Telluride really is an angler’s paradise, with some of the finest trout streams in the Rocky Mountains along with countless high country lakes, ponds and alpine creeks that make for stellar fly fishing year-round—even in winter. Here’s a guide to the best spots for fly fishing Telluride, CO and its environs any time of year. 

Most people come to Telluride to ski, but I have a confession: I’m Madeline’s new General Manager and I’ve never strapped on a single pair of ski boots.  But I’ll let you in on another secret: I don’t feel like I’m missing out. With Madeline as Base Camp, I’ve discovered so many ways to enjoy Telluride’s incredible snow. My new favorite (and unexpected) winter sport is fat-tire biking. Cycling Bear Creek Trail pairs a great cardio workout on the trek up with an exhilarating descent. On five-inch tires, I feel like I’m almost floating down the slopes.

Every autumn since my husband and I have been together, we travel to a new destination to witness the fall foliage. In 2016, we selected Telluride as our next destination. Renowned for the golds, yellows, and reds that sweep the San Juan Mountains in brilliant color, we had a feeling it would be special. Little did we know, however, what exactly this charming town would have in store for us!

In stunning Telluride, you can exchange vows without priests, pastors, judges, witnesses, and sans guest list, if so desired. Resident or visitor, Colorado is one of the few states where you do not need an officiant to tie the knot. Make your wedding as small as a party of two with towering pine trees as your only witness, or gather friends and family to celebrate in your “I do” moment amid the unparalleled, expansive views of a mountaintop ceremony. Bring something borrowed, something blue, and valid identification-— Colorado requires that you apply for a marriage license in person at the appropriate county office of the clerk and recorder.

You might think that having my first kiss on the free Mountain Village Gondola would be my favorite childhood memory in Telluride, but discovering the secret trail to “Little Hawaii” takes first place when it comes to magical moments in this mountain town.

We only put 130 miles on our rented car— 65 miles to the Madeline, and 65 back to the airport. The car lived in the lap of luxury in the parking garage our entire stay, largely thanks to Telluride’s free gondola.

I love skiing the slopes just as much as any local. But I’ll admit it: Summer might be even better than winter for enjoying elevated adventures at Madeline. Not only is playtime on the peaks infinitely more varied in the warmer months—because of the temperate weather, it’s also the best time of year to play above the peaks. As the days get longer, there’s more time than ever to try these adventures. Here are my top five favorite ways to enjoy the “high” life in Telluride. Why don’t you try one (or all five) this summer?

In my former life, I was the Spa Director at Mukul in Guacalito, Nicaragua, where I crafted a wellness program that specialized in indigenous rituals, crystals, and other local elements. Now, as the Spa Director at Madeline, I use the same natural approach to healing—and I get to incorporate my new favorite wellness ingredient: CBD. Colorado became one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, so it’s only fitting we have CBD, or cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, on our spa menu.

Each year, AAA announces all hotels and restaurants across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that received the Four or Five Diamond Rating during the previous year. What an honor to be among the ranking and to receive our first 4-Diamond rating! Telluride is a town of great history, character and lore. It is where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank and was the first city lit by Nikola Tesla’s method of alternating current electric power. More recently Telluride has been recognized as one of the best ski destinations in the U.S. and the world.

There are two things each new season in Telluride is sure to bring: a change in weather and unparalleled festivals. In my opinion, Telluride's smaller, lesser-known festivals are some of the town’s best-kept secrets. Take, for instance, the quirky Mushroom Festival. Here me out— it’s a celebration of full of cooking demonstrations, guided hikes for mushroom identification, and a parade where attendees get creative with fungal-themed costumes.