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.

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.

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.

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.

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.