Trying to decide between an in-town Telluride condo and a slope-side place in Mountain Village? You are not alone. Both settings deliver great mountain living, but the day-to-day experience can feel very different. In a few minutes, you will see how lift access, rental potential, HOAs, parking, and neighborhood feel compare so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Two towns, one lifestyle
Geography and connection
Telluride sits in a historic box canyon with a compact, walkable downtown core. Mountain Village is a planned resort community above the ski area with many condo and hotel-style developments. A free public gondola links the two, which reduces car needs for many owners and shapes how you move between town and the slopes.
Who each suits
If you love a year-round community, local shops, and a classic downtown vibe, in-town Telluride is a strong match. If you want immediate ski access and resort amenities at your door, Mountain Village often fits best. Thanks to the gondola, you can enjoy both settings in a single day, yet each has a distinct rhythm.
Lift access and on-snow ease
Mountain Village
Many Mountain Village properties are slope-side or a short walk to lifts and trails. True ski-in/ski-out options are common, which makes getting on snow fast and simple. If daily ski convenience is your top priority, this is where you will find it.
Telluride (in town)
Most in-town condos are not physically on the slopes. You typically reach the mountain via the free gondola, a shuttle, or a short drive. You trade some on-snow immediacy for downtown access to dining, culture, and services.
Rental potential and STR rules
Demand drivers
Mountain Village tends to perform strongly in ski season, with slopeside properties often commanding higher nightly rates. In-town Telluride sees robust demand throughout the year, boosted by festivals like Bluegrass and Film, plus summer recreation and cultural events. The best revenue story depends on your unit type, location, and calendar.
Rules and licensing
Short-term rental rules, taxes, and licensing differ between the Town of Telluride, Town of Mountain Village, and San Miguel County. Requirements are updated periodically, and HOA bylaws can add further limits such as minimum stay lengths or on-site management. Before you buy, verify municipal rules for the address and confirm HOA policies on rentals.
HOA dues and what they cover
Mountain Village
Resort-style buildings often include lobbies, pools or spas, fitness rooms, ski storage, and shuttles. These amenities are desirable for owners and guests, and they commonly translate to higher monthly dues. Review whether there have been special assessments for shared infrastructure and how reserves are funded.
Telluride (in town)
Many in-town buildings have simpler HOA scopes that focus on exterior maintenance, snow removal, and insurance. That said, high-end downtown projects can mirror resort-style amenities. Compare budget, reserves, recent assessments, and coverage details to understand the true cost of ownership.
What to scrutinize
- Operating budget and monthly dues, including what utilities are included
- Reserve study and balance strength, plus planned capital projects
- Special assessment history over the last few years
- Master insurance coverage and deductibles
- Rental restrictions, pet policies, and management structure
- Any pending or recent HOA litigation
Parking and getting around
Telluride
Parking in the downtown core can be tight, especially during peak events. Some condos include deeded or assigned spaces, while others rely on permits or municipal lots. Many owners walk for daily errands, which reduces car dependency but makes parking rights more valuable when you need them.
Mountain Village
Resort developments often provide structured parking with assigned spaces or garages, though availability still varies by project. Internal village shuttles and proximity to the slopes reduce short local drives. Confirm deeded spaces, guest parking, and snow removal responsibilities for your building.
Practical checks
- Does the unit include a deeded or assigned space and storage?
- What are guest parking rules and permit costs?
- How are snow removal and maintenance handled for access points?
Neighborhood feel and services
Telluride
Expect a historic downtown character with small businesses, restaurants, grocery options, clinics, and civic services nearby. The social calendar is lively during festivals and remains active year-round. If you value a lived-in town and neighborhood texture, this is compelling.
Mountain Village
The feel is resort-forward with newer construction and planned retail to serve visitors and owners. Many buildings feature modern finishes and on-site amenities that suit vacation use and lock-and-leave lifestyles. If you prefer a quieter residential setting between ski days, this may fit you well.
Market and resale considerations
Buyer pools and liquidity
Mountain Village often attracts buyers prioritizing slope access and rental performance. In-town Telluride typically appeals to those seeking a downtown lifestyle, cultural access, and year-round community, including many full-time residents. Resale demand varies by building class, parking, amenities, and rental compatibility.
Value drivers
- True ski-in/ski-out access and proximity to lifts
- Views, natural light, and outdoor space
- Building quality, recent upgrades, and finishes
- Parking rights and storage solutions
- HOA health and rental track record
Insurance, weather, and maintenance
Mountain properties face snow loading, freeze risks, and weather-driven wear. Roofs, heated surfaces, and snow management systems add convenience and cost. For most condos, the HOA insures and maintains common elements, while you insure your interior and contents.
Clarify how heating and freeze protection are managed in your building. Ask about recent weather-related repairs, capital plans for roofs or exteriors, and insurance deductibles that could affect owners after a claim.
Which buyers fit where?
If you prioritize ski access
Choose Mountain Village for the highest concentration of slope-side and ski-in/ski-out properties. You will likely value the convenience and amenity-rich buildings.
If you value a downtown lifestyle
Choose in-town Telluride for walkability to restaurants, shops, and cultural events. You will trade some on-snow immediacy for year-round community and historic charm.
If you want both
Target properties near the gondola in Telluride or Mountain Village buildings with easy gondola and shuttle access. You can balance resort convenience with downtown dining and events.
If you are budget-minded
For a given budget, compare space, parking, and HOA scope against ski proximity. You may gain square footage and storage by stepping back from true slope-side locations.
Due diligence checklist
Before you write an offer, gather and review the following. It will protect your time and help you compare properties on equal footing.
- HOA resale package: CC&Rs, bylaws, meeting minutes, budget, financials, and reserve study
- Rental history, rate calendar, and management agreements if applicable
- Master insurance summary and deductibles, plus unit interior coverage needs
- Deed, title report, and any parking, storage, or access rights
- Floor plan, recent inspections, and maintenance logs
- Special assessments, capital improvement plans, and any HOA litigation
- Municipal short-term rental licensing status and lodging tax requirements
How to choose with confidence
Start by ranking what matters most to you: ski access, rental revenue, HOA scope, parking, or neighborhood feel. Then compare a short list of buildings on those points, and verify HOA health and rental policies early. The free gondola makes it easier to enjoy both worlds, but the right address will match your daily rhythm and your long-term goals.
If you want a tailored comparison of specific buildings, plus insight into HOA health, STR rules, and resale dynamics, connect with a trusted local advisor. Request a confidential consultation with Lars Carlson to align the right property with your lifestyle and investment priorities.
FAQs
Can I ski home to my condo in Mountain Village or Telluride?
- It depends on the building’s location relative to runs and lifts, so confirm whether ski-in/ski-out is literal for that address or simply marketing language.
How does the Telluride–Mountain Village gondola affect daily life?
- The free public gondola links the two towns, often reducing car needs and making it easy to live in one setting while enjoying dining, events, and skiing in the other.
What short-term rental rules apply to Telluride vs Mountain Village condos?
- Rules, licensing, and taxes differ by town and are updated periodically, so verify current municipal requirements and any HOA restrictions before you buy.
What HOA fees should I expect in Telluride and Mountain Village?
- Dues vary by building and amenity level, with many Mountain Village projects carrying higher fees for resort amenities; review budgets, reserves, and assessment history.
How does parking differ for condos in Telluride and Mountain Village?
- In-town parking can be limited and permit-based, while many Mountain Village buildings include structured or assigned parking, which still varies by project.
Which location has stronger rental revenue potential in peak season?
- Slopeside units in Mountain Village often command higher winter rates, while in-town Telluride benefits from year-round demand tied to festivals and summer activities.
What should I review before making an offer on a condo in this area?
- Gather HOA documents, financials, reserve studies, rental records, insurance summaries, parking rights, inspection reports, and verify STR licensing for the address.
How do resale prospects compare between in-town and slope-side condos?
- Buyer pools differ by lifestyle and rental goals, so resale speed depends on ski access, building quality, parking, HOA health, and proven rental compatibility.
