Getting around between towns

Welcome to Town

The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a spectacular, 13-minute ride on a free gondola—the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States. Passengers can load the gondola in either Mountain Village or Telluride and ride to the midway point (Station St. Sophia from which the Wedding Ceremony, hiking and biking trails are accessed) and then continue on to the other side. Once you discover this unique mountain mode of travel, you'll find a front row seat to view Mother Nature from 10,500 feet. The ride from Telluride to Station San Sophia has an elevation change of 1,750 feet; the ride from Station San Sophia to Mountain Village has a 960-foot conversion. The gondola runs from 6:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and till 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Plan accordingly because you can get stuck once the gondola closes.

The gondola has three primary stations where you can board and unload:

Station Telluride (Oak Street) – access in Telluride.
Station St. Sophia (mid-mountain stop) – access to Allred’s Restaurant & Bar, The Ridge Club and ski resort trails and runs. This is the stop for the post toast and wedding ceremony.
Station Mountain Village – access in Mountain Village.
Just across from Station Mountain Village, a shorter gondola stretch connects to Station Village Parking, where the free parking garage, Town Hall and the Mountain Market are located.

Telluride

Telluride, a historic mining town turned year round resort destination, is tucked into a box canyon surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks. The town is just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long which makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Because of its significant role in the history of the American West, the core area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. This listing is the highest level of historic status available from the United States Secretary of the Interior. These sites are so special that they are eligible for consideration to become national parks. With the town's colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, historic buildings and more, Telluride is a delight to explore.

Mountain Village

Mountain Village is perched above the valley floor at 9,500 feet, providing access to the Telluride Ski Resort and Uncompahgre National Forest. The Town of Mountain Village was founded in 1987 and includes approximately 2,100 acres of rolling aspen and spruce-covered mountainsides. A vision of alpine elegance, this European-style village tempts guests with the best of everything in the Telluride region. Coming into its own as a leading community, Mountain Village embraces green practices and sustainable growth in its everyday operations.