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TELLURIDE SKI RESORT POISED FOR THANKSGIVING DAY OPENING
Lifts Open Thursday, Nov. 26
Telluride Preparing For Inaugural World Cup
Gold Hill Chutes 2-5 Open in 2009-2010 Season
Conde Nast Ranks Telluride #2 Ski Resort in Reader’s Poll

TELLURIDE, Colo. (Nov. 25, 2009) – The Telluride Ski Resort is primed to open tomorrow on the heels of a #2 ranking in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s Top Ski Resorts for the third time!

Along with great conditions and superior guest service – the ski resort also boasts new terrain, the inaugural 2010 Visa U.S. Snowboardcross Cup, some of the best air access in ski country, redefined (and incredible) on mountain restaurants, and two new award winning hotels!

Thanksgiving Day the Resort will open the Chondola, Village Express (4), Polar Queen Express (5), Apex Lift (6), the Ski School Magic Carpet, the Adult Magic Carpet and access from the San Sophia Gondola Station. Terrain off Polar Queen and Apex Lifts will not be open, except for access between lifts.

“Our snowmakers and groomers have done excellent work on the trails – we are ready to open tomorrow,” said Dave Riley, CEO of the resort.  “With incredible early season snow, the World Cup, our great restaurant venues and stellar mountain equipment, we are poised for a perfect ski season in Telluride.”

The addition of Gold Hill Chutes 2-5 now permits full access off west Gold Hill ridge, with 1-10 open to the public this winter. A ride up the new Revelation Lift offers better than ever access, with a newly graded snow cat road, bridge and stairway for skiers and boarders seeking a new inbounds adventure in Telluride! The new chutes mirror the big mountain terrain of Europe, and supply panoramic views, amazing couloirs and chutes all above tree line – and dropping into the spectacular Prospect Basin.

Telluride will be the new home of international snowboarding competition in the U.S. as the 2010 Visa U.S. Snowboardcross Cup hits the Rocky Mountains Dec. 17-20. Telluride will be the sole U.S. stop of the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup and will feature an SBX (snowboardcross), PGS (parallel giant slalom) and the newly added Team Snowboardcross competition during what will be the second in a series of five Olympic qualification events.

Telluride’s flagship restaurant, Allred’s at the top of the gondola, introduced a new and approachable dining experience this summer, mixing local and regional, organic and original. Enjoy steaks, seafood, chops, salads and sides with ideal appetizers and signature cocktails both lunch and dinner. Allred’s opens Thanksgiving Day with an incredible traditional dinner buffet starting at 4:30. Regular dinner service begins Friday, Nov. 27.

High upon the mountain, Alpino Vino opened to rave reviews in 2009 as the perfect European style retreat near the top of Gold Hill. This year, a new multi-tiered deck has been constructed with an outdoor wine bar, seating for 50 and spectacular views. Featuring renowned wines, fine cheeses, amazing soups, sandwiches and antipasti plates, Alpino Vino opens Dec. 16.

The Hop Garden opened its new heated outdoor bar and beer garden this summer – and can now boast the title of the best après ski spot on the planet. Offering domestic and international beers, cocktails and the ‘best burger in the world’, look for the giant yellow umbrella at the base of lift 4. Nov. 20 through the ski season.

Other on mountain restaurant opening dates include the Crazy Elk, Dec. 4, Gorrono Ranch, Dec. 10, Big Billies Dec. 11, High Camp, Giuseppe’s and Alpino Vino Dec. 16.

New Telluride Hotels Capella and lumière made the annual 2009 Elite Traveler Top 101 Suites in the World! Located in Mountain Village, these two hotels represent the finest in accommodations and luxury.

For more information, please go to www.tellurideskiresort.com, or call 1-800-778-8581.

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