Telluride Treasures

One of our family’s first trips to Telluride.

Nestled in a box canyon in the stunning San Juan mountains in southern Colorado, Telluride has been our beloved family ski destination for nearly a decade. Our initial journey, when the boys were 3 and 4-year olds, sparked an enduring love affair with this town’s magical views, local charm and unpretentious good nature. Beyond its breathtaking ski slopes, Telluride offers something for everyone, including a unique free gondola system that takes you all over the resort and town, making it easy to navigate for kids and adults. If you come by vehicle, you won’t touch it for the entire time you are there. Additionally, Telluride has a local covenant that that restricts most large chains which contributes to its diverse and authentic character rarely found elsewhere. And if you’re a ski snob, no worries, Asher, Hunter and Charlie have explored every inch of the mountain and have never been disappointed.

As parents of a kiddo with celiac disease, a big hurdle for us was releasing our then 8-year old off to ski school every day, with only snacks he could fit in his ski jacket. So many times, we wanted to take him lunch, but we didn’t. Learning accountability and confidence both on the mountain and in the restaurants were equally important.

Our family has become pros about where Hunter can safely and happily enjoy great meals in Telluride, and we are thrilled to share them with you. We always rent a place with a kitchen so we can cook our many of our meals and have that cherished time in the house together. We also love to venture out and enjoy the incredible local cuisine of the town.

Favorite splurge: Cosmo

Our favorite in-town splurge meal is at Cosmo. The Cosmo is such a terrific restaurant because of its impeccable service, an incredibly well-curated menu, and the staff is very knowledgable and accommodating for gluten-free. Hunter’s most favorite dish on the menu is the roast half chicken with polenta (below). But there are several more gf options options, and he loves it when he has plentiful dishes to pick from. For the adult oenophiles, the wine list is extensive, approachable, and overall just killer. We can’t wait to go back!

Meals in made easy: Clark’s in Telluride

The first few times we traveled to Telluride we packed all of our favorite gluten-free foods. In fact, we had so many groceries from home that we barely fit our ski gear. But after seeing the countless gf items in Clark’s, we just hit the market on our way in. Clark’s has some of our favorite gf pizzas, pastas, and snacks. You can easily cook all of your meals from the selection of foods at the local grocery store.

Best takeout: Siam

Siam is a little Thai outpost on the west side of town near our favorite wine shop, The Wine Mine. They do an easy online order and almost all of their dishes are naturally gf (but we always text them with our order to ask them to pay special attention Hunter’s meal). They are always happy to oblige. Mom and dad love the spicy Panang curry best, and Hunter goes for the steak pad Thai and Charlie loves the beef fried rice. If you’re from a place like the border as we are, you can order high on the spice level. Level 3 for the adults and 2 for the kiddos.

Best gf pizza: Brown Dog

Brown dog makes delicious gluten-free deep dish pizzas in a separate pan pan in their shared oven. This may be a risk for some, especially with the flour in the air, but Hunter has been able to enjoy their pizza without issue. The vibe in Brown Dog is ski-town chill and there’s always a game on their numerous tv’s. If the waitlist is too long cozy up to a bar stool and order a Colorado brewed Face Down Brown (if you’re over 21 of course and not gluten-free). This is also a great spot to pickup takeout, and while waiting on the food, take note that Patagonia and some great local shops are on the street.

Mountain Village Lunches: Tomboy Tavern and Black Iron

Tomboy Tavern is at the base of the main lift and is a perfect stop for lunch. During high season, the waitlist can be substantial, and the hosts can be a bit exasperated about it. Just don’t take it personally because the food and drinks are worth it. Tomboy has a delicious, warming beef chili that is gluten-free and can come with an Udi’s gf roll upon request. As of 2024 their hot chocolate was also gf and another great way to warm up. It’s Hunter’s go-to if we can get in. Around the corner in the Madeline hotel is Black Iron. They are very well versed with gf knowledge and Hunter claims he had is most favorite Wagu burger there.

Gluten-free with a view: the foodie places on the mountain

Bon Vivant, at the top of Polar Queen chair 5, is unparalleled in views and cuisine. It’s an outdoor only spot with very limited seating, so if you want a table get there at 11 AM to get your name on the list. Reservations are not taken in advance but after securing a a place on the list you can make a few laps until go time. Luckily, some of our family’s favorite runs are nearby because there is something for everyone like easy blues for mom and challenging blacks for the rest. Once you’re seated, take in the breathtaking views of what we like to call the alps of the west. The gluten-free folks can order an other-worldly French onion soup with melted cheese for miles, and melt in your mouth braised short rib. And if you don’t have celiac or gluten allergies , you’ll have a hard time deciding between the soups, the Poutine and the Croc Madame with a quail egg. Some of our family’s favorite memories are from this gem of a place.

Italian gems

Another one not to be missed is Alpino Vino, a spot so high on the mountain it has the title of North America’s highest restaurant at 11,966ft.

This is one of Hunter’s favorite spots for the tomato soup and the views. Alpino Vino’s claim to fame, besides their ridiculous wine list and gourmet food, is a nighttime snow cat adventure to the restaurant to have a prix fixe dinner and wine pairing. Not to worry, the cat brings you back down. It’s definitely an adult event, and unsure about at the accommodation for food allergies. They boast the best wine list greater than 11,000ft in North America.

The owners of Alpino Vino, Stephano, Carmelo and Paulo, have two sister spots. One is in town called Rustico and one is in Mountain Village called La Piazza. Both have great gf options.