In Telluride, Colorado, the divide between ski access and walkability is a defining feature of the real estate market. The resort operates two bases: the historic town at the bottom of the mountain and Mountain Village, a gondola ride over the ridge. Most full-service, ski-in, ski-out lodging is in Mountain Village, while in-town properties rarely offer both ski access and full residential service. A new listing at Element 52 aims to bridge that gap, with a penthouse that combines the privacy of a standalone house with the amenities of a hotel, all within a few blocks of Main Street.
The residence, Unit SW402, is listed at $8.1 million and sits atop the Southwest Building. It offers direct ski access via a private funicular that carries residents to the Telluride Trail, eliminating the need for shuttles or walks to a lift line. In summer, the same address provides access to the San Miguel River trail, leading to Town Park and its festivals. This dual-season utility is rare in Telluride, where slopeside properties often feel isolated in summer and walkable ones lack true ski access.
"While it’s located in a full-service hotel, this unit lives like a single-family home on the slopes," says Rick Fusting, the listing broker. The penthouse’s top-floor position, with only one neighboring unit and just five feet of shared wall, supports that claim. Its 2,797 square feet span two floors, providing vertical separation akin to a townhouse. The layout includes three bedrooms, a bunk room, three full baths, and a half bath, with stone and plaster walls, walnut and stained-concrete floors, and radiant heating throughout.
The building’s services are extensive: a year-round front desk, ski valet, concierge for grocery stocking and dinner reservations, and a local car service. Owners also have access to two heated outdoor pools and a spa. The location places residents within walking distance of Main Street’s restaurants, bars, and galleries, as well as the free gondola and Lift 8 at the Oak Street plaza. In summer, the river trail leads to Town Park, home to the Bluegrass and Blues & Brews festivals, while the Telluride Film Festival uses venues throughout town.
The implications of this listing extend beyond a single property. It demonstrates that within Telluride’s town limits, the combination of ski access, full service, and a walkable address is exceedingly rare. Buyers seeking the convenience of a hotel with the feel of a private home may find few alternatives. The penthouse is offered fully furnished, with custom selections by design studio Tweed, and rental management would run through Auberge. As the market continues to prize both slope access and community connectivity, this property underscores a growing demand for residences that do not force a choice between the two.
