Telluride Gondola: A Rider's Guide

The cabin doors of Telluride's main gondola close at Oak Street, and the ground falls away. Main Street shrinks below you. Soon the whole box canyon spreads out behind you. Then you crest the ridge at San Sophia, 10,540 feet up. About 12 minutes after boarding, you step out in Mountain Village.

The ride is free, and it runs until midnight. That makes it the easiest link between town and mountain. Here's how it works with skis, bikes, a dog or a stroller.

The gondola is free for every rider, every day it runs. You simply walk up and board.

Four stations sit along the line. Telluride Station is at the foot of Oak Street, in town. San Sophia comes next, at the top of the ridge. Mountain Village Center follows, in the heart of the village. Finally, a short second leg continues to Market Plaza.

The Town of Mountain Village operates the system. It opened on November 19, 1996. The goal was cleaner air and lighter traffic between the two towns. Today it carries about 3 million rides a year. Skiers, hikers, festivalgoers and locals all share the cabins.

Cabins travel at 11 miles an hour. From Telluride, Mountain Village Center takes about 12 minutes. From there, Market Plaza is about three minutes more.

The route explains the quick trip. By road, the two towns sit eight miles apart. The gondola covers the distance in three miles, straight over the ridge.

The gondola runs from 6:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Those hours are held in both summer and winter.

For 2026, summer service runs May 21 to October 25. Winter service then runs November 20, 2026, to April 4, 2027. Between seasons, the line pauses for maintenance. During those weeks, the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation runs a free bus between the towns.

Mountain Village also extends hours for some holidays and special events. So on a festival night, check the schedule before a late dinner.

In winter, a second lift joins the network. The chondola links Mountain Village Center to the Meadows. It keeps the same daily hours as the gondola.

Occasionally, weather or a power outage pauses the line. If a closure runs past 30 minutes, a bus steps in. Meanwhile, Mountain Village sends text alerts as updates happen. Left something in a cabin? Call lost and found at (970) 729-3435.

About half the cabins welcome pets. They alternate along the line, so the next pet cabin is close behind. Traveling with your dog for the whole stay? Browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals, including homes in Telluride.

Wheelchair-accessible cabins run on the line, too. Attendants are on hand to help you board. And if you'd like a cabin to yourself, just ask. The staff will gladly arrange a solo ride.

Gear racks change with the season. In winter, exterior racks carry skis and snowboards. In summer, the cabins carry bikes instead. Either way, attendants help load your gear at the station.

Bags ride inside with you. Duffels and grocery totes fit easily on the floor. With a full load of luggage and gear, allow a few extra minutes. On busy holiday mornings, you can wait for a roomier cabin.

Telluride Station

This station sits at the foot of Oak Street. From here, Colorado Avenue and the historic district are a short walk away. If you're staying in town, this will likely be your everyday station.

San Sophia

San Sophia sits at 10,540 feet, at the top of the ridge. Allred's Restaurant is right at the station. The Ridge Trail also starts just beside the station. So step off here for a mountaintop lunch or a short hike.

Mountain Village Center

This station opens at the village core. The ski area base and lifts are steps away. Most of our ski-in/ski-out homes sit in Mountain Village, too. See our Colorado ski-in/ski-out rentals for homes on the slopes here. In winter, the chondola to the Meadows also leaves from this station.

Market Plaza

A short second ride reaches Market Plaza. Mountain Village Town Hall and a grocery store are both here. The Gondola Parking Garage sits just behind the plaza. So if your stay begins with groceries, start here.

Staying elsewhere in Mountain Village? Walking times vary from home to home. Your advisor will tell you which station sits closest to your door. That way, you'll arrive with the route already planned.

For your drive in, see our guide to getting to Telluride. Once you've settled in, though, the car can stay put. The gondola covers most trips between town and mountain.

Parking shapes the plan, too. In Telluride, the free Carhenge lot is for daytime use only. Mountain Village keeps its streets clear of parked cars year-round. Instead, it runs two public garages.

The Gondola Parking Garage is free by day, with paid overnight parking. The Heritage Parking Garage sits beneath the Madeline Hotel. It charges by the hour on weekdays. Meanwhile, the Market Plaza lot offers one free hour. Check the current rates before you arrive. Then park once, and let the gondola do the rest.

Both towns add local transit, too. In Telluride, the Galloping Goose bus runs frequent loops through town. In Mountain Village, homeowners have a Dial-A-Ride service. Ask your advisor if your home includes it.

Save the car for day trips beyond the valley. Our guide to things to do in Telluride covers the best drives nearby.

Heading up from town, turn and look east. The view stretches up the box canyon behind you. Meanwhile, the cabin climbs 1,750 feet to San Sophia.

Next, it crosses the ridge and descends about 1,000 feet. Mountain Village Center sits at 9,545 feet. In winter, ski runs spread out below you. By July, wildflowers take their place.

We suggest trying the last ride down after dinner one evening. Telluride's lights rise to meet you as you descend, and it's a peaceful way to end the day.

We all know that boarding any kind of ride with little ones can take a moment longer. Attendants are there to help, so you can take your time and get support. Let them know about a stroller, if needed, and they'll help you on.

Of course, kids ride free, just like everyone else.

The gondola can help on ski days, too. A non-skier can head back to town anytime, and so can a sleepy toddler, straight from the cabin to bed.

Bringing several generations to ski together? Browse our family reunion rentals, including homes in Telluride.