Few places on earth are more captivating than the mountains. There you’ll find a range of experiences from horseback rides over rugged landscapes in the summer to slicing through diamond-white snow on the ski slopes in the winter. Visitors are invigorated by the fresh air and awe-inspiring views that are only enhanced by exhilarating outdoor activities. Situated within the majestic landscape of one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges is Madeline Hotel & Residences, welcoming guests to experience this and so much more.

The small town of Telluride is located in Colorado’s famous Rocky Mountains and offers a year-round alpine lifestyle with the highest number of 13,000 and 14,000-metre peaks in North America. Madeline Hotel boasts Forbes Travel Guide’s only five-star resort in the town, providing a new level of luxury experience. It’s found in Telluride’s Mountain Village halfway up the slopes for easy access to skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The village also offers high-end boutique shops, luxury spas and a variety of cuisine in addition to adventurous activities and experiences. Whether guests are looking for secluded luxury or a host of resort experiences, Madeline Hotel provides a luxury alpine retreat with a range of 5-star options from indulgent spa treatments to fine dining.

A key location in the history of the American West and the town where Butch Cassidy’s first bank robbery took place, Telluride’s streets and architecture provide clues to its colourful history. The town originally attracted immigrants dreaming of fortunes in silver and gold when the railroad arrived in the 1890s. Fast forward to 1961 and Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District drawing travellers from around the world to the San Juan Mountain range.

Yet it wasn’t until the 1970s that Telluride became a popular snow destination when the Telluride Ski Resort opened. The local community have hosted festivals and cultural events throughout the year ever since attracting visitors from around the world. One of the most popular festivals is the Telluride Film Festival held during the Labour Day weekend when Hollywood stars and emerging talent visit to celebrate the film industry’s latest releases.

Madeline Hotel originally opened in 2009 and after a dramatic makeover in 2021, today offers guests the ultimate luxury mountain residence with unsurpassed service. The hotel redesign was brought to life by Miami-based interior design firm Rose Ink Workshop. Guests walk inside the luxury alpine retreat featuring inviting social spaces including the indoor-outdoor après ski bar and Timber Room. Reminiscent of jet-set ski destinations, the chic bar interior invites guests to relax with magnificent mountain views. On chilly nights, guests cosy up with sheepskin rugs by blazing firepits whilst overlooking the Mountain Village’s ice rink.

Inside are 96 luxurious hotel bedrooms and 29 condos with spectacular views of the mountains and the Village. These elegant contemporary spaces are decorated in earthy tones featuring Colorado stone and are inspired by the mountain landscapes. The bedroom suites in creamy chocolate tones offer comfortable living spaces and kitchenettes with balconies. Those who upgrade to the Balcony King room retreat to opulent four-poster beds in rooms befitting the grand setting. The uniquely decorated Residences are ideal for group getaways with up to four bedrooms and spacious living rooms with fully equipped kitchens. For special occasions, guests may opt for the Penthouse Residences which feature breathtaking mountain views that were designed to maximise nature’s spectacular display outside.

Before hitting the slopes, guests will want to stop by the Black Iron Kitchen and Bar for a selection of brunch options and all-day dining throughout the week. The restaurant’s roaring fire offers the perfect casual location to unwind après ski with a fully revamped seasonal menu from Executive Chef Bill Greenwood, with ingredients sourced from local Western Slope farms. Think hearty rustic treats such as the popular BIKB Wagyu half-pound burger with herb potato wedges and an array of alpine-inspired cocktails to choose from. Ideal for a relaxed brunch or post-ski dining whilst regaling friends with tales from the afternoon’s adventures on the slopes.

Meanwhile, the Timber Room is ideal for special occasions, named one of America’s best outdoor bars by Travel + Leisure. The menu offers decadent small plates including Devilish Eggs with black truffle and Mountain Mezze featuring baba ganoush, each dish sprinkled with alpine inspiration. For mains, tuck into the Rocky Mountain Elk Loin or the succulent dry-aged Piedmontese Porterhouse. Peruse the cocktail menu to discover a seasonal selection and signature drinks offering a modern take on the classics, such as the New Fashioned, Woody’s Manhattan and Timber Sour.

Each day guests can opt for one-of-a-kind experiences curated by the in-house adventure guides. For the adventurous, skiing and dog sledging in the winter, or adrenaline-filled water sports and fly fishing in the trout streams in the summer. Other options include working up a sweat at the daily workout classes from barre to yoga and strength training which the hotel recommends booking in advance. Guests who are seeking more relaxing experiences can enjoy hiking through the mountains or horseback riding at their own pace.

After action-packed activities or an indulgent spa day, everyone is welcome to join the onsite wellness experiences. Skiers can head to the Recovery Ski Lounge for a range of soothing post-workout therapies designed in collaboration with Olympian Gus Kenworthy, or guests can unwind during the evening mindfulness sessions.

No visit to this luxury escape in the mountains would be complete without an indulgent spa experience to soothe aching muscles and revive the senses. Inspired by the natural surroundings, in-house therapists provide treatments that range from the signature ‘Spirit of the Mountains’ massage to the ‘San Juan Sports Massage with Therabody’ which targets deep tissue to relieve the body after intense exercise. Afterwards, guests can head to the hotel’s year-round heated pool and hot tubs on the outdoor Sky Terrace for expansive panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

Après-ski the atmosphere intensifies as the Alphorn rings out across the mountainside bringing rosy-cheeked skiers dancing across the slopes to regale one another with adventurous tales in the glowing evening light. This is a hotel that has considered everything their guests could wish for on their retreat and provides an unrivalled location to maximise their alpine experience throughout the year.

Today Madeline Hotel attracts skiers and outdoor lovers from around the world to its breath-taking location. Telluride can compete with the finest ski destinations in the world thanks to the hotel’s recent upgrade that provides a luxurious retreat with a distinctly modern approach to alpine living. With its charming historic streets, vibrant culture and majestic setting, it’s clear why Telluride’s revamped luxury hotel is gaining a reputation as one of the top mountain resorts in the world.