vistas surround you on the 15-minute trip, which replaces long ‘round- the-mountain drives.
Other qualities make this gondola system special. It’s free public transportation, it runs early morning to midnight year-round, its attendants welcome you with gusto while helping board riders and recreation equipment with quick efficiency, it has handicap-accessible cabins and cabins for dogs. Station decor even includes a large art-photo titled “Gondogola” featuring five lovely Golden Retrievers. The artist is Mary Kenez, whose works you can browse and purchase at Kamruz Gallery in downtown Telluride.
Tucked in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride’s framed by finely chiseled 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks. It offers 2,000 steep acres of 147 alpine trails and nor- dic ski areas, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, golf, cultural festivals and shops that put out the welcome mat and bowl for Fido.
